GARVEE bond funding offers way to ensure public's safety

It's about time.

After plenty of bickering, debate and vetoes, the Idaho House approved Gov. Dirk Kempthorne's $.1.6 billion highway package Wednesday.

With a 47-23 vote, the measure made it through the House after stalling in committee last week, angering Kempthorne and prompting the governor to veto more than a half-dozen bills awaiting his signature and forcing a continuation of the legislative session.

Critics opposed the bill, saying they were concerned about the idea of the state borrowing money to finance future road projects.

Quickly following the House's approval, the Senate voted 30-3 to approve amendments agreed upon in the House.

With projects such as Garwood-to-Sagle, the Grant Anticipation Revenue Bonds legislation which allows the state to borrow against future federal highway funds is critical to saving lives.

How many times have you been stuck in traffic as car stretch out as far as you can see in both directions because of an accident on Highway 95? How many friends or neighbors have been hurt or killed in accidents on that stretch of road?

With Bonner and Kootenai counties growing every day, congestion — and the number of accidents — is only going to grow. There is no mandate that the GARVEE bond mechanism has to be used — but isn't it nice to know that transportation officials have that option if they need it? After all, our lives are on the line.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.