Independent committee charged with overseeing half-cent sales tax spending determines for 28th consecutive year that OCTA is on track
ORANGE – The Measure M Taxpayers Oversight Committee has determined for the 28th consecutive year that Measure M is being delivered as promised to the voters of Orange County.
The Taxpayer Oversight Committee held its annual Measure M public hearing Tuesday, June 11 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 taxpayers of Orange County entrust that OCTA will administer Measure M funds wisely, and the Taxpayer Oversight Committee plays a vital role in ensuring promises made are being kept,” said OCTA Chairman Tim Shaw. “I’m extremely proud of the fact that the committee has determined for 28 straight years that OCTA is keeping its promises.”
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 more than $13 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 also 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.
