All abuzz and aflutter about Pollinator Week

Traditionally, the third week in June is recognized as Idaho Pollinator Week. The essential partnership between birds, bugs and birds and agriculture and government agencies is celebrated year-round by ITD, though. The week draws awareness to pollinators and spreads the word about how we can protect them.

The agency continually promotes awareness of pollinators and pollinator habitats, Statewide Vegetation Program Manager Cathy Ford said.

“Pollinator species such as birds and insects are increasingly recognized as essential partners to farmers and ranchers in producing much of our food supply. Because Idaho is so agriculturally dependent, that partnership is especially important in the Gem State,” Ford said.

Idaho is home to an abundance of insect pollinators central to the health of our environment. Beetles, flies, wasps, moths, butterflies — but especially bees — all contribute.

ITD is involved in several activities that promote pollinators/pollinator habitats, most notably the Operation Wildflower Program, where districts distribute native forbs to volunteer groups to seed along selected roadsides, rights of way, or slopes. The volunteer Adopt A Highway Program is another example, where groups clean litter from sections of roads, removing trash and making the area more desirable for bugs and bees to pollinate. In addition, ITD provides native seed mix prescriptions for re-vegetation activities following maintenance and construction projects.

Ford also said ITD recently entered into the Monarch CCAA (Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances) program. The Rights-of-Way as Habitat Working Group at the University of Illinois-Chicago led a national, multi-sector collaborative effort to develop a voluntary conservation agreement to provide habitat for the monarch butterfly. More than 40 organizations from across the energy and transportation sectors worked together to develop the CCAA that encourages landowners and land managers to adopt measures to create net conservation benefits for the monarch butterfly. The effort is unprecedented in terms of its cross-sector participation and geographic extent. The agreement spans the entire contiguous 48 states and is encompass millions of acres of habitat.

To date, there are 40 energy sectors and 40 transportation agencies who applied for the Monarch CCAA and 66 Certificates of Inclusion issued! Ford said that ITD is among that group! More than 1.2M acres have been adopted. The adopted acres are lands dedicated to promoting habitat by reduced mowing and herbicide treatments, protection of native habitat and monarch host plants, and seeding acres that include a wide range of native plant species. Another way to look at it is the adopted acres are actual acres set aside for monarch habitat (reduced mowing and herbicide treatments, etc.).

Pollinator Partnership celebrates National Pollinator Week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior. ITD also takes part in partnership projects with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Idaho Fish & Game, and other state and federal agencies.

In 2007, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved a week in June as “National Pollinator Week” marked a necessary step toward addressing the urgent issue of declining pollinator populations. Pollinator Week has now grown into an international celebration of the valuable services to our ecosystem provided by bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and beetles. Pollination also plays a vital role in the health of our national forests and grasslands, which provide forage, fish and wildlife, timber, water, mineral resources and recreational opportunities, as well as enhanced economic development opportunities for communities.

How Workforce Development Equipment Training is shaping ITD’s future

Written by Eric Lumley

Across Idaho’s six districts, a dedicated group of trainers is shaping the future of ITD, one operator at a time. From safety-focused instruction to hands-on mentorship, Jeremy Jensen (D5), John Eastwood (D1), and Dallas Dupree (D6/D3) are the faces behind the Workforce Development Equipment Training program, and they are making a measurable difference in how ITD trains, operates, and grows.

John Eastwood, a Training Specialist in District 1, brings a calm, steady presence to the training field, an approach that resonates deeply with both new and experienced operators. With 3.5 years at ITD and prior experience as a Transportation Technician Operations (TTO), John has a quiet confidence that earns immediate respect. While soft spoken, he has no hesitation getting into the equipment himself to demonstrate what it’s truly capable of safely and effectively.

John’s training style reflects his personality… measured, respectful, and grounded in real-world experience. His hands-on approach gives employees a clear picture of how the work should be done showing, not just telling, what excellence looks like. Whether he’s walking a crew through proper technique or demonstrating the limits of a piece of machinery, his confidence and skill set a powerful example for the TTOs he trains.

He’s known for valuing employees’ time, delivering sessions that are efficient, engaging, and directly relevant to the field. His influence not only raises the competency of equipment operators but also helps instill a mindset of responsibility, care, and professionalism that carries through to every project. John isn’t just training employees; he’s shaping role models for the next generation of ITD field crews.

Jeremy Jensen, the Training Specialist in District 5, is the driving force behind many of the advancements in ITD’s equipment training program. With just over five years at ITD and a background as a TTO, Jeremy has grown into the role of veteran trainer on the equipment side, bringing intensity, high standards, and an unwavering commitment to the program.

Jeremy is unapologetically passionate. He’s not afraid to challenge the status quo and will create waves when needed to push improvements forward. That grit and determination come from a place of genuine care, not just for the training program itself, but for the people going through it. He wants every operator to leave his class not only more skilled but also more confident and ready to succeed in the field.

What makes Jeremy especially effective is his ability to read the room. He adjusts his instruction based on the experience level of the group, tailoring tasks and challenges that push each student to grow. As time allows, he ramps up the difficulty, giving operators a deeper level of hands-on exposure than they often expect. By the end of his trainings, it’s not uncommon to see students who’ve significantly expanded their capabilities through sheer repetition and progressive learning.

While Jeremy and John may seem like opposites in style, they complement each other in all the right ways forming a team that is not only effective but essential in creating well-rounded, impactful trainings. Where John offers calm and steady leadership, Jeremy brings boldness and drive. Together, they strike a perfect balance that sets the gold standard for equipment training across ITD.

Joining this powerhouse duo is Dallas Dupree, a Training Associate from District 6 who is currently supporting operations in District 3. With nearly 14 years of experience at ITD, Dallas brings a strong history of contributing to training efforts during his time as a TTO. Known for his mature demeanor and deep knowledge of ITD operations, he has effectively stepped in to lead numerous training sessions in District 6, consistently delivering reliable, high-quality instruction whenever and wherever needed. His steady presence, wealth of experience, and institutional knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the team and an excellent addition to the Workforce Development program.

Together, this trio represents a critical piece of ITD’s mission to deliver safe, efficient transportation services throughout the state. Their influence reaches all six districts and touches nearly every project ITD is involved in improving operator skill, promoting equipment longevity, and enhancing workplace safety.

As ITD continues to grow and adapt, the Workforce Development Equipment Training Team will be leading the charge — empowering employees, strengthening operations, and helping build a better Idaho.

This is not an exhaustive list, but trainings include:

Loader
Dump truck
Dozer
Snowplow
Backhoe
Excavator (mini and full size)
Trench safety
Motor grader
Rotary snowplow
Street sweeper
Forklift
1. Rough-terrain type
2. Counter-balance type
3. Other types
Advanced motor grader
Vegetation sprayer
Striping trucks
Service truck with crane
Chainsaw
Load securement
CDL certification
Defensive driving
Pavers
Flagging/traffic control operations

…and pretty much any new equipment training! (new models, new features from the industry, handling/ergonomics, controls, etc.)

Jeremy Jensen

John Eastwood

Dallas Dupree

ITD Unveils First-Ever Emergency Operations Plan

In late April, Director Stokes signed the first ever Emergency Operation Plan (EOP). ITD Emergency Program Manager Travis Hire (pictured below at right) said, “This is a huge step for ITD as a commitment to our employees, the public and those who respond to disasters and emergencies. The plan reflects ITD’s reputation for operational excellence and positions us to continue leading during a crisis.”

“ITD consistently is a resource for the State of Idaho and our neighbors for nearly any type of emergency,” said Director Scott Stokes. “It’s easy to think back to how our teams have assisted others and been recognized for responding in times of need. Others always turn to us. What a great compliment to us that they naturally turn to us. And it confirms our vision of enhancing quality of life in Idaho.”

The plan supports Idaho’s broader emergency response and recovery efforts, aligning with the National Response Framework and the National Recovery Framework. The development of our EOP started last year with collaboration between ITD Headquarters, district offices, and the Idaho Office of Emergency Management (IOEM).

This EOP establishes how the department will respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters that impact ITD and the state’s transportation system. It will serve as a baseline for a larger emergency management program. It lays the groundwork for a series of annexes including the Continuity of Operations (COOP) Plan, an Emergency Management Annex, and scenario-based plans for specific incidents such as wildfires, severe weather, and cyber incidents.

“This plan will be key to building a structure that is already in our natural DNA,” Director Stokes added. “This work is setting the stage for the future and for continuing to provide essential service to individuals, families, businesses, and communities in Idaho.”

