With No Projects Ready, Metro Boise to Miss Transportation Funds

29 January 2009 - 8:00am

Congress is expected to offer up to $16 million of stimulus money to the state of Idaho for transportation projects. But in the Treasure Valley -- home to Boise and a third of the state's population -- there aren't any projects that are ready to go.

"Congress may offer as much as $16 million of stimulus money for public transportation projects in Idaho."

"But in a preliminary list of ready-to-go projects, not a single construction project is inside the Treasure Valley."

"What’s ready to go here in the state’s urban hub, with so many leaders and citizens clamoring for a greater emphasis on public transit?"

"One $2 million study."

"No Downtown Boise shuttle bus. No steps toward a light rail service. Not even any new bus shelters."

"Meanwhile, Sun Valley, Pocatello and Teton County each have multi-million-dollar ready-to-go lists of basic needs — buses, bus shelters and turnouts, pedestrian/cycling pathways."

Source: The Idaho Statesman, January 28, 2009
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In the long term, removing major urban freeways should be part of a more comprehensive approach to reduce automobile dependency by promoting public transportation and transit-oriented development.