Ray LaHood said Wednesday he'll send a team of U.S. Department of Transportation experts to Boise to help realize Mayor David Bieter's vision of a transportation system for the city. The team will focus on solving the technical and financial hurdles of a system that would focus on efficient transportation in and around Boise as the city grows, LaHood said.

Boise is eyeing installation of a commuter rail system and enhanced bus service to connect Boise to its neighboring communities, as well as a way of moving people quickly through Downtown once they're there, city spokesman Adam Park said

Designing and building such a system would be easier with access to federal money, and Transportation Department personnel know how to get that money, LaHood said.

LaHood toured locomotive manufacturer MotivePower's Boise headquarters Wednesday as part of a trip through western states. Bieter presented him a gift from the city: a bicycle helmet autographed by two-time Olympic gold medalist and Boise resident Kristin Armstrong.

"As a cyclist myself, I will proudly not wear this," LaHood said.