The Idaho Transportation Department is seeking public comment Friday through Aug. 15 on the draft of the Idaho Transportation Investment Program for fiscal year 2012 through 2016.

The ITIP is a four-year “roadmap” for planning transportation projects, including highways and bridges, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, highway safety, congestion mitigation and air quality, railroad crossing safety, airports, public transportation and transportation planning.

The draft provides details on projects planned for construction through 2016 and the GARVEE Transportation Program, a construction program that relies on federally backed bonds to expedite projects in six key Idaho highway corridors.

The ITIP lists projects by highway route and location, identifies projected years for right-of-way acquisition, preliminary engineering, construction and estimated project costs. It also lists local construction projects that are federally funded.

Public comments will help the transportation department determine if proposed projects meet the department’s three main objectives of improving safety, mobility and economic vitality.

See the ITIP online at itd.idaho.gov/itip. Email comments to comments@itd.idaho.gov, or mail them: Attn: Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID  83707-1129.

You can also get paper or CD copies of the ITIP by contacting Rush at (208) 334-8119 or by e-mailing comments@itd.idaho.gov. A request for a paper copy or CD can be mailed to Idaho Transportation Department, Adam Rush, P.O. Box 7129, Boise, ID  83707-1129.

A printed copy can be reviewed at any of ITD's district offices in Coeur d'Alene, Lewiston, Boise, Shoshone, Pocatello and Rigby.

All comments on the draft will be reviewed in August. The Idaho Transportation Board is expected to vote on the document in September. After approval by the transportation board, it is submitted to the Federal Highway Administration, the Federal Transit Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency.