Idaho transportation officials recognized a disconcerting trend long before it arrived across the nation – the cumulative effects of unprecedented growth and associated demands: flattening revenues, rampant inflation in the transportation industry, and rising costs of doing business. Because of those driving forces, Idaho transportation officials face the significant challenge of meeting increasing demands with limited resources.

The first step in confronting that funding dilemma was the creation in 2004 of a comprehensive, statewide discussion of long-term demands and anticipated resources. The Idaho Transportation Board organized the Forum on Transportation Investment. The group was composed of individuals who represented diverse interests and backgrounds – including public agencies, transportation service providers, stakeholders and elected officials. They actively engaged in discussions about the future of transportation in Idaho, both in terms of demand and resources.

A 17-month process that included meetings in every region of Idaho produced a set of sound conclusions and farsighted recommendations. The forum’s report addressed the projected shortfall from a policy perspective while identifying measures that can be implemented in the coming fiscal year. The Idaho Transportation Board presented the conclusions and recommendations that emerged from the forum during a second round of statewide meetings in 2006 to secure public responses. That public input was the foundation for a comprehensive revenue plan that will be forwarded to the governor and Idaho Legislature to consider in 2007.