Transportation Funding - Thinking Outside the Box - What Ideas Do You Have?

The need to fund transportation and the problems associated with it have been all over the news lately, especially with the upcoming transportation bill.  Everyone agrees that we need to maintain our existing infrastructure (roads and bridges) but the problem appears to be, who is going to pay for it?  Taxpayers appear to be tired of paying so much in taxes and have expressed they don't want to pay more.

So, I here's an idea, it's a different way of looking at it,  I am just throwing it out there, and is not the opinion of KMPO or any of KMPO's affiliate agencies or members.

-STATE FRANCHISED ESPRESSO STANDS LOCATED ALONG THE HIGHWAYS-
Having State Franchised Espresso stands located along the highway and freeways, with an enter/exit ramp solely for the purpose of the coffee stands, much like pulling off the highway to enter or exit a weigh station.  It would be a short jaunt off and back onto the highway. The state already owns right-of-way and some stands could be located within an existing rest area stop.  I realize the State, most likely, doesn't want to be in the coffee franchise business, but it would be a great source to generate additional transportation funding and it would provide additional local jobs at the same time. 

I heard yesterday, on talk radio, that the average American spends $1000 per year on coffee. If just 25% of Kootenai County's total population utilized the franchised espresso stands (based on that estimate), they would generate over $34,000,000.00 per year within, Kootenai County.  The investment for the stands would be minimal, compared to the amount of revenue collected, and if the money collected was used solely for transportation, to build or maintain infrastructure, the public would support it and they would be getting something in return.  It's a win-win situation.  And, what would be better than providing weary travelers, (local and long distance) with caffeine to wake them up?

Just an idea!  What's your thoughts?  Any opinions or other ideas???

Making TUBBS Hill Wheelchair Accessible? How many people do you think would enjoy it?

The city of Coeur d'Alene's Parks and Recreation Commission is recommending the city alter the east side of Tubbs Hill to make the popular hiking trail more accessible for people with disabilities.

The changes would improve wheelchair accessibility on the downtown hill. The plan calls for work on around 1,500 feet of trail beginning at the east side entrance near the marina. It would smooth the natural surface and decrease slope grades on portions of the trail from 15 percent grade, down to around 5 percent.  The work would maintain a minimum width on the trail of 48 inches.
Most of it already meets that standard, said Doug Eastwood, parks director. They could add some retaining walls to the very narrow areas.  Trail work would use native soil, he said, and could expand the trail in parts to implement turnouts for wheelchairs. 
Below is the link to the full story from the CDA Press:
http://www.cdapress.com/news/local_news/article_1d685e65-02aa-5141-bc0a-8ff8b25cc499.html

DOT's, Local Jurisdictions and Other Emergency Personnel - Thanks for All Your Hard Work

Since driving back and forth on I-90, I've been seeing some crazy accidents.  I know the Transportation Departments (ITD &WSDOT), along with all the local jurisdictions, do their best to make the roadways safe for us (and if your reading this a HUGE "Thank you", along with all other Emergency Personnel, for "ALL" your hard work)!

When the temperature is below 32 degrees, or there is sudden freezing rain, the roadway could have black ice in spots.  I've seen multiple people go off the roadway, a few facing the opposite side direction of I-90, that would have went head on into opposing oncoming traffic, had it not been for the median safety cable preventing it.  Even with the best snow tires, it's best to slow down.  Which reminds me.... I love the Bridgestone Blizzacks (studless snow and ice tires) we purchased this year. I promised I'd report back, and now that I've actually had snow and ice to drive on, they seem to work great on ice.  I still slide somewhat on snow, but nothing works better.... than just Slowing Down....

ISAWS - "NEW" Idaho State Alert & Warning System - ISAWS.org

 

ISAWS stands for the Idaho State Alert & Warning System. Idaho's mass notification and public warnings to Idahoans in regard to emergency situations and disasters. This program provides

for any Idahoan, including those with special needs and/or with English as a

second language, to enroll for notification of emergencies and significant events

which might affect them via cell phone, pager, PDA’s, email, home phone, or

other specialty communication device (in most cases).

