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Compass outlines regional transportation plan and $5.4 billion shortfall to Star council
Summary
Compass executive explained long‑range transportation goals and a funding shortfall of about $5.4 billion; the presentation emphasized regional coordination, technical assistance and a Nov. 19 deadline for project applications to Compass' resource development program.
Compass, the regional metropolitan planning organization, told the Star City Council that the Treasure Valley faces accelerated growth and large unfunded transportation needs as it presented its role and programs.
Craig Rayborn (introduced as Compass executive director) said Compass helps coordinate local governments, allocates federal transportation funds for the region and conducts long‑range planning. Using material distributed to the council, Rayborn said Compass projects significant infill across the region and estimated that the Star area of impact now houses roughly 23,000 people and could grow to about 46,000 by 2055.
Rayborn summarized the region’s long‑range transportation plan and finances: “Our current plan identifies a total of 16 and a half billion dollars of transportation needs over the next 20 plus years,” he said, and the plan projects just over $11 billion of available funding, leaving “a pretty significant shortfall of $5,400,000,000.” He described Compass’s project development program, technical assistance, demographic tracking, active‑transportation work and a slate of regional studies including a Northwest Canyon County study and a resilience plan.
Why it matters: Compass’ analysis frames the broader infrastructure context for local decisions such as the Trailmark Station annexation and other developments. Rayborn said Compass adopted a state legislative strategy to seek incremental revenue increases and will convene a regional legislative summit in early December to engage the valley’s legislative delegation.
Practical note for local applicants: Rayborn reminded the council that Compass is accepting applications for its project development program and that the deadline for this round of submissions is November 19; Compass offers small planning grants (around $25,000) and other technical and grant‑writing support.
Rayborn also said Compass and member jurisdictions are cooperating on statewide advocacy through national organizations, and stressed the organization’s role as a forum for cross‑jurisdictional coordination.
