Mitch Watkins takes reins as new Idaho Transportation Board Chairman

BOISE - Twin Falls businessman Mitch Watkins, the current representative for the south-central Idaho region, will become the next Idaho Transportation Board Chairman, replacing Bill Moad, who chaired the board for the last seven years. Watkins will take the helm at the upcoming monthly meeting, to be held Aug.19-20 in Idaho Falls and Rigby.

"I'm humbled to have been selected to lead the Idaho Transportation Board," Watkins said. "Rapid expansion and growth in the state is putting increased pressure on an already-burdened transportation system, and a strategic deployment of improvements to our network of roads and bridges are a critical part of the solution."

Watkins began his service on the transportation board Jan. 31, 2024, replacing Jim Kempton in representing the region that stretched from Twin Falls north to Sun Valley.

Watkins is the owner of Watkins Distributing Sales and Service, a full-service beverage distributor with facilities in Boise, Jerome, Idaho Falls, Lewiston, and Hayden, along with Miles City and Kalispell, Montana. He has served voluntarily in numerous state and local organizations. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Washington.

The seven-member Idaho Transportation Board meets once a month to oversee the operations of the Idaho Transportation Department. The Idaho Transportation Board establishes state transportation policy and guides the planning, development and management of a transportation network that is safe, efficient and enhances Idaho's economy and quality of life.