Independent review finds half-cent sales tax on track for 27th straight year
ORANGE – The Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee has determined that Measure M is being delivered as promised to Orange County voters for the 27th consecutive year.
The Taxpayer Oversight Committee held its annual Measure M public hearing April 10 and unanimously found that the Orange County Transportation Authority is proceeding in accordance with the ordinances that were first approved by voters in 1990 and renewed by 70 percent of voters in 2006.
The independent, 11-member oversight committee was formed to monitor OCTA’s use of Measure M funding, approve all changes to the Measure M plan and hold annual public hearings on the expenditure of funds generated by the sales-tax measure.
"The Taxpayer Oversight Committee plays an essential role in ensuring that Orange County residents receive the promises of Measure M improvements," said OCTA Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett. "As an agency, we are very proud to be entrusted with administering the county’s tax dollars properly for 27 consecutive years."
The original Measure M made possible more than $4 billion worth of transportation improvements to help Orange County residents, workers and visitors travel more efficiently throughout all parts of the county.
Since 1990, hundreds of local projects have been completed that help residents travel more easily, including improvements to freeways, widened streets, synchronized traffic signals and improved intersections. Measure M also made possible Metrolink commuter-rail service in Orange County.
The renewed Measure M, also known as OC Go, is expected to generate $13.5 billion to fund transportation improvements through 2041. Freeways will receive 43 percent of the funding, streets and roads receive 32 percent and transit receives 25 percent of Measure M dollars. The freeway program includes funding for an environmental program that preserves and restores natural habitat and improves water quality.
For more information about Measure M or the Taxpayers Oversight Committee, visit www.octa.net/TOC.
