Idaho's state transportation system consists of more than 12,200 miles (19,600 km) (lane miles) of roads, more than 1,800 bridges, approximately 1,630 miles (2,620 km) of
rail lines, 126 public-use airports, and the
Port of
Lewiston.
The
Idaho Legislature created the State Highway Commission 111 years ago 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:
plan, build and maintain new state highways
alter, improve or discontinue any state highway
purchase, condemn, or otherwise obtain necessary
easements
have general supervision of all highways within the state
expend the fund created for the construction, maintenance and improvement of state highways
maintain and improve state highways
make and enforce rules
employ a Chief Engineer and assistants
supervise registration of vehicles
keep a complete record of all activities and expenses[3]
In 1919, the Commission was abolished and its functions were transferred to a Bureau of Highways in the
Department of Public Works.[3] 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.
^
abFAQ, ITD, 2007, archived from
the original on 2007-04-26, retrieved 2007-04-22, The transportation department also oversees federal grants to 15 rural and urban public transportation systems, provides state rail planning and rail-project development and supports bicycle and pedestrian projects.