In this busy
time of the year, we focus our energies on preparing for the holidays –
shopping, cooking, cleaning, and more. In the rush to prepare a Thanksgiving
dinner, then to move on to Christmas, we tend to forget about why we are
celebrating Thanksgiving in the first place.
I have made an
effort to reverse this trend and have taken the time to reflect on what I am
thankful for.
While I’m
incredibly thankful for many things in my personal life – most notably my
family and friends – today I’m writing about what I’m thankful for as the
Executive Director of COMPASS.
I am thankful
for…
State and Federal Legislation. The Idaho Legislature and Congress
stepped up over the past two years to provide additional state transportation
funding and a long-term federal transportation bill. While I continue to push
for additional funding – our needs still greatly surpass our revenues – I am
thankful for what we did get and recognize the amount of compromise and effort
it took to get there.
One Less Unfunded Project. In Communities in
Motion 2040 we list 33 unfunded priority corridors and projects. In June
2016 we were able to reduce that list by one! Project #23 – Interstate 84/State
Highway 55/Midland Boulevard – was funded by the Idaho Transportation
Department and the City of Nampa.
New Programs. We’ve made some exciting changes this
past year to help serve our members. Through our new Project Development
Program and focusing a staff position specifically on assisting member agencies
in finding and applying for grant funding, we are helping projects around the
region move from great ideas to solid accomplishments like we never have
before.
New Members. Golden Gate Highway District and the
Cities of Melba and Notus joined COMPASS just last month. We’re excited to have
them on board and look forward to their perspectives on continuing to make the
Treasure Valley a great place to live.
All Members. Membership in COMPASS demonstrates a
long-term investment in the region. Thank you all for your continued efforts –
your time, expertise, support, and regional vision.
The COMPASS Board of Directors. I can’t say enough about the
leadership and dedication of our Board of Directors. Your ongoing commitment to
the future of our valley inspires me on a daily basis.
COMPASS Staff. While our members provide the
leadership and policy direction for COMPASS, none of what we do could be
accomplished without our amazing staff. I have the honor of working with a
group of professionals who are smart, dedicated, and willing to go the extra mile.
Thank you for all you do.
I wish you all a
safe, happy, and thankful Thanksgiving.
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