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Transit Update

2008 Legislative Session Wrap-up

The 2008 legislative session finally wrapped up on April 2, 2008.  Even though many of you contacted your legislators, wrote letters to the editor, and educated your friends and neighbors, the draft legislation supported by Moving Idaho Forward creating local option sales tax authority for transportation including public transportation never received even a public hearing. 

In the waning days of the session, a Constitutional amendment, HJR4, was proposed.  The amendment was unnecessary and unduly burdensome and it would not provide local communities the tools they need to address critical transportation issues.  While the House passed HJR4, the Senate returned it to the Senate State Affairs committee on the last day of the session.

 While we are disappointed the legislature did not address the critical transportation funding needs of local communities this year, we will continue to prioritize this issue and work with local communities, businesses, elected officials, and transportation agencies to find solutions. 

If you would like additional information about the coalition check out the Valley Regional Transit website

How to stay involved on public transportation funding issues:

Idaho Smart Growth has developed an email list focused on transit.  As you may know, Idaho is one of only four states that does not have a local or state dedicated source of funding for public transportation. Without enough funding, we simply cannot create a transportation system that gets people where they need to go.

During the legislative session, brief updates are sent weekly. During the rest of the year, periodic emails are sent.

If you would like to be added to the list, please email Rachel at rachel at idahosmartgrowth.org.

As a member of this list, you will receive:

• Weekly information emails to the team during the legislative session.
• Notice of events and activities where you can learn more.
• Highlights of the activities of volunteers like you- activities that are critical to the success of this work.

If you care about public transportation, we need your help to educate and involve the community.

Why should you help?

• Because between 1980 and 2005, Idaho has seen a 114% increase in the amount of vehicle miles traveled.
• Because your normal drive is taking longer, you get caught in traffic more frequently, or you’ve been feeling the health effects of too many bad air days.
• Because you want a public transportation system that takes you where you want to go, when you need to go there, at an affordable price.
• Because you will be a part of the team that will shape the future of public transportation in the Treasure Valley.