Abstract
Jurisdictional transfer is the act of transferring all funding and operating responsibilities for a particular roadway, or roadway segment, to a different organization when that facility has either become an essential component of the state highway system, or has been deemed unnecessary. While jurisdictional transfers are quite common, very few states have established policies and/or procedures to help guide the process.
This thesis summarizes the jurisdictional transfer process used by the states in Region 10 of the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) (Alaska, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho). It provides a historic review of the jurisdictional transfer process used by the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) since its inception in 1977 to present day and highlights the many changes that have occurred over the years. This thesis identifies weaknesses with ITD’s current process and makes several suggestions for modifications that would make it more efficient, objective, and better aligned with ITD’s vision and goals. The recommendations in this thesis were presented to ITD and are currently under consideration. Other states that are developing formal procedures can use the review and recommendations in this thesis for guidance.