Governor's Leading Idaho initiative funds local airport improvements

BONNERS FERRY — Gov. Brad Little’s "Leading Idaho" initiative recently funded snow-removal equipment improvements of $200,000 at the Bonners Ferry Airport in Boundary County.

Improvements were completed the week of July 2. Improvements included updating an Automated Weather Observing System computer at the facility, purchasing a 135-horsepower tractor, buying equipment for the new tractor (loader, blade, snow blower and rotary mower), and buying materials to build a lean-to to add to the existing snow-removal equipment shed to provide cover for these new items.

“This has helped our airport more than you could ever guess,” said Airport Manager Dave Parker.

Parker said that the airport had not been able to keep up with removal of heavy snow in recent years, but the new snow blower and tractor will enable them to do so now. He added “having a cab to spray weeds, mow in dusty conditions, and keep warm in the winter has been a dream come true for our crew.”

As part of Little’s “Leading Idaho” initiative, the 2021 Idaho Legislature dedicated $126 million of one-time funds from Idaho’s budget surplus to transportation projects statewide. The funds were split 60/40 between ITD and local jurisdictions. Construction on this project is paid for with ITD’s portion of the funds that will accelerate projects to replace bridges, restore pavements and improve mobility in communities across Idaho.