During the past 20 years, more than $4 billion has gone to improving the way in which people move throughout Orange County
March 28, 2011
ORANGE – The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) brings to a close the Measure M program next week, which during the past two decades has paved the way for more than $4 billion in transportation improvements.
Collection of the half-cent sales tax officially stops on March 31, ending a program approved by voters 1990.
“Measure M has transformed the way in which our residents and visitors travel throughout this county,” said OCTA Chair Patricia Bates, also the Fifth District Supervisor. “The program has improved each one of our freeways, hundreds of miles of city streets and our transit system, and more importantly it has significantly benefitted our quality of life.”
Measure M improvements have been split into three general categories, with 43 percent funding freeway projects, 32 percent funding streets and roads projects, and 25 percent funding transit improvements:
$1.75 billion to upgrade to every Orange County freeway
$1.3 billion for city street and road projects
$1 billion for Metrolink service and senior and disabled bus fare stabilization
The accomplishments of Measure M include:
Adding192 freeway lane miles
Improving 170 intersection and 38 freeway interchanges
Providing $600 million to local agencies for improvements
Implementing Metrolink service in Orange County
The voters of Orange County again decided to entrust OCTA with their tax dollars by renewing Measure M in 2006. On April 1, the first half-cent of what is estimated to be $15 billion over the next 30 years will be collected for Measure M2.
“The success of Measure M is a shining example of what can be accomplished when government agencies, residents and the business community work together to achieve a common goal,” said OCTA CEO Will Kempton. “We look forward to once again delivering on our promises to voters through Measure M2.”
