The Good Work of Public Works

The Idaho State Senate passed Governor Kempthorne's ambitious $1.6 billion highway program in its entirety today by a vote of 30-4. Republican Senators Brent Hill, Stan Williams, Monty Pierce and Skip Brandt the four dissenting votes. It now goes to the House.

I like public works projects for the most part, and I fully support Kempthorne's "Connecting Idaho" program. If you remember, a group of civil engineers gave the national infrastructure a D rating a few weeks ago. Idaho's roads and highways are in need of serious safety and efficiency improvements, and the use of GARVEE bonds is a good, sound way to do it.

You can learn more about the proposed road plan here: Connecting Idaho.