A record number of such measures are on ballots across the country, reflecting an increased interest in meeting the growing demand for public transportation by local and state action.
If voters in Snohomish, King and Pierce counties say yes to the so-called “Sound Transit 3” plan, an average household would pay $400 per year more in property, sales and car taxes.
Although it is the first long-term surface transportation bill since SAFTEA-LU expired in 2009, which will give the industry a sense of security when planning, it still didn’t solve the most pressing issue — finding a sustainable funding mechanism.
The planned extension will be the first project to get a boost from the city's Transportation 2050 program, which raised sales taxes to fund bus, street and light-rail improvements.
Six of the winning referendums will provide additional revenue to public transportation systems through a new sales tax in the following communities and counties: Fraser, Colo. (62%); Winter Park, Colo. (56%); Davis County, Utah (57%); Tooele County, Utah (51%), Weber County, Utah (57%); and Snohomish County, Wash. (51%).
The 10-year, 0.3627-mill transit tax will fund transit services that are a part of TheRide’s Five-Year Transit Improvement Program. The tax will raise approximately $403,000 when first levied.
The county’s transportation policy leadership group outlined a public outreach effort that will be carried out by the firm that will include eight community and two regional meetings along with speaking engagements by county leaders.
The study, which was conducted by AECOM, has reportedly dismayed advocates of a plan to put a tax-for-transportation referendum on an upcoming ballot, perhaps by 2016.
The referendum will occur during the general elections on March 31 and April 1.
media brand
The secure and easy all-access connection to your content.
Bookmarked content can then be accessed anytime on all of your logged in devices!
Already a member? Log In
