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Bogus Basin Road and State Street/VMP improvements in new ACHD budget plan

Posted at 12:15 PM, Aug 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-08-18 14:15:00-04

The Ada County Highway District would like the public to weigh-in on a proposed $117.9 million spending plan for fiscal 2018 -– which includes a record-setting number of improvement projects.

While also providing for the maintenance and operation of Ada County's roads, the budget also includes improvements to sidewalks, traffic signals, bike lanes and related infrastructure, officials said.

“The draft budget includes an unprecedented $60.6 million capital program with 130 projects,” said ACHD spokesman Craig Quintana.

The projects include:

-An improved State Street/Veterans Memorial Parkway intersection -- $6.7 million.

-A new Cole Road/Lake Hazel Road intersection -- $5 million

-A retooled Emerald Street and Americana Boulevard, from Orchard Street to Ann Morrison Park -- $1.5 million

-An upgraded, upper Bogus Basin Road with improved turnouts, a new trailhead and other safety features -- $4.4 million

-An enhanced Cloverdale Road from Fairview Avenue to Ustick Road -- $2.5 million

-A revamped Pine Avenue from Meridian Road to Locust Grove Road -- $3.1 million

“This proposal has a mix of important projects to make it easier for people to get around, quickly and easily, whether they drive, walk or bike,” said ACHD Commission President Paul Woods. “At the same time, it also keeps our asphalt, sidewalks and bridges in good shape, preserving our $3 billion infrastructure investment. We think it’s a good budget, but we would like to know what people think.”

For the first time in nine years, the draft budget includes a base property tax increase as part of the $2.2 million in new revenue authorized by the Commission majority in earlier budget discussions.

The proposal includes a three-percent increase in the general tax rate ($1 million), as well as an increase for the value of new construction added to the county's tax roll ($1.2 million). Combined, it equals a 6.4 percent increase in the year-over-year property tax revenue, Quintana said.

A full copy of the draft budget is available online at www.achdidaho.org[achdidaho.org] for review.