February 2 Meeting

HIGHWAY 17

The commissioners are taking very seriously the issue of highway 17 going back to the state of Idaho. Back in 1947 Boise County agreed to take ownership of the road from the state. With what we know these days it’s difficult to imagine why they would have done such a thing but we weren’t there so we can only speculate.

Hwy 17 is a 33.4 mile stretch of paved road running from Lowman (Hwy 21) to Banks (Hwy 55). It is the single most expensive road to maintain for the county. Though it belongs to the county it is clearly a state highway and, in our opinion, should go back to the state.

The story of Hwy 17 is long and complicate. There are lots of federal easements that must be considered among many other problems. In 2004 the county and state came to an agreement. If the county met certain requirements in three sections of the highway, the state would agree to take it back. Improvements include improved signage, guard rails, and rock fall abatement. The cost on this 3 phase project is astronomical. The county simply cannot afford to make the improvements.

So, are we dead in the water? No, not necessarily. We will begin meetings with state and federal decision makers in order to come up with a workable deal. If we are successful, the state of Idaho will take the highway back and pay the county to maintain it. It would be huge win for the county but our work is cut out for us.

IT DIRECTOR

The county is in search of an IT Director. If you or someone you know is interested and qualified, please apply!

DMV

Commissioners, the Sheriff’s office, and the Assessor are considering ways to alleviate the strain from DMV offices in Horseshoe Bend and Idaho City being caused by Valley residents registering vehicles and getting licenses. Stand by.

AVIMOR

Boise County Planning & Zoning has passed the final phase of documents necessary for Avimor to move forward. Avimor is a housing development on the Ada County Border on Hwy 55, 11.4 miles from Horseshoe Bend. Look for public hearings in the near future. County Commissioners have final approval of the development. We will be deciding who will pay for and handle public services.

Thanks for taking time to know what’s happening in your county!

Steven Twilegar – Boise County Commissioner (District 1)