Photo via Valley Metro
By Jessica Boehm | YourValley
The future of metro Phoenix transportation is on the ballot this year via a proposition that would continue a half-cent sales tax in Maricopa County.
Why it matters: Metro Phoenix has relied on this revenue stream for almost 40 years to fund projects like Loops 101, 202 and 303 and the light rail system.
- If voters fail to extend the tax, the Valley must completely overhaul how it funds new freeways, arterial road repairs and public transportation.
The big picture: Proposition 479 would continue the sales tax, which equates to about 5 cents on a $10 purchase, until 2045.
- That money, combined with state and federal transportation funds, would support a $28.2 billion plan approved by the Maricopa Association of Governments Regional Council.
By the numbers: The plan includes:
- 331 new freeway/highway lane miles
- 1,000 new or improved arterial lane miles
- Nearly 12 miles of new light rail
- More than 28 miles of Bus Rapid Transit
