Ness: We need to invest in roads now
PONDERAY — Investing in Idaho roads now is a gift to future generations, Idaho Transportation Department director Brian Ness told local residents Wednesday.
Transportation and state officials gathered in Ponderay to discuss the ITD’s past and future. Ness related recent efforts to improve credibility, cut department bloat and earn resources needed to revive Idaho’s transportation system.
According to Ness, a recent investigation of statewide transportation needs indicated that an annual budget of $543 million is necessary to fully revitalize Idaho’s aging infrastructure. To simply preserve the existing system, $262 million is needed. That’s largely because a third of Idaho bridges and other essential infrastructure were built between 40 and 60 years ago during the construction of the interstate highway system.
While $262 million is a lot of money, Ness said ignoring Idaho’s transportation problems isn’t a smart option. Every dollar spent maintaining good roads dodges $6 to $14 replacing roads in the future, and if problems with Idaho roads aren’t addressed, a $262 million price tag could balloon into $1.3 billion or $3.6 billion.
“We talk a lot about not wanting to pass the national debt onto our children, but by deferring maintenance, we’re essentially doing the same the thing,” Ness said.
The Idaho Legislature has taken notice of state transportation needs. In March, Rep. Clark Kauffman, R-Filer, and Sen. Bert Brackett, R-Rogerson, introduced four appropriations bills that would generate an addition $230 million a year in transportation funds if passed. This would be accomplished by raising Idaho sales tax 1 percent as well as increasing fees and fuel and car rental taxes.
To Ness, those bill are an endorsement of ITD’s efforts to cut as much fat as possible from the department. A thorough contraction of superfluous employees, maintenance facilities and other extraneous expenses triggered a series of annual savings.
It began in 2011 with $5.7 million saved and later increased to $7 million in 2012 and $9 million in the fiscal year that just closed, he said.
“When I started four years ago, I promised I wouldn’t request any additional revenue until I could assure that every penny was being wisely spent,” Ness said.
All those savings have been invested into operations aside from $1.7 million, which was spent on salary raises on high turnover positions. That saved the department $5-6 million lost in training new employees.
As transportation officials plan for the future, they’re shifting priorities to align with the state’s economic goals, Ness said. Through careful project planning and management, Ness said the department will likely save $100 million for projects over the next five years.
Beyond Ness’ presentation, the afternoon was also a chance to celebrate the positive reception of the Sand Creek Byway.
According to transportation officials, the construction project is one of the top 10 in the country for total awards. Officials also reminded attendees to continue voting for the byway in a people’s choice award at www.americastransportationawards.org.