STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
RS27268 / H0334
Idaho Code Section 63-2412 dedicates $100,000 annually from the state gas tax for a local bridge inspection
account. This program ensures safety for users of Idaho's transportation system, and hasn't been adjusted in
more than twenty years for inflation and increased federal match requirements.
The local bridge inspection account (§40-703) provides the required 7.34% match for the Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) funding utilized to conduct local jurisdiction bridge inspections, and is strictly
dedicated only for this use. The current estimated cost to inspect local bridges is $2M annually. Required
match for $2M is approximately $150,000. Recently, unused funds from previous years have been carried
over to cover the gap in matching funds; however, the balance in the local bridge inspection account is nearly
exhausted. Annual funding to this account is fixed in statute, while the costs of local bridge inspection
grow. This proposal increases funding for the local bridge inspection account to $175,000 to ensure match
requirements and cost increases can be met, so that bridges in Idaho's 288 local jurisdictions are properly
inspected for safety.
FISCAL NOTE
This proposal has no impact to the general fund. It increases funding to the Local Bridge Inspection Account
by $75,000 annually and decreases funding to the Highway Distribution Account by $75,000 annually.
Contact:
Blake Rindlisbacher
Idaho Transportation Department
(208) 334-8231
DISCLAIMER: This statement of purpose and fiscal note are a mere attachment to this bill and prepared by a proponent
of the bill. It is neither intended as an expression of legislative intent nor intended for any use outside of the legislative
process, including judicial review (Joint Rule 18).
Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note Bill SOP/FN INTRODUCED: 01/16/2020, 3:42 PM


Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 63-2412