ITD FY18-24 ITIP LetterJuly 25, 25, 2017
Jerry Whitehead, Chairman
Idaho Transportation Board
3311 W. State Street
P.O Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707-1129
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
City Council Members:
Keith Bird Joe Borton
Luke Cavener Genesis Milam
Ty Palmer Anne Little Roberts
RE: FY2018-2024 Draft Idaho Transportation Investment Program (ITIP)
Dear Mr. Whitehead:
The City of Meridian respectfully submits this letter as part of the public comment process
for the FY2018-2024 Draft ITIP. Meridian applauds the efforts of ITD to include additional
segments of US 20/26 (Chinden Boulevard) in the draft ITIP. The City's number one
transportation priority is obtaining immediate capacity improvements on this corridor and it
is encouraging to see segments listed in the Program all the way from Eagle to Star Road.
Unfortunately, improvements to several key segments listed in the ITIP are many years out.
The City of Meridian requests that you advance Key No. 19944, US 20/26, Chinden; Locust
Grove to Eagle; Key No. ORN20440, US 20, Linder to Locust Grove; and, Key No.
ORN20493, US 20, SH -16 to Linder in the draft Program.
We have historically supported ITD in the development of a short and long-term phasing
plan for widening the travel lanes and intersections along this corridor, but more needs to be
done sooner. The City recognizes there is a process and project phasing, limited funding
sources and many other transportation needs around the State. However, we believe these
segments of Chinden Boulevard are the most critical improvements that ITD can make - they
will increase safety, have a positive impact on economic development and improve mobility.
Again, please advance the design, right-of-way and construction phases associated with the
above listed projects in the FY2018-2024 ITIP.
It is important to our region to have an efficient, effective, and integrated roadway network
to transport goods and services. Transportation improvements to Chinden are necessary to
realize our full economic growth potential and for the long-term viability of our region and
Mayor's Office . 33 E. Broadway Avenue, Meridian, ID 83642
Phone 208-888-4433 ■ Fax 208-884-81i6 . www.meridiancity.org
Chairman Whitehead
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the State of Idaho. We encourage ITD to improve the US 20/26 corridor sooner than
proposed in the Draft ITIP so this vitally important corridor can begin to meet the needs of
the thousands of Idahoans that rely on it daily.
Sincerely,
C)
Ta m e Weerd Keith Bird J orton
Mayor City Council President City Council Vice President
all,tz
Anne Little Roberts 2e�avener Genesis Milam
Council Member Council Member Council Member
Cc: Brian Ness, Director
Amy Revis, District 3 Engineer
Adam Rush, Public Involvement Coordinator
uouncil Member