Section 49-2901 - RURAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND INTEGRATED FREIGHT TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM(1) The Idaho rural economic development and integrated freight transportation program is hereby established. The Idaho department of agriculture is designated and authorized to administer the rural economic development and integrated freight transportation program.(2) State funding for rural freight transportation service projects shall benefit the state's interest by assisting businesses and industries to develop and expand their operations in shipping freight and products to market. The state's interest is served by maintaining competitive transportation services for Idaho freight shippers, reducing public roadway maintenance and repair costs, increasing economic development opportunities, increasing domestic and international trade, creating and preserving jobs, and enhancing safety. State funding for projects is contingent upon appropriate private sector partnerships with state and local governments, participation and cooperation. Before recommending the spending of these dedicated state moneys on intermodal projects, the Idaho department of agriculture shall seek federal, local and private funding and participation to the greatest extent possible. Whenever possible, the department shall seek to assist a private sector solution for the implementation of this chapter.[49-2901, added 2001, ch. 348, sec. 2, p. 1225; am. 2006, ch. 413, sec. 2, p. 1252; am. 2007, ch. 339, sec. 1, p. 990; am. 2007, ch. 360, sec. 15, p. 1075.]