Orange County voters have until 7 p.m. November 8 to make their opinion known on a proposed one-cent sales tax that could fund transportation needs for future generations.
There is currently no dedicated funding source for Orange County transportation projects but if passed, the new tax could collect roughly $600 million a year to fund transit projects, roads, safety measures, and new technology infrastructure related to transportation.
The sales tax applies to the first $5,000 of sales and would not apply to essential grocery items, prescription drugs, medical supplies, and utilities. The funds would be earmarked specifically for transportation, capital, and operations and maintenance – or more specifically, the breakdown of the funding would be 45% to roadways and safety, 45% to transit, and 10% to local municipalities for their own special projects.
If passed, the funds would start being collected on January 1, 2023, and would double Orange County’s transit system, creating more frequent, reliable, and faster LYNX bus service. It will expand SunRail service to seven days a week, connect SunRail to the airport and all major activity and employment centers, and it will fund new East-West connections. Improvements will be made to safety, roadways, and operations and maintenance.
Learn more about the Orange County Transportation Initiative Plan before heading to the polls, HERE.