Fla. county passes long-term plan, still needs funding

TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County’s Metropolitan Planning Organization board approved a grand plan for future road improvements and mass transit, but it will include wording explaining the county is still trying to figure out how to pay for the intersection improvements, more buses, light rail and road repairs, The Tampa Tribune reported.

The Transportation Policy Leadership Group, made up of all of the Hillsborough County commissioners and the mayors of Tampa, Temple Terrace and Plant City, is in the process of devising a plan to fund transportation for economic development. Its members have discussed placing a referendum on the 2016 ballot for a 1-cent sales tax to pay for transportation upgrades. The tax would raise about $6 billion over 30 years. For the full story, click here.