Marin Voters Approve Transportation Sales Tax

MARIN, CA (BRAIN)--Marin County residents overwhelmingly approved a tax measure allocating funds to local transportation projects. The so-called Measure A introduces a half-cent sales tax that will generate approximately $331 million over the next 20 years.

"This is a huge victory! We are especially pleased that bicycling, walking and Safe Routes to Schools are well represented in the expenditure plan. Marin's transportation sales tax is the first in the nation to include funding for Safe Routes to Schools. We hope that this precedent will serve as a model for other communities," said Deb Hubsmith, executive director of the Marin County Bicycle Coalition.

Funds generated--approximately $14 million/year--will be allocated to four strategies with the goal of reducing traffic congestion and improving transportation in Marin County. Cycling is represented in each of the four strategies: school access, local infrastructure, local public transit and a Highway 101 carpool lane and bikeway.

Measure A was endorsed by nearly 100 Marin County organizations including the Marin Sierra Club, Marin Conservation League, Marin County Bicycle Coalition, Transportation Alternatives for Marin and others.