ITD awarded for volunteer involvement on AASHTO committees

ITD recently received the AASHTOWare Most Involved Agency award, recognizing the department’s spirit of volunteerism. ITD employees fill 25 volunteer roles on committees ranging from technical advisory groups to user groups to task forces and special committees. A few individuals serve on multiple committees. The ultimate goal of these participants is to provide a voice for states like Idaho in setting the strategic and practical vision for the software we use to deliver projects, model safety, and provide our roadway users the best experience possible.

The honor was recognized at the AASHTOWare Connect Conference April 24 in Providence, Rhode Island.

The volunteers are:

Ken Sereduk, Michael Johnson, Patty Fish, Jake Legler, Melissa Hennessy, Margaret Pridmore, Kelly Campbell, Walter Mills, Jared Holyoak, Mark Snyder, Benjamin Daly, Karen Hanna and David Coladner, with Josephine Middleton and John Arrambari as End User Designees.

Pictured above, L to R: Kelly Campbell (Highway Safety), Margaret Pridmore (Roadway Data), Keith Platte (AASHTOWare Director), Todd Bergland (MnDOT Transportation Systems Manager) who was accepting the Prismatic Legacy Award on behalf of Charlie Groshens of MnDOT.

ITD Communicators earn a half dozen awards from Idaho Press Club

ITD’s Office of Communication nabbed a half-dozen awards from the Idaho Press Club Saturday night, May 2, in their Best of 2024 banquet. Manager John Tomlinson and Senior PIOs Ellen Mattila and Megan Jahns won a first-place award in the Public Service Campaign category for the Idaho Ready Winter Driving Safety campaign.

District 3 (SW Idaho) Public Information Officer Sophia Miraglio won a second-place award for a selection of News Releases, while District 6 (East Idaho) PIO Sky Buffat also took secondplace in the Feature Writing category for her story about the Unheralded and Underappreciated Emergency Responders

District 5 (SE Idaho) PIO Justin Smith took third place in Feature Writing for his story about Brad Day, the Steel Wizard of D5. Program Specialist Mackenzie Stone and Graphic Designer Jared Tuttle also took thirdplace for the ITD Annual Report. The OpEd “Dream Big Dreams” also won third.

“I continue to be so impressed by the quality work of our team,” said Tomlinson. “They are rock stars and I couldn’t be any prouder!”

Engineer Paul Franz joins Idaho Transportation Board as new Northern Idaho, D1 representative

Idaho businessman Paul Franz was announced as the newest member of the Idaho Transportation Board Thursday (March 20) at their monthly meeting in Boise. He replaces Jim Thompson, who left the board when his term expired at the end of January after nearly six years.

Franz will represent the five northern Idaho counties. He comes to the board with a background as a professional engineer and former performance manager, in addition to having a strong record of community involvement. In making their announcement a day earlier, Governor Brad Little said, “Paul Franz has the personal and professional qualities to help Idaho advance historic investments in transportation to keep up with the needs of our rapidly growing state.”

“I’m really looking forward to working with Paul on the important transportation issues of a growing state. His engineering and management background will be an invaluable resource as we address these statewide needs,” said Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad.

Paul was employed by CPM Development for 42 years until his retirement March 7. CPM is a major Pacific Northwest supplier of concrete, asphalt and aggregates. Franz was President of the Idaho Association of General Contractors in 2007 and has been a board member of the Idaho AGC for the past 22 years.

Franz graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He and wife, Elizabeth have been married for 41 years and have six adult children.

‘The Salt Seeing Eye:’ the snowplow driver’s crystal ball

A hand points out the screens inside the cab of a snowplow, one of which shows the truck bed holding salt.

If we each had a crystal ball, just think of all the time, money, pain or heartache we could save!

While not exactly a crystal ball, Idaho Transportation Department plow operator Skylerr Valentine, with help from the Idaho Falls shed crew, has come up with an innovation that’s a little bit close. Well, for ITD operations folks in terms of work that is.

Valentine pondered on the fact that while plowing, he would need to make multiple stops through his route to climb up the truck bed and see how much salt was left. This of course involved pulling over, getting out of the cab and physically climbing on the heavy equipment. On newer dump/ plow trucks, a small ladder is fitted to the side of the bed. On older ones that still operate in force across the state, this salt check involves navigating from the stairs of the cab across to one of the rims of the truck bed. Valentine actually once fell while doing just that.

He figured that surely a camera could be installed to show down into the sander box that holds augers and salt. This would allow salt levels to be monitored visually just like wing plows are. He happened to be aware of a truck in east Idaho that was on the surplus sale line and talked to ITD Fleet Manager Dalton Rice about using the outdated wing plow camera from it to test out this innovative idea.

