JFAC approves multiple Idaho Transportation Department funding items, transfers $275 million to highway programs

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved a series of motions to fund Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) programs, including supplements and FY2026 maintenance budgets, and a $275 million transfer from the general fund to dedicated highway funds. The committee combined several previously separate items into single motions and approved most measures by roll call.

The package included: reappropriations and dedicated-fund additions for the Transportation Services Division ($38,090,600 from dedicated funds); a modification to aeronautics grant-language requiring local-airport compliance before funds are distributed (accepted by unanimous consent); a FY2026 appropriation for the Division of Motor Vehicles ($1,589,800 from dedicated funds); two supplemental federal reimbursements for local public transportation jurisdictions ($5,000,000 and $500,000); a FY2026 highway-operations budget of $84,963,600 (combined dedicated and federal funds); contract construction and right-of-way supplemental funding ($60,000,000 total: $10,000,000 state local fund and $50,000,000 federal); reappropriation authority related to contract construction up to $300,000,000; and a $275,000,000 general-fund transfer to dedicated highway accounts split by $165,000,000 to the strategic initiatives program and $110,000,000 to the local highway distribution fund.

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