Press Release: $100 Million for Local Roads Rolls Out as Part of Historic Transportation Funding Solution
By Press Release • December 13, 2023The following press release was sent out by the Office of Idaho Governor Brad Little. Press releases do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those at the Idaho Dispatch.
December 13, 2023 — Boise, Idaho – The historic transportation funding investments championed by Governor Brad Little and the Idaho Legislature continue to improve roads at the local level and defray local property taxes.
Forty-eight transportation projects, many of them ready for construction in 2024, received grants today as part of the Strategic Initiatives Program. Governor Little signed House Bill 132 earlier this year creating the program, which directs $100 million to help local jurisdictions mitigate the impact of state highway projects on local roads or economically significant local projects that require the assistance of the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) to facilitate.
The ITD received 127 applications from local governments totaling more than $293 million in transportation project costs submitted.
“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,” Governor Little said.
A full list of funded projects is available here:
In recent years, Governor Little and the Idaho Legislature funded transportation safety and deferred maintenance gaps at ongoing levels based on external studies and made significant gains in funding airports, rail, bridges, and pedestrian infrastructure.
“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,” Governor Little said.
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Hopefully those improvements will allow for an even greater rate of speed for a vehicle loaded with you, Bedke, and Winder on your way out of the state…
Great statement. I agree!!
So if Local Government pays for it, it’s a Tax.
If the State pays for it, it’s Tax Relief.
How often is this kind of logic used in your decision making Governor?
The 20 million dollar budget for the Smith’s Ferry project is now at 60 million and it’s still on going. Good luck with the 100 million dollar budget.
Helicopter money from the state to local tax districts will not reduce property taxes. They will just fund the next project on their list. Governor Littlespine never misses the chance to self-promote with taxpayer money.