The Idaho Transportation Board recently voted to allocate an additional $86 million to the Interstate 84 corridor project. The $330 million project will widen I-84 from Nampa to Caldwell.
The funds are from Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bonds and will be used to widen the interstate from Franklin Boulevard in Nampa into the city of Caldwell.
In April, $150 million in bonds was allocated toward the project, and state and federal funds were dedicated in October.
The Idaho Legislature had approved $300 million in bonds during the 2017 session. This allocates all of the funds.
The transportation board had planned to only use $64 million in northern Idaho.
“This decision shows the commitment of the board to address a high-priority need in the state,” Jerry Whitehead, transportation board chairman, said. “Improving the Interstate will enhance safety on our roads and benefit the regional economy by moving goods and people more efficiently.”
The board also approved $6 million from state funds for the Idaho Highway 16 corridor project. Funds will be used for preliminary engineering services.
The project will connect Highway 16 with I-84.
The board also voted to narrow the list of candidate locations for its new headquarters, which has been in Shoshone County since the 50’s. Shoshone, however, was not on the candidate list.