Transportation Referenda Score Big

November 13, 2006

Transportation scored high at the ballot box on Tuesday, winning 21 of 30 measures (3 still pending) totaling $40 billion in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the nation, representing a 70 percent approval rating. Among the winners were state-wide initiatives that included, in California, a bond initiative that provides $19.9 billion for transportation projects, including more than $4 billion for transit projects. In New Jersey, an amendment dedicating $78 million to the current $468 million existing motor fuels tax will help fund the state transportation system. In Rhode Island, $2.3 million in General Obligation (GO) bonds will provide the local share of federal capital funding for the development of a new bus storage/maintenance/administrative facility. In Minnesota, a dedicated car and truck sales tax for transportation is expected to generate approximately $300 million annually. In Salt Lake County, Utah a sales tax could raise about $50 million a year to fund commuter rail, TRAX light rail, and other projects allowing for a completion date of 2015 rather than 2030. With this year's results, voters have approved more than $100 billion for transportation investment since 2000, clearly showing that Americans recognize the need for improved mobility and are willing to pay for it. Additional information can be obtained through the Center for Transportation Excellence at www.cfte.org/success/2006BallotMeasures.asp