On Thursday, Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced that 48 transportation projects would receive a total of $100 million to improve local roads and defray local property taxes.
Earlier this year, Little signed House Bill 132 which created the Strategic Initiatives Program directing $100 million to local jurisdictions to mitigate the impact of state highway projects on local roads or economically significant local projects. The announcement would provide grant funding for projects, many of them shovel-ready in 2024.
“We championed historic transportation investments in recent years without raising taxes or fees, and it is making a difference. We can keep Idahoans safe on the road, save them time, and facilitate commerce with transportation investments,” Little said.
The Idaho Transportation Department received more than 120 applications from local governments, officials said, for projects totaling nearly $300 million.
Little said the funding will increase safety and address deferred maintenance gaps across the state.
“As I’ve said before, investments in infrastructure IS property tax relief. We’re taking the financial burden off local governments that would have raised taxes or fees on residents. All these initiatives serve to lower Idahoans property taxes and improve quality of life,” he said.
Funding included $4.8 million for the city of Coeur d’Alene for Government Way Intersection Improvements; $239,000 for the city of Georgetown for pavement rehabilitation on multiple streets; and $8.2 million for the city of Twin Falls for corridor improvements along Eastland Drive.
The Idaho Transportation Department received a total of 127 applications for projects totaling nearly $300 million, officials said.