Local Strategic Initiatives Program

***This program is currently unfunded and no applications will be solicited for this funding round.***

Description: The Surplus Eliminator Program was established by House Bill 312 (H312) during the 2015 Legislative session. The law states that at the end of the year, remaining funds will be split between the rainy-day fund and the Surplus Eliminator program for state transportation projects administered by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD). During the 2017 Legislative session, Idaho Lawmakers voted to continue the Surplus Eliminator program through Senate Bill 1206 (S1206), however now the money is shared 60% to the state system and 40% to the local system for the next two years. For 2018, the total local share of the Surplus Eliminator fund is approximately $24M (a portion of which goes toward the Joint Children Pedestrian Safety Program). LHTAC will administer the local share through a Local Strategic Initiatives Program. Per the law, eligible projects must be related to maintenance, and address safety and mobility.

On February 14, 2019, Governor Little signed the supplemental appropriations bill allowing LHTAC to issue award letters for the 2019 Local Strategic Initiatives (LSI) Program funding over $24M in projects on the local system. During that round, 92 applications were received requesting over $69M in funds. After the success of the projects funded in 2018, LHTAC was anxious to issue funds and see 29 additional projects begin.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS:

Projects should have all bid documents ready within 90 days of award, and be completed by December 6, 2019. All Local Strategic Initiatives (LSI) projects should be on the local system, and be maintenance of existing roadway/bridge facilities.