Idaho is one of the fastest-growing states in America, and the Treasure Valley is right at the center of that growth. With hundreds of thousands of new residents expected in the coming decades, transportation and infrastructure are becoming some of the most important issues facing the state.
In this episode of the Ever Onward Podcast, Tommy Ahlquist and Garrett Lofto sit down with Jason Brinkman, ITD Division Administrator and District 3 Engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department, and Mollie McCarty, Chief External Affairs Officer at ITD, to discuss what the future of transportation in Idaho looks like and what it will take to keep the state moving.
The conversation explores how the Idaho Transportation Department plans major highway projects years and sometimes decades in advance, how population growth is impacting the Treasure Valley, and why long-term planning is critical for building the infrastructure needed to support Idaho’s future. Brinkman shares insight into the engineering and operational side of transportation planning across Southwest Idaho, while McCarty brings perspective on transportation policy, funding strategies, and how programs like GARVEE bonding have helped accelerate critical projects across the state.
As Idaho continues to grow, the challenges around congestion, safety, and infrastructure investment will only become more important. This discussion provides a behind-the-scenes look at how state leaders, policymakers, and the business community can work together to prepare for the next generation of growth and ensure Idaho remains a place where people can live, work, and move efficiently.
For anyone who lives in the Treasure Valley, works in Idaho, or cares about the future of the state’s economy and infrastructure, this conversation offers valuable insight into the planning, leadership, and collaboration required to keep Idaho moving.