 

Why enroll in ISAWS?

The Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security has developed a valuable new source

for emergency information available to all Idahoans. This newly created system

allows the Bureau to use a wide variety of methods to contact Idahoans in case of

an emergency. This includes notification of impending severe weather situations,

missing children alerts (in most cases), natural and/or man-made disasters, civil

emergencies and events of statewide and national significance. Enrollment is simple

and Idahoans have their choice of how they would like to receive ISAWS messaging.

Enrollment is voluntary and you can choose notification via cell phone, email, home

phone, mobile devices such as PDA’s and pagers, or any combination of the

preceding. You may also choose between voice and text messaging, or both.

 

What if I have special needs?

 The system has been developed to alert Idahoans with special needs and/or with

English as a second language. Simply make note of your situation when you enroll. If you

wish to provide contact information for a caregiver, space has been provided for you to

do so.

 Enrollment in this valuable service is easy. Simply follow the "Sign Up" link above to enter your preferences and begin receiving emergency notifications. Your information is secure and not shared with any other organization or group (with the exception of emergency preparedness and response service providers for emergency planning purposes).

 

Go to: http://www.isaws.org/  to sign up and find out more information about ISAWS.
 

 

Speaking of Snow...What is a SNOTEL?

In case you ever wondered (like I did) what a SNOTEL is?  SNOTEL's are U.S. Department of Agriculture sites that measure snow powder across Idaho.  In fact, they exist in Kootenai County locally in the following cities; Rathdrum, Post Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Spirit Lake, Athol, Harrison and Worley.

 There are a total of 84 sites in Idaho, that measure snow depth, weight and water content.  Many also keep track of soil moisture, humidity and wind speed.  The data they collect is beamed through radio signals to a station in Boise, where it helps to determine how much snow melt they can expect in the spring.  Here is a link to an article in the Idaho Press on nearly everything you wanted to know about them. 

http://www.idahopress.com/news/snotel-sites-measure-powder-across-idaho/article_d650a982-41a1-11e1-b909-001871e3ce6c.html

Doug Clark's Snow Job Quiz, a multiple-choice exam, measured in igloos, designed to test your winter driving knowledge

Forgive me, I couldn't resist re-posting Doug Clark's quiz (Spokesman Review), after reading it in an article posted by the Idaho Transportation Department, in Today's News Briefs.  I think everyone deserves a little humor now and then! :)

Opinion: Spokesman Review
"The frantic scene I witnessed on the roads inspired me to create Doug's Snow Job Quiz, a multiple-choice exam designed to test your winter driving knowledge" link to original article by Doug Clark, Spokesman Review.  http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/jan/19/snow-unearthed-more-than-1-maroon-if-you-catch-my/
So please answer the following questions honestly. We’ll evaluate your scores at the bottom.

1. The term “snowbird” refers to …
        a. Those chicken-hearts who spend their winters in Arizona – 1 igloo.
        b. The annual influx of eagles at Lake Coeur d’Alene – 3 igloos.
        c. That middle-fingered salute you wag at idiots who can’t drive in snow – 5 igloos.

2. Becoming a Spokane snowplow operator requires …
         a. Years of professional driving experience – 1 igloo.
         b. The willingness to work all hours under extreme conditions – 3 igloos.
         c. A sadistic desire to turn every driveway entrance into an impassable avalanche – 5 igloos.


3. The bigger the snowstorm …
         a. The larger the shapeless mass on the TV weather radar – 1 igloo.
         b. The easier the forecast – 3 igloos.
         c. The more a TV weathercaster will act like a gibbering fool – 5 igloos.
        
4. The best implement for removing snow from a windshield is …
         a. A scraper specifically designed for the task – 1 igloo.
         b. A debit card or used McDonald’s sack – 3 igloos.
         c. Hit the “defrost” button. The faster you get going the faster things’ll melt – 5 igloos.

