KMPO will be closed for President's Day, Monday February 18th, 2013

Our office will be closed for President's Day, Monday February 13, 2013.  Have a Safe holiday!

Idaho's Traffic Crash Clock 2011

I've been researching accident data for Kootenai County.  It's surprising how many accidents occur statewide, although the 2011 data shows a reduction in accidents compared to previous years. I would like to see the fatality rate lower or non-existent would be nice.... The Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Highway Safety, publishes a full report on all of the traffic accidents including statistical analysis at the statewide, county and city level.  The 2011 report is the latest published report I could find on their website.  The "Idaho Traffic Crash Clock" visual summary below, is from the 2011 report, page 5:

If you want to check out the full report, you can visit the ITD website below:
Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Highway Safety 2011 Report

Solar Roadways??? Made from Solar Panels - Sandpoint Idaho

I came across this recently released transportation related video.  It's a very different approach, totally thinking outside the box.  This approach boasts an alternative to solve part of our energy problem, as well as moving away from using petroleum based products on our roadways.  This idea uses solar powered roadway panels that collect the sun's energy and turn it back to the grid that can be used for power.  Glass topped panels, led lights and heating elements to solve the problem areas that get snow.  Solar powered parking lots or sidewalks that generate electricity and can be fed back into the operating business and more.  You've got to watch this video!  Solar Roadways has already received a grant of 750,000 by the Federal Highway Administration.

Click the link below to watch the video:
Solar Roadways Video

You can also visit their website for more information below:
Solar Roadways Website

How does the new 2012 federal transportation bill (MAP 21)affect rural communities?

Transportation for America will hold a webinar Wednesday, Feb. 27, at 1pm EST to explore how the new 2012 federal transportation bill affects rural communities.

Investing in a variety of transportation options -- public transportation, vanpooling, bicycling, walking and safe roads and bridges -- are crucial for stronger, more resilient communities in our nation's rural areas. It's important to know how the new federal transportation bill (MAP-21) has changed the way communities can access transportation dollars and what these funds may be used for. This online presentation will explain how to use MAP-21 to fund rural transportation priorities and strengthen communities.
Panelists for this discussion will include:

• Commissioner Kathy Rinaldi, Teton County, Idaho
• Charles W. Fluharty, President and CEO, Rural Policy Research Institute
• Chris Zeilinger, Director of Policy Development, Community Transportation Association of America
• Georgia Gann, Deputy Director of Government Affairs, Transportation for America
• John Robert Smith, President and CEO, Reconnecting America and Former Mayor of Meridian, MS (moderator)

Go to the link below to Register, it should be a good webinar to tune into! 

• REGISTER

You can also get additional information about MAP 21 from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration's webpage below:
 FTA Link Website