Two State Agencies Set To See Budget Increases

The Idaho Transportation Department will get about $562 million for fiscal year 2012, according to a budget passed by the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee. That's up 16.3 percent -- or $78.8 million -- from the budget lawmakers set last year. Idaho's transportation budget includes money from the federal government, along with registration fees and gas taxes, but does not rely on Idaho's general fund. Meanwhile, Lawmakers have approved a 4.1 percent increase in funding for Idaho's Department of Correction, listing public safety among the state's top priorities as they work to balance a cash-strapped budget for next year. The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee approved a $175.6 million budget Monday for the agency's prisons and programs. That's a $6.8 million increase compared to this year. The budget still needs House and Senate approval.