Pamela Lowe, former Idaho Transportation Department director, filed an amended complaint Monday against the state agency in the lawsuit stemming from her firing earlier this year.

The lawsuit contends that Lowe's case against ITD and its board is tied to due process and constitutional rights.

The focal point of Lowe's suit alleges that the ITD board fired her after she refused to give in to threats from governor's aides to not interfere with a contract originally worth $50 million that benefitted URS Washington Group and CH2M Hill, which were hired as program managers for ITD's Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle bond program.

"It's our position she was fired because she was pushing to cut this contract and got crosswise with the governor's office and some of the legislators," said Erika Birch, Lowe's attorney.

Lowe alleges that the defendants violated her right to due process of by firing her and denying her a hearing and right to appeal her termination. The lawsuit points out that Idaho Code only allows the ITD director to be removed for "inefficiency, neglect of duty, malfeasance or nonfeasance in office."

The lawsuit also contends that the defendants made false allegations about Lowe's job performance. It seeks reinstatement, along with back pay and lost benefits, compensatory damages and attorney fees.

Lowe alleges that her gender was a contributing factor in the board's decision to terminate her, which is a violation of constitutional rights of equal protection.