In recent months, the bustling construction activity along Federal Way near Apple Street has caught the attention of many residents. The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) acquired a 16.1-acre property previously owned by the Yanke family, transforming it into a future maintenance facility. This development will relocate ACHD's operations from Garden City to Boise, marking a significant shift in local infrastructure. The project includes an administration building, expansive parking facilities, and various maintenance structures. Approved by Boise's Design Review process in 2023, this initiative also resolves a long-standing dispute between ACHD and Garden City over the location of the current maintenance yard.

A New Era for ACHD's Operations in Boise

The transformation of the former outdoor storage yard into a modern maintenance hub signifies a new chapter for ACHD. The property, now cleared and ready for construction, will house an 11,384 square-foot administration building along Federal Way, complete with a large parking lot designed to accommodate over 120 vehicles. This area will be tastefully screened from public view using landscaping and fencing, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics. Additionally, the site will feature a fleet building, welding shop, indoor and outdoor storage areas, magnesium chloride tanks, and other essential facilities. The salt and sand shed will be strategically placed along the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, optimizing logistics and space utilization.

Plans for this ambitious project were meticulously reviewed and approved by the City of Boise in 2023. The approval came just before changes to the zoning code that would have restricted certain elements of the site plan, including the parking lot along Federal Way. This timely approval ensures that the project can proceed without delays. The new facility aims to enhance ACHD's operational efficiency, providing better support for road maintenance and emergency services in the region. Construction activities beyond initial land clearing are yet to commence, but the groundwork has been laid for a comprehensive and well-planned development.

Resolving Long-Standing Disputes and Moving Forward

The relocation of ACHD's maintenance facility from Garden City to Boise not only represents a physical move but also marks the resolution of a contentious issue. For years, ACHD and Garden City were embroiled in a legal and political battle over the location of the existing maintenance yard. The conflict centered on the coverage of salt and sand piles, which became a pressing concern following severe winter storms in 2016 and 2017. When the conditional use permit expired, tensions escalated as Garden City initially refused to renew it. This led to court action and legislative attempts by ACHD to bypass local regulations, which were ultimately unsuccessful due to widespread opposition from Ada County leaders.

Ultimately, ACHD decided to relocate its maintenance operations to the Apple Street site, a decision that took several years to implement. The highway district and Garden City eventually reached a mutual agreement, bringing an end to the prolonged dispute and fostering better cooperation between the two entities. Beyond the maintenance facility, ACHD plans to move its non-maintenance operations to west Boise, further decentralizing its presence and improving service delivery across the county. This strategic move reflects ACHD's commitment to enhancing its infrastructure and addressing the evolving needs of the community.