5. A good rule of thumb for snowy driving is to …
         a. Allow an extra 15 minutes to get wherever you’re going – 1 igloo.
         b. Stay an extra car length behind the driver in front of you – 3 igloos.
         c. Reduce your speed 5 mph and text your friends about why you’re going to be so late – 5   igloos.

6. Every car should have a winter survival kit containing …
        a. A snow shovel – 1 igloo.
        b. Some food and a blanket – 3 igloos.
        c. One large empty coffee can – 5 igloos.

7. When driving in a snowstorm, stay tuned to local radio for …
         a. Winter weather advisories – 1 igloo.
         b. Street and school closures – 3 igloos.
         c. Additional hot air from blowhard Mike Fitzsimmons – 5 igloos.

8. A winter driver’s best friend is his …
         a. Quality snow tires – 1 igloo.
         b. Wipers that work – 3 igloos.
         c. Paid-up AAA membership – 5 igloos.

9. The best advice for winter driving is still …
         a. Only drive if you must – 1 igloo.
          b. Never drive faster than conditions allow – 3 igloos.
          c. Park your car and wait until spring – 5 igloos.

10. If your car suddenly loses control, you should?…
         a. Steer into the slide – 1 igloo.
          b. Tap your brakes lightly – 3 igloos.
          c. Scream “Holy %$^#!!” and reach for the coffee can – 5 igloos.

"A score of 10-25 igloos indicates you’re one of those overconfident know-it-alls the rest of us would like to push off a cliff.  Scoring 30 to 40 igloos suggests that if you’re not on Prozac, you should probably look into it.
If you scored a perfect 50 igloos, congratulations! You are definitely a Spokane- area driver.  Blink your lights and honk if you see Big Maroon coming. That should give me enough time to flip you the snowbird and swerve out of your way", Doug Clark, Spokesman Review.

GARVEE Funds PASS or FAIL? Here is an Interesting Article from Idaho Reporter.com

 

While the Idaho speaker of the House, Rep. Lawerence Denney, R-Midvale, believes the remaining funds available for the road and bridge work financed in part by GARVEE Bonds could pass this session of the Legislature (after not making it through the 2011 Legislature), Senator Jim Hammond, R-Coeur d'Alene, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, disagrees, seeing it as an uphill fight, likely to fail.

GARVEE (grant anticipation revenue vehicles or a GARVEE) are tax-exempt bonds to finance road improvements throughout Idaho. These road improvements, undertaken by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), are to be repaid from federal highway funds received over a 20-year period from the Federal Highway Administration and certain state matching funds. Of the initial $998 million in GARVEE bonds authorized, there is $143 million available to the state.

Senator Jim Hammond feels GARVEE will be a tough sell because of legislative reluctance to take on another program and because the funds are available due to borrowing from the federal government and he sees little support, including himself, for relying on the feds for the money.

Senator Hammond also worries if the federal funding level Idaho is receiving continues to decrease, then the state must take more money from operating costs to pay for those bonds, which, in turn, makes it tougher for the state to maintain what it currently has.
In addition, Hammond says there is sentiment among some in the Legislature who consider GARVEE bonding as an indebtedness to its citizens, putting them on the hook for monetary obligations years down the road.
If the Legislature does not approve additional GARVEE funds, how does the state deal with the need for not only road and bridge repairs, but also expansion and replacement?
Hammond said ITD has an annual budget amount and plans for maintenance of the most pressing problems with no funds given to an expansion of existing infrastructure. According to Hammond, projects will be looked at only in terms of maintenance. Expansion and creation will not be a priority. Infrastructure that is degrading and needs the most urgent care will be the projects the state plan focuses on using whatever funds are available.
“That plan,” said Hammond, “isn’t put together with any thought about GARVEE. That plan is put together just based upon priorities of maintaining our current infrastructure. It used to be that part of that of that plan would have been expansion—additional lanes, new bridges, etc. Now because of the diminished level of funding the total amount of revenue available is just intended to be for maintenance and upkeep of our current infrastructure.”

