JFAC approves series of transportation budgets, supplemental grants and a $275 million transfer

BOISE, Idaho — The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a set of appropriations and reappropriations for the Idaho Transportation Department on Tuesday, including supplemental federal reimbursements to local transit agencies and a $275 million general-fund transfer to state highway dedicated accounts.

The committee approved motions covering the Transportation Services Division, Division of Motor Vehicles, Division of Highway Operations, and the Contract Construction and Right of Way Acquisition Division. Committee chair Senator Groh said at the start of the meeting, "our hope is that this will be our last JFAC meeting," and members proceeded to move and pass a series of budget motions to forward to their respective floors.

Why it matters: the package moves significant one-time and ongoing dollars into state transportation programs, authorizes reappropriations, and directs substantial transfers from the general fund into dedicated highway funds that will be disbursed in the coming fiscal year. The transfer and reappropriations affect how and when construction, safety, maintenance and local distribution funds will be available to agencies and local jurisdictions.

Most significant actions and outcomes (votes at a glance):

- Transportation Services Division, FY2026: The committee approved an additional $38,090,600 from dedicated funds to reappropriate the State Aeronautics Dedicated Fund and State Highway Dedicated Fund for the division’s capital facilities and aeronautics grant programs. Motion moved by Representative Handy and seconded by Senator Cook; motion carried with both houses' majorities voting in…