Idaho REALTORS® Fight to Keep State Moving in Right Direction

One in four roads in Idaho is in poor condition.

Idaho’s roads and bridges are in bad shape, and the Idaho Association of REALTORS® is focusing its efforts on advocating for urgently needed maintenance and repairs.

More than 700 of Idaho’s bridges are deficient, and that number is expected to reach 1,000 by 2021 if no new measures are taken. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Idaho’s bridges a D+ grade. In addition, one in four roads in the state is in poor condition.

Bad roads and bridges are not only dangerous, they pose a threat to the state’s economy, which is dependent upon transportation, with billions of dollars worth of freight moving through the state every year. A poor infrastructure also hampers the state’s ability to draw in new residents and provide for its current residents, most of whom drive to work. Fixing Idaho’s bridges and roads will lead to fewer accidents and deaths, and it will help provide more jobs.

The Idaho Association of REALTORS® has joined a statewide coalition dedicated to the infrastructure issue, and to educating the public about its importance. REALTORS® and other members of the coalition are taking an active role in working with legislative leaders to develop a plan to address the $262 million shortfall for roads.

There is reason to be optimistic. REALTORS® have been working with legislators who have prioritized the issue. A funding package that would be in the $100 million to $150 million range is in the works. This package would allow substantial maintenance and repairs to begin.

Over 92 percent of real estate licensees in Idaho are members of the Idaho Association of REALTORS®. It’s an active association that has had success on a diverse range of issues, such as preventing passage of a state real estate transfer tax, and protecting homeowners from substantial fines when they forget to call the “dig line” before doing work that requires digging.

Working for better transportation infrastructure is part of the advocacy tradition of the Idaho Association of REALTORS®.