Towns asked to OK renewal of Measure A transportation tax Towns asked to OK renewal of Measure A transportation tax (May 26, 2004)

By Marion Softky
Almanac Staff Writer

Six yes; 14 to go. So far the cities of San Mateo County are supporting a November ballot measure re-authorizing the Measure A transportation sales tax for another 25 years after the present 20-year sales tax expires in 2008.

To get the measure on the ballot, 50 percent of the county's 20 cities representing 50 percent of the population must approve the expenditure plan approved by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority in March.

If approved by two-thirds of county voters, the next Measure A half-cent sales tax would raise $1.5 billion over 25 years for a complicated mix of projects. The project list was prepared over the last year by the Transportation Authority, working with the cities. Several meetings were held to gather input from the public.

The project list being circulated to the cities includes a complicated mix of funds for Caltrain, buses, shuttles, highway improvements, grade separations, and local street projects.

Since the hearings before the county's 20 city councils started May 10, Daly City, Hillsborough, Redwood City, South San Francisco, and San Mateo have approved the plan. Most recently, the Atherton City Council approved it May 19.

In the South County, Portola Valley will consider the Measure A re-authorization at its meeting Wednesday, May 26. Woodside is scheduled for Tuesday, June 8; Menlo Park and East Palo will consider it on Tuesday, June 15.

If enough cities approve the measure, the Board of Supervisors will place it on the ballot.

Over 25 years, the plan focuses on congestion in key corridors, improving connections with regional transportation systems, enhancing safety, and meeting local needs.

It allocates 30 percent of sales tax revenues to transit; 27.5 percent to highways; 22.5 percent to local cities and the county; and 15 percent to Caltrain grade separations. Within the transit category, 2 percent each would go to BART in the North County, and facilities for new ferries in South San Francisco and Redwood City.

INFORMATION

Information on the plan is available on the Transportation Authority Web site: www.smcta.com.

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