Here is the link to the original article by MitchCoffman with Idaho Reporter.com: http://www.idahoreporter.com/2012/senate-transportation-chairman-doubtful-garvee-funds-will-be-approved-by-legislature-video/

First Winter Storm January 2012

For those of us that drive long distances everyday, we have been fortunate having a mild winter for driving conditions, up until the past few days. Remembering to slow down and to not follow too close, will help all of us get to where we need to go safely. One accident and your stuck in traffic for a while. With a lot more snow in the forecast this week. Please remember to drive safely.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day/Idaho Human Rights Day - January 16th, 2012

We will be closed on January 16th, 2012 for the holiday. 

2012 MEETING SCHEDULE for Kootenai County Area Transportation Team (KCATT) & Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization Board (KMPO)

  

                  

KMPO Policy Board 1:30 pm 2nd Thursday of Each Month Post Falls City Council Chambers Post Falls City Hall, 1st Floor 408 N. Spokane Street, Post Falls, Idaho	K.C.A.T.T. 8:00 am 4th Tuesday of Each Month Idaho Transportation Department District 1 Headquarters 600 W. Prairie Avenue Coeur d’Alene, Idaho 83815
January 5	January 24
February 9	February 28
March 8	March 27
April 12	April 24
May 10	May 22
June 14	June 26
July 12	July 24
August 9	August 28
September 13	September 25
October 11	October 23
November 8	November 27
December 13	December 18 (This is the 3rd Tuesday)

 

ALL MEETING DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

TOP 10 TRANSPORTATION ISSUES TO BE DISCUSSED IN THE YEAR AHEAD

AASHTO reported the top 10 transportation issues that are certain to be discussed and legislated in the year ahead.  Here they are:

1. Enacting a long-term surface transportation reauthorization bill.
2. Managing in lean times -- how states address the problem of the nation's aging bridges, highways, and transit systems with stagnant or reduced funding.
3. Responding to and planning for natural disasters.
4. Reducing traffic deaths.
5. Increasing the visibility of transportation as an issue in the upcoming presidential campaign.
6. Generating new ways to fund transportation.
7. Advancing intercity passenger rail.
8. Engaging the business community in support of transportation.
9. Serving a growing elderly population, both rural and urban.
10. Responding to new stormwater reforms and other environmental regulations.

Here is the link to the full article: http://www.aashtojournal.org/Pages/010612year.aspx

Our federal and state legislatures haves a lot on their plate. We will keep you informed if they come up with any solutions. 

REASON - RUPE Public Opinion Survey Winter 2011 Results

Here is a survey by the American people in winter of 2011.  It's quite interesting and the survey rates: Barrack Obama's performance and well as other potential presidential candidates, prioritizing funding, as well as demographic information.

 http://reason.org/files/reason_rupe_transportation_poll.pdf

KMPO Board Meeting This Thursday - January 5, 2012 @ 1:30 p.m.

The monthly Kootenai Metropolitan Planning Organization (KMPO) Board Meeting is this Thursday, January 5, 2012 @ 1:30 p.m. at the City of Post Falls, Council Chambers, 408 N. Spokane St., Post Falls, WA. The general public/citizens are always welcome to attend.

Happy New Year - KMPO Will be Closed for the Holiday on January 2, 2012

We wish you a Happy New Year Everyone!

KMPO WIll be Closed Monday December 26th in observance of the Christmas Holiday

Wishing you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

From the KMPO Director & Staff

MEGA LOADS WILL RESUME TONIGHT on US 95 from Lewiston to CDA

If you're traveling along US 95 tonight watch out for the Megaloaded trucks that are coming through.  The megaloads are scheduled to resume tonight after a non-injury accident last week.  For the short story on the accident see the link below:

http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/60779
Two oversized shipments are leaving the Port of Lewiston tonight after 8 p.m. and will be traveling on US 95 to Coeur d'Alene.

The loads can take up to 2 lanes of traffic and they are supposed to pull over every 15 minutes.

The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) released a news briefing today, see the link below:

http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/60788

MEGALOAD, COMING THRU!!

