BOISE, Idaho — Nearing the end of the legislative session, lawmakers have the statutory obligation to fund pass state budgets before adjournment. A hangup on a clause unique to the Idaho Transportation Department appropriation bill - House Bill 723 (H723) - has lawmakers debating a bill they otherwise support.
"This feels really, really dangerous to me," Rep. Ilana Rubel (D-Boise) said. "Private actors invest really substantial resources and energy and reliance on the notion that we are a reliable contract partner."
H723 revokes ITD's ability to sell the State Street Headquarters property. The building flooded in January of 2022 after a frozen pipe burst. Between water damage, asbestos, lead, and other necessary renovation, H723 would set $32.5 million aside to repair the building.
Hawkins, Pacific Companies and FJM won a public bid on the property sale in September of 2024 for $51.75 million.
"It's an $80 million difference. And we're still guessing on whether or not 32 million will rehabilitate at flood damage building," Rep. Lance Clow (R-Twin Falls) "That's a big question mark, you know, what is the flood damage to that building?"
Rep. Wendy Horman (R-Idaho Falls) co-chairs the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee (JFAC). She debated retaining the building results in long-term savings to the state. Though, Rep. Rubel feels this is worth more than money - it could cost the state it's reputation.
"Private actors invest really substantial resources and energy and reliance on the notion that we are a reliable contract partner," Rep. Rubel said. "Nobody's gonna want to do business with this state."
Pacific Companies Founder and CEO Caleb Roope released a public statement on the matter echoing the Boise lawmakers concerns: "As an Idaho company which conducts business across the West, I expect these kinds of problems in other states like California, Washington, and Oregon, where laws are ignored, and business can’t count on government to keep its word. We don’t expect to see this in Idaho. Upon being awarded this project months ago we believed we had a deal. We are excited to invest in Idaho, as we have many times before however, to see the Idaho Legislature show the same big-government overreach is sad and disappointing. We don’t do business in Idaho this way and expect better from our government partners.”
H723 passed the House Floor last Wednesday by a single vote; Rep. Brooke Green (D-Boise) publicly apologized on the floor before supporting the legislation, ironically, to honor her word and preserve her reputation. She openly opposed blocking the ITD sale.
"I sat at that table with my working group and worked in good faith with my colleagues across the aisle to seek some compromise with this budget," Rep. Green said. "I do ask a little bit of forgiveness for my colleagues and forgiveness from my city for keeping my word."
H723 is on the Senate Reading Calendar; the chamber is expected to take up the budget for discussion and vote this week ahead of sine die.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.