With the help of the entire Idaho Falls crew and ITD electricians Josh Harris and Justin Romrell, that older camera was mounted to the truck bed and wired around, then into the cab, with concern for easy disconnect points to retain dump truck functionality. The smaller screen of the unit was mounted inside, just underneath the tablet typically used by plow operators. Valentine dubbed it the “Salt Seeing Eye.”

“It was a lot of work, figuring it all out just right,” he said. “We really tried to make sure it was waterproof and could stand up to the elements. I wanted to see it put to the test this winter.”

Tablets equipped inside plow trucks show drivers video of where their wing is at, and relay salt and brine output numbers right on the screen. They don’t, however, indicate when salt in the truck bed is gone. Those numbers keep on ticking, and the operator keeps on driving, thinking he’s covering the road when in fact, he’s sure not.

Multiple times Valentine, and surely other operators anywhere, would stop to check salt levels in the bed, only to see that it’s empty and have no idea how long it had been. Then begins backtracking to determine where to pick back up with salt application, essentially doing the same thing over again and wasting time.

“I would make a 70-mile round trip, having run out but no idea where,” Valentine said. “I had no idea how long ago it had been or how many miles really had nothing on the road.”

There are formulas and historical knowledge that can help operators determine just how far so much salt will cover. Let it be said that ITD operations folks could certainly be given science and math degrees for the calculations they’ve mastered when it comes to doing the work they do. They rely on the output readings on the tablet in each truck also. Where those reading don’t stop even if the salt is empty, calibrations aren’t without a significant margin of error though.

“This could really help us find discrepancies in our calibrations,” Idaho Falls Operations Foreman Jared Loosli said. “It has the potential to save a lot of money when it comes to salt ordering.”

This winter, Valentine has indeed had the chance to put the new tool to the test. While plowing the five-lane section of US-20 west of Idaho Falls, he’s determined from the safety of the cab that he can in fact make one more pass on his route, where he normally would have stopped to check or headed back to the shed to refill.

The “Salt Seeing Eye” may not be the crystal ball that can help any one of us avoid bad personal life decisions, unfortunately. But with substantial time saved while snowplows are out doing the vital work they do, increased safety for operators that would no longer have to climb on heavy equipment in slick winter conditions, and visible cost savings through more accurate salt use calculations, this innovation certainly has the potential to greatly benefit operations across Idaho.

Ideally, this camera could come standard on all new ITD trucks and be paired with the typical tablet, becoming one of the options right on the screen operators use now.

Construction & Materials Streamlines Support Through AI

In a move to bridge gaps, simplify processes, and improve efficiency, Mike Copeland from ITD’s Construction & Materials division has introduced an innovative AI chatbot to help employees navigate the complex web of manuals and resources. With approximately 17 years of field experience throughout his career, Mike knows firsthand how challenging it can be to find clear, quick answers in a sea of technical documents.

The chatbot, powered by advanced AI language models, is designed to make information access effortless. Instead of digging through lengthy manuals, employees can now type in a question, and the chatbot provides concise answers along with direct links to the original sources. This ensures accuracy while saving time—especially useful for repetitive questions that arise daily.

“With so much turnover and the constant evolution of processes, it’s easy to feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information,” Mike explains. “This tool changes that. It’s like having a knowledgeable assistant who’s always ready to help.” Another exciting feature that’s in the works is making the chatbot multi-modal so that it can process images and videos.

Although the chatbot is live, its availability hasn’t reached every corner of ITD just yet. As more employees learn about this resource, the benefits will grow. By cutting down on repetitive tasks and freeing up time previously spent searching for answers, the Construction & Materials team as well as other teams throughout ITD, can focus more on critical projects and creative problem-solving.

Mike’s project is also a testament to ITD’s willingness to adapt and evolve with technology. “The pace of AI development is fast, but we’re doing everything we can to stay ahead. Tools like this help us work smarter, not harder,” Mike adds.

The chatbot represents more than just a tech tool—it’s a step toward empowering ITD employees with resources that make their work more efficient and enjoyable. As Mike and the team continue refining the AI, ITD is paving the way for a future where innovation and teamwork drive success.

