LEWISTON, ID — Earlier this week we highlighted Governor Brad Little’s ‘Keeping Promises’ Plan on education and tax relief. Now we look at his plans on crime, transportation projects, and natural resources.
Governor Little claims the crime rate in the state of Idaho has gone down 17% since he took office. He spotlights his operation ‘Esto Perpetua’ for protecting Idaho communities.
” One of the recommendations was that we have a state prosecutor, a state-funded prosecutor to help in drug trafficking. that was a recommendation to Esto Perpetua and that is in our budget this year,” Governor Little said.
In his ‘Keeping Promises plan, he proposes $85,000 for a new North Idaho prosecutor. The attorney would be stationed in Coeur d’Alene, assisting local and state law enforcement in combating drug trafficking along I-90 corridor and US95.
” We’re asking for another 50 million dollars to in what is called TECMwhich is a bonding project to do big road projects,” Governor Little said.
Through the Transporation Expansion and Congestion Mitigation bonding program, the additional $50 million will allow the state to bond for an additional $800 million towards new infrastructure and acknowledge some of the 10-billion-dollar unfunded projects. Governor Little’s plan states that without the additional tech bond investments, Idaho would need to rely on federal program funding for future projects.
When it comes to natural resources, Governor Little wants to continue investing in fire management and water resources. He recommends $100 million for fire management. $5 million towards improving aviation and detection strategies to ensure early fire suppression and $30 million for critical water infrastructure.
He also spoke more on the foster care system, Governor Little’s plan recommends $9.6 million to support prevention and transformation efforts in the state’s foster care system.