JFAC approves multi-part Idaho Transportation Department funding package, including $84.96M for highway operations and $275M transfer to transportation funds

The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a slate of Idaho Transportation Department budget actions Tuesday, approving supplemental and fiscal-year 2026 funding for airport grants, capital facilities, highway operations, public transit and construction projects and authorizing a $275 million general-fund transfer into transportation dedicated funds.

The committee voted to approve ITD’s highway-operations enhancement package — including targeted compensation adjustments, new equipment and public-transit funding — totaling $84,963,600 ( $71,371,600 from dedicated funds and $13,592,000 from federal funds). Senator Woodward moved the highway-operations package; Representative Galaviz seconded the motion. The motion passed after roll call: the Senate voted 6 ayes, 4 nays; the House voted 7 ayes, 3 nays, for a combined total of 13 ayes and 7 nays.

Why it matters: the highway-operations motion funds heavy-equipment replacement (backhoes, loaders), an automated materials module for construction materials testing, a $11.4 million public-transit enhancement to match a supplemental reimbursement request, and a $700,000 highway-safety public-awareness grant. Brooke Dupree, Legislative Services Office analyst, told the committee the replacement-item total is “mainly driven by heavy equipment such as backhoes and loaders and excavators.”

Key elements and committee action - Aeronautics and capital facilities: A motion to provide reappropriation authority and dedicated-fund additions to the Transportation…