ITD Communication Portal

It is during the programming process when staff (ITD, LHTAC and MPOs) matches proposed projects to available funds that best meets agency strategic performance goals. The key to successful programming begins with planning and project development and the relationships our agencies have with stakeholders. The federally-approved STIP is the final document preceding the actual construction or implementation of projects.

Remember, public involvement should have begun long before a project is considered to inclusion in the ITIP, STIP and TIP. Opportunities for public participation are provided through the planning and project selection process at the local, regional and state levels. This cooperative effort includes, but is not limited to open public meetings, opportunities to comment on plans, public open houses, press releases and media outreach, community forums, etc. Once the public receives the ITIP/TIP, it becomes the public’s final opportunity to comment in a project before funding determination is made. It is at this stage when most opposition to a project may occur especially if this becomes the first time the public sees a project in their area.

According to 23 USC 134, “each State to carry out a continuing, cooperative, and comprehensive statewide multi-modal transportation planning process, including the development of a long-range statewide transportation plan and statewide transportation improvement program (STIP), that facilitates the safe and efficient management, operation, and development of surface transportation systems that will serve the mobility needs of people and freight (including accessible pedestrian walkways and bicycle transportation facilities) and that fosters economic growth and development within and between States and urbanized areas, while minimizing transportation-related fuel consumption and air pollution in all areas of the State, including those areas subject to the metropolitan transportation planning requirements.”

Annually during the month of July, the Idaho Transportation Department conducts a 30-day open public comment period on the draft ITIP. Although the projects located in metropolitan areas are included in the ITIP for public consideration, MPOs also conduct their own 30-day public comment period.

Opportunities will be available to comment on the proposed Idaho Transportation Investment Program. Notice will be given (via advertisements, postcards, and electronic mail) that the draft will be available online for review and comment for a 30‐day period. Comments can be submitted during this time period by electronic mail, via on‐line comment form or through regular mail. The draft ITIP will be available at each of the ITD District offices, MPO offices, and online throughout the 30‐day comment period. The ITIP can be found on‐line at: http://www.itd.idaho.gov/planning/stip/index.htm.

All Idaho Native American Tribe tribal councils will be notified of ITIP outreach opportunities as they become available. Communication and coordination will be different between the ITD District and their corresponding tribal council. The District will determine with their tribe which projects are of interest and important to them, and plan accordingly for future public involvement in project phases. Idaho tribes include those with reservation land in Idaho and land area claims in Idaho.

Amendments to the ITIP may occur when funding sources change, priorities change, project scope and termini changes and purpose and need changes, etc. Opportunities to comment on proposed amendments to the ITIP outside of the annual update will be publicized by sending out a notice of the proposed amendments to the public through the media, as an advertisement, via electronic mail or by postcard. At the same time, a 7‐day comment period will be announced.

For projects located within an MPO, amendments will first be requested through the MPO. If a comment period is required, the MPO will be required to fulfill this obligation. The comment period will be subjective to MPO policy and procedures. Once the MPO certifies that the amendment has met public involvement requirements and it has been acted upon by their Board, a letter from the MPO will be sent to ITD for ITD Board action. ITD will then send an amendment request to the proper federal agencies for final approval. ITIP Amendments can be found online at: http://itd.idaho.gov/funding/.

ITD staff will accept and consider each comment made on the ITIP; however, it is the Idaho Transportation Board that has the final say on how the comment(s) will affect the plan and/or program. To assist the ITD Board, the Office of Communication will create a comment book showing each of the comments received and indicate how the comment could be implemented. The Board will receive the Comment Book prior to the adoption of the plan/program for their consideration.