SAN DIEGO VOTES YES FOR TRANSPORTATION

The article describes how San Diego County voters came to approve a 0.5% sales tax increase for transportation purposes. This measure will generate $2.25 billion for state highways, transit and local streets over the next 20 years. The San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) in conjunction with Caltrans, and other agencies, developed a Regional Transportation Plan which identified a list of needs and financial shortfalls for the next 20 years . SANDAG then initiated a bill to determine a sales tax rate for transportation purposes. An expenditure plan was prepared that identified specific highway, street and transit captial projects. Approximately two thirds of it was earmarked for maintenance. About 45% of the revenue comes from the state gas tax. Several public opinion surveys were performed during the process of convincing voters to help fund transportation with a sales tax, and information was provided to community groups