Idaho Gov. Brad Little signed H.B. 362 on Monday, which will make into law his sustainable transportation funding solutions that directs $80 million in funding while allowing the state to bond up to $1.6 billion for transportation infrastructure projects.
The single largest investment into transportation infrastructure in the state’s history, the solution was reached without raising taxes or fees. Instead, the plan will redirect a larger share of the existing sales tax to funds that support transportation projects.
The Governor and the legislation also directed $126 million in one-time funds from the state’s record budget surplus to advance bid-ready transportation projects as part of the governor’s “Building Idaho’s Future” plan.
“Idaho is the fastest-growing state in the nation. To keep up with the demands of a fast-growing state, our sustainable transportation funding solution helps save Idahoans’ time, keeps us safe on our roads, and makes our state’s economy even stronger,” Governor Little said. “One of the most basic responsibilities of government is to provide a transportation system that facilitates commerce and keeps citizens safe. I appreciate my partners in the Legislature and Idaho businesses for recognizing the need to invest strategically and sustainably in transportation.”
According to the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Idaho scored a C- on ASCE’s most recent infrastructure report card, earning a D on bridges. The report said 45 percent of the 1,848 bridges in the state highway system are 50 years old or older, while 30 percent of the 2,375 local bridges are 50 years old or older. The report said the state has identified 1,520 bridges that need repair at a cost of $2.2 billion.