BOISE, Idaho — The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee (JFAC) moved forward on Gov. Brad Little's recommendation of increasing transportation funding this week as part of his "Idaho Works" plan.
The committee approved Little's recommendation, included in his 2024 proposed budget, of adding $200 million in a continued effort to improve old bridges in the state. The Idaho Legislature previously put $400 million toward the effort.
900 of Idaho's bridges are outdated, according to the governor's office. JFAC also approved Little's proposal of $302 million in additional spending for road maintenance and transportation safety project.
Local counties and cities will see 40% of the funding. The governor's office in a news release Friday said this is not only a transportation investment, but a "win for property tax relief."
"Idaho is among the fastest growing states in the country. One of the most basic duties of government is to invest in transportation projects to keep up with the growth and ensure everyone's safety on the road," Little said in a statement. "The strength of our economy also depends on our businesses' ability to get their product to market. The necessary improvements to roads, bridges, and safety projects will help keep our state one of the strongest in the nation. I am grateful to my legislative partners for their wisdom in prioritizing added transportation investments."
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