2025 IAHD Transportation Convention — Regional Infrastructure Accelerator

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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 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.

Speakers:

Representative Dustin Manwaring, Idaho Legislature
William Resch, Acting Head of Project Development, USDOT Build America Bureau
Daniel Nguyen, Director of Project Delivery, Oklahoma Department of Transportation
Sam Beydoun, Senior Advisor, Build America Center

Moderator:

Former Idaho Senator Chuck Winder

Key Takeaways

Economic Development in Pocatello

Idaho Representative Dustin 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.

Watch Recording

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.

Watch Recording

Bundling Projects - Lessons Learned from Oklahoma

Spotlighting one example of TIFIA loans financing rural transportation infrastructure, Daniel Nguyen at the Oklahoma DOT 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.

Watch Recording

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.

PNWER Regional Infrastructure Accelerator

Pacific Northwest Economic Region

520 Pike Street, Suite 1310

Seattle, WA 98101

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