ITD seeks spending authority for airport grants, aircraft repairs; director gives fuel tax rates

The Idaho Transportation Department told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee it is seeking spending authority to use aviation fund balances for community airport grants and aircraft maintenance or replacement.

Director Scott Stokes said the department expects roughly $4 million generated from interest on a Strategic Initiatives Aeronautics Fund and an additional approximately $500,000 from aviation fuel receipts that have not been previously appropriated. He characterized the intended use as community grant projects and equipment repairs at state aeronautics operations.

Answering a committee question about fuel taxes, Stokes gave the rates during the hearing: “It’s 6¢ and 7¢. I think the 6 is jet fuel, 7¢ is avgas,” and added that diesel is taxed at 32¢. He cautioned he might have reversed the two aviation figures but provided them as the department’s working numbers.

Representative Horman asked about return on investment. Stokes said community grants would be administered like prior airport grant programs, with the department reporting completion to the Legislature. He said the department also maintains an aircraft used for aeronautics work and expects a major engine repair or replacement “about $800,000 apiece” in the next three years; the department may repair or replace that airplane.

Stokes listed other needs covered by the requested spending authority: grant matches for medium airports that qualify for federal aid (where ITD often provides half of a 10% match), maintenance facility repairs near the Boise airport, and equipment purchases tied to grants.

No formal appropriation changes were enacted at the hearing. The governor’s recommendation included language matching the department’s requested enhancements and a separate $10 million governor’s initiative for grants and equipment in aeronautics.