Lawmakers review $1.9 billion pipeline of capital projects, discuss deferred maintenance and project timelines

Legislative analysts and the Division of Public Works told the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee the state's active public works portfolio totals roughly $1.9 billion, including $1.4 billion in capital projects.

Frances Lippett, legislative budget analyst, explained the Permanent Building Fund's multi-year project structure and that unexpended balances become continuously appropriated under Idaho law. She listed statutory revenue sources for the permanent building fund, including a $10 fee on income tax filings, portions of sales and cigarette tax, beer tax proceeds, a share of lottery earnings and interest income. Lippett said the state also has invested general fund money in recent years to address deferred maintenance and capital projects.

The Division of Public Works reported that it…