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Lawmakers press ITD on $9.6M District 4 relocation plan from Shoshone to Twin Falls
Summary
Senator Cherie Cook and other JFAC members questioned Idaho Transportation Department Director Scott Stokes about a renewed $9.6 million request to relocate District 4 headquarters from Shoshone to Twin Falls, a proposal the Legislature rejected last year.
Senator Cherie Cook pressed Idaho Transportation Department officials on Thursday over a renewed $9.6 million proposal to relocate ITD’s District 4 headquarters from Shoshone to Twin Falls, a request the Legislature and governor rejected during the prior budget cycle.
Cook recounted prior review of building assessments and visits to the Shoshone campus, saying staff previously told her they did not need a new building but rather maintenance. She told Director Scott Stokes the JFAC, both chambers and Governor Brad Little had voted last year to reject the relocation and asked why the department had resubmitted the same request.
Cook also cited commute‑time data for the 71 employees at the Shoshone site: “The average we had the 71 employees address put into a GIS. 29 minutes to Shoshone and 27 minutes to the new location. So a 2 minute difference ... The median commute time is 37 minutes to Shoshone, and 25 minutes to the new location ... Do you feel 12 minutes of commute time is worth asking Idaho taxpayers for $9,600,000 to relocate that building?”
Director Scott Stokes said the Transportation Board and department staff recommended reconsideration because they believe long‑term service to the public would be better delivered from a location closer to the growing Twin Falls community. Stokes said moving closer to growth areas could improve access for some members of the public and reduce travel to project sites for employees who perform field work, but he also acknowledged the issue is ultimately a legislative decision.
Representative Ryan Price asked whether at least $1,000,000 that had been set aside for the Shoshone site had been spent; Stokes said repairs are in progress, primarily roofing and window replacement, and that design and bidding were underway with installation planned for the summer.
Senator Cook and other members noted the committee’s role as fiscal stewards, questioned whether the relocation is the best use of taxpayer dollars given maintenance needs and small commute differentials, and said the topic had been considered and denied previously. No formal action or vote occurred during the hearing.
