Transportation coalition adopts new name

admin//January 24, 2008//

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The coalition pressing for local option tax authority to pay for transportation funding has expanded into a statewide organization and has adopted a new name: Moving Idaho Forward.

Last year, the group lobbied the Idaho Legislature for local option sales tax authority to fund public transportation improvements. That effort failed to pass the House Revenue and Taxation Committee, and has evolved into new proposal for this legislative session that includes possible funding opportunities for both roadways and transit.

According to a press release from the coalition, the name change was approved at the group’s January 8 meeting.

Three new members were also elected co-chairmen: Rexburg Mayor Shaun Larson, Twin Falls Mayor Lance Clow, and former legislator and Idaho Transportation Department Director Kermit Keibert of Ponderay.

Chuck Winder, Caldwell Mayor Garrett Nancolas, and Home Federal Bank President Dan Stevens will continue their work as co-chairmen of the organization.

The coalition, made up of business and community leaders, local elected officials, and transportation improvement advocates was formerly known as the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation.

The coalition is working with legislative leadership to incorporate local option authority into a transportation funding package in this legislative session.