JFAC approves multiyear transportation funding, rejects smaller substitute reductions

Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee members voted to approve a bundle of appropriations and language directing how Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) funds may be used for fiscal 2025–2026, including large transfers from the state general fund to transportation dedicated funds and reappropriation authority for construction projects.

The committee approved multiple motions that together provide dedicated- and federal-fund spending authority for capital facilities, aeronautics grants, highway operations equipment and public transit reimbursements, and it adopted bill language that conditions some grants on airports’ compliance with federal non‑aeronautical-use policies.

Why it matters: The package includes both ongoing and one-time authority for major projects and fund transfers that affect how quickly ITD can award grants, move on construction projects and maintain equipment. The committee also placed conditions on grant awards tied to federal airport policy and directed money toward specific road projects in the Boise area.

Most significant actions

- Reappropriation authority and aeronautics funding: The committee approved supplemental appropriations and reappropriation authority for ITD capital facilities and aeronautics programs, including a governor’s initiative of $10,000,000 from the state aeronautics dedicated fund for grants and equipment. The Transportation Services Division motion (motion maker: Representative Galaviz) carried after debate and a failed substitute, with recorded committee tallies showing the Senate voting 8–2 and the House 7–3 in favor.

- Highway operations package: The committee approved a larger highway operations package that included $3,324,000 for targeted compensation enhancements for highway operations workers, $10,208,900 for…