Measure M program plans to deliver approximately $15.7 billion worth of transportation improvements to Orange County by 2041
ORANGE – Nearly 10 years have passed since Measure M, a half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, was renewed by nearly 70 percent of Orange County voters in 2006.
To help gauge the progress of the program so far, the Orange County Transportation Authority is asking residents to share their thoughts on Measure M in a new online survey.
Sales tax collection for Measure M began in April 2011. By the year 2041, the Measure M program plans to deliver approximately $15.7 billion worth of transportation improvements to the region, making it safer, easier, and more pleasant to live and travel in Orange County.
So far, Measure M funds have been used to carry out $900 million in freeway improvements, purchase 1,300 acres of open space for preservation as part of a freeway mitigation program and enhance 52 rail-highway grade crossings, among other upgrades.
Residents can learn more about these projects and others in the works that will improve Orange County neighborhoods and commutes at www.octa.net/Measure-M.
On the web page, residents may also click on the Measure M2 Ten-Year Review Questionnaire to share their opinions about Measure M and transportation improvement priorities for Orange County.
The feedback being collected is part of a requirement of the Measure M ordinance passed by voters, which calls for a comprehensive review of projects and programs at least every 10 years.
Measure M was extended for 30 years following the success of the first 20-year program approved by voters in 1990. The first Measure M brought more than $4 billion worth of transportation improvements to Orange County, including adding 192 freeway lane miles, improving 170 intersections and 38 freeway interchanges, and implementing Metrolink service in Orange County.
