Idaho Transportation Department


The Idaho Transportation Department is the state of Idaho governmental organization responsible for state transportation infrastructure. This includes ongoing operations and maintenance as well as planning for future needs of the state and its citizens. The agency is responsible for overseeing the disbursement of federal, state, and grant funding for the transportation programs of the state.

Overview

Idaho's state transportation system consists of more than of roads, more than 1,800 bridges, approximately of rail lines, 126 public-use airports, and the Port of Lewiston.
The agency is also responsible for 29 rest areas and 12 ports of entry.

History

The Idaho Legislature created the State Highway Commission in 1913. The group consisted of the Secretary of State, the State Engineer and three other members to be appointed by the governor. The Commission was empowered to:
In 1919, the Commission was abolished and its functions were transferred to a Bureau of Highways in the Department of Public Works. A property tax was enacted by the Legislature to fund roads for the state and bonds were issued to build a highway system.
In 1950, the Idaho Department of Highways was reorganized and placed under the direction of a governing Board. In 1974, the Idaho Department of Highways became the Idaho Transportation Department. The Department of Motor Vehicles originally reported to the Idaho Department of Law Enforcement, but was transferred to ITD in 1982.

Organization

ITD is organized into six divisions and six district offices. The agency serves under an appointed seven member Idaho Transportation Board. The board establishes state transportation policy and guides the planning, development and management of the Idaho transportation network. The board is appointed by the governor. One board member represents each of the six regional districts. A seventh member is appointed as chairman of the board.
The department has the following six divisions: