Statewide roadway projects awarded $100M in grants

Out of 127 grant applications from local governments, 48 were approved to receive funding through the Strategic Initiatives Program.

A total of $100 million will be awarded to projects throughout the state, helping to improve both urban and rural roadways. Funding will be managed through the Idaho Transportation Department.

Costs for all of the projects that were submitted would come to $293 million.

Gov. Brad Little signed House Bill 132 earlier in 2023, which created the initiatives program, allowing the funds to be awarded “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 ITD to facilitate,” a statement read.

“We championed historic transportation investments in recent years without raising taxes or fees, and it is making a difference,” Little said in a statement. “We can keep Idahoans safe on the road, same them time and facilitate commerce with transportation investments.”

Of the 48 approved projects, 11 are considered large urban projects. Those were awarded a total of $50 million. The remaining 37 projects are considered small urban/rural projects and were awarded the other $50 million.

The largest grant awarded was $10 million to the City of Nampa for corridor improvements to Ustick Road west of State Highway 16. The smallest grant was $73,000 awarded to the City of St. Maries for pavement rehabilitation to local roadways.

“As I’ve said before, investments in infrastructure is property tax relief,” Little added. “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.”