Voters in Arizona Approve $2.67 Billion Transportation Plan

What happened: Voters in Pima County, Ariz., which includes Tucson, March 10 renewed a 20-year, $2.67 billion investment in the regional transportation plan. The revenue, generated by a half-cent sales tax, was originally approved by voters in 2006. The measures were championed by the Arizona Transportation Builders Association (ATB), and passed with a wide margin of 60 percent in favor and 40 percent against. The support for the came after a challenging campaign.

How it will be spent: An estimated $1.42 billion will be used for roadway projects, $178 million for rehabilitating arterial roads in poor condition, $254 million for safety and ADA projects, and $726 million for regional transit operations.

Why it matters: ATB Executive Director Lisa Hagins said, “The RTA initiative will allow our community to thrive, while providing our first responders better response times and helping us build next level infrastructure.”

What’s next: The Pima County Regional Transportation Authority measures are among many expected to be considered by voters across the country this year. Historically even-numbered years include a large number of significant ballot measures, when most states hold elections, and voter turnout is expected to be higher. View the ARTBA-TIAC Ballot Measure Dashboard to view more results.

Photo credit: RTA Next website.