$30B Phoenix transportation plan headed to voters

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Voters will decide on a $30 billion-plus transportation plan funded in part by a sales tax increase after the City Council approved sending it to the ballot possibly as soon as August, The Republic reported.

If passed, the measure would raise the city’s current sales tax from .40% to .70%, which would be in place from 2016 through 2050 to fund transportation.

The proposed plan includes up to 117 miles of new, high-capacity transit, such as light rail, bus rapid transit or streetcars. About $2.4 billion would help maintain major city streets while adding new bicycle lanes and street lights. The plan would also fund maintenance of current services, new bus lines and infrastructure improvements. For the full story, click here.