2025 Idaho Local Transportation Convention
Rural areas across the Pacific Northwest have a backlog of critical transportation infrastructure projects. One of the primary impediments to completing these projects is the question of funding - who will finance a small rural infrastructure project?
The USDOT-funded PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator joined the Idaho Local Transportation Convention on November 13, 2025 to feature a panel of federal grant and credit program experts, resources and case studies for local highway and bridge funding opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Economic Development in Pocatello
Representative Manwaring shared a brief overview of the economic impact that the Savage intermodal rail-trucking facility has had on Pocatello and southern Idaho, resulting in new jobs and lower transportation costs.
Federal Credit Programs for Rural Projects
Will Resch shared a brief overview of the Build America Bureau’s grant and credit programs (TIFIA, RRIF, Private Activity Bonds) and the favorable loan terms available for rural project sponsors.
Bundling Projects - Lessons Learned from Oklahoma
Spotlighting one example of TIFIA loans financing rural transportation infrastructure, Daniel Nguyen shared a brief overview of the RAAMP project - 33 rural highway shoulder projects that the DOT bundled together for expedited financing and delivery. The $426M RAAMP program accelerated 60 miles of rural highway safety enhancements in three years by leveraging $200M from the TIFIA federal credit program.
Rural Opportunity Zones and Other Innovative Financing Resources
Sam Beydoun introduced the free technical assistance available through the Center for any infrastructure project sponsor in the region. He also shared a brief background on Rural Opportunity Zones and how private capital can be leveraged with public financing to accelerate transportation projects.
Enhancing Idaho’s Transportation Network
Former Idaho Senator Chuck Winder overviewed PNWER’s supply chain and transportation initiatives, and highlighted Idaho partnerships with Local Highway Technical Assistance Council and Valley Regional Transit.