An 11-member independent oversight committee reviews how the funds are being spent to improve transportation in Orange County and found OCTA is delivering on promises for 33rd straight year
ORANGE – The Measure M Taxpayer Oversight Committee has determined for the 33rd consecutive year that the Measure M transportation investment plan is being delivered as promised to the voters of Orange County.
The Taxpayer Oversight Committee held its annual Measure M public hearing Tuesday, June 11, and found that the Orange County Transportation Authority is proceeding in accordance with the Measure M plan, which was renewed by 70% of voters in 2006.
“It’s important we have the members of this independent committee ensuring OCTA is investing taxpayer funds as intended to improve the way we all move throughout the county,” said OCTA Chair Tam T. Nguyen, also a public representative on the Board of Directors. “It’s reassuring that for the 33rd year in a row the committee has determined those funds are being properly used to improve quality of life in our county.”
The independent 11-member oversight committee was formed to monitor OCTA’s use of Measure M funding, approve all changes to the investment plan and hold annual public hearings on whether OCTA is proceeding in accordance with the plan.
Measure M will continue funding balanced and sustainable transportation improvements through 2041 with revenues expected to exceed $14 billion. The voter-approved funding plan allocates 43% to freeways, 32% to streets and roads, 25% to transit, and includes two environmental programs.
The goals of Measure M include:
- Relieving congestion
- Maintaining transportation infrastructure
- Supporting rail and community transit options
- Synchronize signals across cities and the county
- Reducing transit costs for seniors and people with disabilities
- Preserving and restoring natural habitat in perpetuity, and
- Reducing transportation-related pollution in Orange County.
The original Measure M made possible more than $4 billion worth of transportation improvements to help Orange County residents, workers and visitors travel more efficiently throughout all parts of the county.
For more information about Measure M or the Taxpayer Oversight Committee, visit www.octa.net/TOC.