 

Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reported today tha a hydroelectric project at Snoqualmie Falls, 30 miles east of Seattle, is the destination of a megaload that might be moving through north central Idaho as early as Monday.

The shipment will be carrying a huge, Y-shaped pipe for an upgrade of the power-generating operation, one of the oldest of its kind in the nation, said Don Whitehair, manager of the Selway Corp. in Stevensville, Mont., about 30 miles south of Missoula.

The extra-big rig will weigh 185,000 pounds and be 95 feet long, 22 feet wide and a little more than 17 feet tall.

Whitehair's company would leave the Montana border around 10 p.m. Monday and move the pipe across Idaho on U.S. Highway 12 in a single trip that would end no later than 5:30 a.m. Tuesday, Whitehair said.
It will have to pull over every 15 minutes to allow cars to pass, but it should be able to go at the posted speed limits, Whitehair said.

This component is one of more than 150 that Selway Corp. has moved through Idaho and Montana on their way to Snoqualmie Falls and the only one that's this big, Whitehair said.

Getting permits for the Idaho portion of the trip has been one of the toughest parts of arranging the logistics, Whitehair said.
His company had to address 19 bullet items from the Idaho Transportation Department that seek details such as the type of clothing flaggers will be wearing.

Unrelated megaloads that Imperial Oil has been shipping from the Port of Lewiston to the Montana border on U.S. Highway 95 and Interstate 90 continue to be on hold following a non-injury accident earlier this week.

Those are carrying components of a processing plant that's being constructed in the Kearl Oil Sands in Alberta, Canada.

Driving Safely Around SNOWPLOWS - ITD Reminders

It's that time of year when our State Snowplows are out making our roadways safe for us...Here are some tips from ITD, reminding us to drive safely around snowplows:

* Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle.

* Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow's force can knock your car out of control.

* Do not cut back immediately in front of a snowplow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see.

* Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.

* Do not abandon your car unless it is absolutely necessary. However, if you must, leave it as far off the road as possible. Abandoned cars can interfere with the road clearing process and can be extremely hazardous to snow removal equipment and the operators if they are hidden or buried by snow.

* Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, bridges and overpasses. Since they are exposed on their undersides, bridges and overpasses are deprived of ground warmth and freeze more rapidly than the roadways leading to them.

For the latest highway and weather conditions you can call Idaho’s 511 Traveler Information Service at 5-1-1. For online updates, visit 511.idaho.gov. Telephone and Web reports are available 24 hours a day and are updated as conditions change.

Please drive safe this winter!

Tolling our Roadways to Generate Funding

Although toll booths won't look like this anymore, it looks like they are coming to our neighboring State.  Washington State is planing on tolling the roadways to generate addtional road funding.  Washington State will begin tolling certain lanes on State Routes in 2013. You will be rewarded when paying a toll, enabling you to go in the faster lanes with less congestion. It may only be a matter of time before Idaho follows.... 

See the full story at the link below:
http://www.myfoxspokane.com/news/kcpq-the-future-of-tolling-in-this-area-expect-more--20111207,0,7191581.story

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Road Tax Being Considered - What, do you think about this?

There has been a lot of talk recently of the possibility of a government imposed "vehicle miles traveled " (VMT) tax  fee based system being part of our future, to help pay for our roadways.

A recent study by the U.S. Transportation Research Board showed that a VMT fee system would generate approximately 20% more transportation revenue by the year 2030.

Due to advances in technology, a pay-per-mile tax would now be possible for our government to impose a VMT-based fee system, that would most likely rely on some form of vehicle use monitoring.

Although, this would take time for any VMT tax to be adopted and set in motion.  The VMT fee based system adoption would definitely change our lives in many, many ways.

If you would like to see the full story as reported by CNN, please follow the link below:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/08/opinion/meyer-pay-per-mile-road-tax/index.html
OR
http://apps.itd.idaho.gov/Apps/MediaManagerMVC/NewsClipping.aspx/Preview/60650

What are your thoughts on the VMT fee system?