4/8/08-Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter has signed a bill into law to authorize new bonding authority of $134 million for road improvements throughout the state. It is the latest installment in the “Connecting Idaho” program.
With the governor’s endorsement, the Senate voted 29-6 to authorize the third installment of grant-anticipated revenue vehicle bonds, or GARVEE bonds, to pay for road work. The House previously approved the measure – H657 – on a 47-23 vote.
The funding program allows the state to borrow money against the federal transportation dollars that come each year to pay for construction. The sale is based on the assumption that federal funding in future years would pay off the bonds. This allows the state to get money needed up front.
The $998 million Connecting Idaho highway initiative first was approved in 2006 by then-Gov. Dirk Kempthorne. During the past two years, the Legislature has authorized $450 million in bonds on GARVEE projects.
Among the 13 projects that could be funded through this year’s bonding authority extension include more lanes on Interstate 84 between Caldwell to Meridian, improvements along I-84 from Orchard to Isaacs Canyon in Boise, and work on U.S. 95 from state Highway 1 to the Canadian border.
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Board will make the final decision on what projects the GARVEE bonds will be spent.

4/2/08-The Senate voted 29-6 to approve a bill that would authorize new bonding authority of $134 million for road improvements throughout the state. It would be the latest installment in the “Connecting Idaho” program.
H657 authorizes the third installment of grant-anticipated revenue vehicle bonds, or GARVEE bonds, to pay for road work. It now moves to Gov. “Butch” Otter’s desk. The House previously approved it on a 47-23 vote.
The funding program allows the state to borrow money against the federal transportation dollars that come each year to pay for construction. The sale is based on the assumption that federal funding in future years would pay off the bonds. This allows the state to get money needed up front.
The $998 million Connecting Idaho highway initiative first was approved in 2006 by then-Gov. Dirk Kempthorne. During the past two years, the Legislature has authorized $450 million in bonds on GARVEE projects.
The Idaho Transportation Department’s Board would make the final decision on what projects the GARVEE bonds would be spent.
For bill status, call (208) 334-3175. In Idaho, call 1-800-626-0471.