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The latest on the Key Bridge collapse, New York puts forth legislation to get clean energy projects on the grid and Wisconsin and other states join a federal summer food program to help feed kids across the country.

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Republicans float conspiracy theories on the collapse of Baltimore's Key Bridge, South Carolina's congressional elections will use a map ruled unconstitutional, and the Senate schedules an impeachment trial for Homeland Secretary Mayorkas.

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Historic wildfires could create housing and health issues for rural Texans, a Kentucky program helps prison parolees start a new life, and descendants of Nicodemus, Kansas celebrate the Black settlers who journeyed across the 1870s plains seeking self-governance.

Roadblock for Rural Idaho Transportation Decisions?

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Tuesday, December 6, 2011   

BOISE, Idaho - Rural transportation decisions in Idaho could face a roadblock under the federal transportation bill making its way through Congress. Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, Lewiston and Idaho Falls would specifically be affected, according to Daren Fluke, president of the Idaho Chapter of the American Planning Association. He says the bill is important because it will help protect jobs and make road and bridge repairs possible. However, it also raises the population threshold for local input on construction decisions from 50,000 to 200,000.

Fluke says that should raise eyebrows.

"And if you're not at that 200,000 population, which there's only the one in Idaho, you would be at risk of being eliminated."

The only region that would retain a local voice would be the Boise area. A recent report from the group "Transportation 4 America" shows decaying roads and bridges are concentrated in rural areas.

Fluke says rural areas and small towns should instead be given more say over transportation decisions that are the best fit for safety and business.

"That's a way that the rural areas can have influence over where federal dollars are spent. It is troubling. Roads and bridges are literally falling apart."

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo is on one of the Senate committees (Housing, Urban Affairs and Banking) expected to review the population decision. Congressional leaders have announced their intention to bring a final transportation bill to vote by the end of the year.

Research on road and bridge repair needs is posted at T4America.com




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