ITD names 12 snowplows with help from students and employees

The Idaho Transportation Department has selected 12 winners from its first annual Name a Snowplow contest! The names will be featured on 12 plows across the state. The winners are:

North Idaho:

The Berminator, Post Falls Middle School
Big Snowplowski, Lakeland Middle School

North-Central Idaho

Alpha Storm One, employee’s child from Grangeville Elementary/Middle School
Plowabunga!, employee’s child from Lewiston High School

Southwest Idaho

Clearapathra, Hillside Junior High School
NoMoreMr.IceGuy, Fairmont Junior High School

South-Central Idaho

Plowasaurus Rex, employee’s child who is homeschooled
Darth Blader, employee’s child from Wendell Middle School

Southeast Idaho

Snow Daddy, Franklin Middle School
Snow Ranger, employee’s child from Blackfoot Middle School

East Idaho

Antisnowcial, Swan Valley School
POW POW KA PLOW, Rigby Middle School

Most of the names were submitted by eighth grade classrooms across the state. Because this was a new contest this year, a few areas needed extra help coming up with names. ITD asked employees and their children to get involved. The 12 winning names were selected by an anonymous vote by ITD employees.

Once the plow names are installed, ITD will coordinate educational visits with the winners to teach the students about snowplows and safe winter driving.

“On behalf of safety for our over 400 plow drivers in Idaho, thank you to all the students and teachers for getting involved! It really helps us spread the word about winter driving safety,” said ITD Chief Operations Officer and Chief Deputy Director Dan McElhinney. “Please look for those named plows and give them a wave and plenty of space to work if you see them out on highways helping our communities.”

Final $350M bond sale for major Idaho highway projects planned for early 2025

The Idaho Transportation Board unanimously passed a resolution today (Wednesday, Oct. 16) authorizing staff to proceed with the final bond sale for the Transportation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation (TECM) bonding program at its monthly meeting in Boise.

The final bond sale will provide approximately $350 million to fully utilize $80 million in debt service from the TECM fund, which will be used on the following list of eligible construction projects:

I-90, SH-41 to US-95 between Post Falls and Coeur d’Alene
SH-16, I-84/16 System Interchange, Franklin Interchange and SH-44 Interchange in Ada and Canyon Counties
SH-55, Farmway to Middleton Road west of Nampa
I-84, Burley and Heyburn Interchanges
I-15, Pocatello to Fort Hall
SH-75, McKercher to Broadway Run north of Hailey (depending on available funds)

The TECM fund was established by the Idaho Legislature as part of Governor Brad Little’s Leading Idaho initiative to make investments in critical state infrastructure. It is anticipated that the TECM direct-pay and funds from bond sales will yield up to $1.6 billion in road construction projects over the life of the program, of which bond proceeds are just over $1.3 billion.

The Idaho Transportation Department has issued three previous TECM bond series to accelerate construction projects and make critical transportation improvements that would otherwise take many years to finance. Some of the first projects are nearing completion and will reduce congestion, improve safety, and modernize aging roads and bridges in crucial corridors across Idaho.

This final bond sale of the current TECM authorization is anticipated to be sold in early 2025, in partnership with the Idaho House and Finance Association.

These TECM projects, along with strong partnerships with construction contractors, have enabled ITD to implement projects quickly, allowing citizens to benefit from the improvements resulting in significant time and money savings. The bonds have earned high ratings by the two major rating services, Fitch and Moody’s, and the funds have benefited from favorable interest rates.

“Idahoans can see the historic investment in transportation from the Legislature and Governor across the state as many significant and much-needed expansion and congestion mitigation projects are progressing toward completion,” Idaho Transportation Board Chairman Bill Moad said. “These projects will enhance safety and bring relief for those using the selected corridors.”

TECM construction projects currently underway that have been bond-funded include:

I-86/I-15 System Interchange in Pocatello/Chubbuck
I-90/SH-41 Interchange in Post Falls
US-20/26, I-84 to Middleton Road in Caldwell
US-20, South St. Anthony Interchange
I-84, Jerome to Twin Falls
SH-16, I-84 to US-20/26 in Ada and Canyon Counties
I-84, Burley and Heyburn Interchanges
I-84, Centennial Way to Franklin Road in Caldwell
SH-55, Farmway to Middleton Road west of Nampa

This program has advanced projects and provided statewide benefits to Idaho road users; however, there are still many more corridors that need to be addressed in the future.

Additional information on projects funded by Leading Idaho and TECM is available at www.itd.idaho.gov/funding.