Half-cent sales tax is driving force behind local transportation improvements and an independent review finds the program is on track for the 24th year
ORANGE – The Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee has determined that Measure M is being delivered as promised to Orange County voters for the 24th consecutive year.
The committee held its annual Measure M public hearing Tuesday night and unanimously found that the Orange County Transportation Authority is proceeding in accordance with the ordinances that were approved by voters first in 1990 and renewed 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 Measure M.
"I’m very happy that the Taxpayers Oversight Committee has confirmed once again that OCTA is fulfilling its promises to voters and spending Measure M dollars effectively," said OCTA Chairman Jeff Lalloway, also the mayor pro tem of Irvine. "Every resident in this county has benefitted from Measure M and our commitment to delivering these projects will continue for years to come."
The original Measure M half-cent sales tax made possible more than $4 billion worth of transportation improvements. Since 1990, hundreds of local projects have been completed that help residents travel throughout the county every day. This includes improvements to every freeway, widened streets, synchronized signals and improved intersections. Measure M also made possible Metrolink commuter-rail service in Orange County.
Renewed by 70 percent of voters in 2006, Measure M is expected to generate nearly $16 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 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/Measure-M.
