Sales tax for transportation earns support
from hospitality, agriculture

 A sales tax to fund major road improvements has earned the backing of Monterey County Hospitality Association and Monterey County Farm Bureau.

The organizations representing key segments of the county’s economy, agriculture and hospitality, jointly announced that they have endorsed a half-cent sales tax that is expected to be on the November 2008 ballot.

If approved by two-thirds of voters next year, the Sales Tax Investment Plan would fund transportation projects planned by the Transportation Agency for Monterey County.  The $900 million in local revenues would attract another $800 million in matching funds from state and federal sources, to provide $1.7 billion in transportation improvements.

MCHA President Gary Cursio thanked TAMC for its willingness to work with the two associations to shape the transportation package.

Farm Bureau President Jason Smith emphasized the importance of support from the two industries that are the economic drivers of the county economy.  He praised TAMC for directing taxpayers’ money to “priority road improvements that return the greatest benefit to all of us.”

Both organizations promised to help TAMC develop an effective citizens’ oversight committee to keep projects and priorities on course over the term of the tax.  The two groups worked with TAMC to shape priorities that benefit jobs and residents, including:

Comprehensive improvements to Highway 156, including both widening and the Highway 101 interchange.  Relieving congestion and improving safety on Highway 156 will benefit tourism and local traffic on this road and will relieve congestion on Highway 101 that carries farm products and serves all county residents.

Increased return-to-source funds.  Twenty-five percent of tax money will go back to cities and the county to improve local roads, which serve the residents throughout the county.

Revised priorities for South County projects.  Highway projects advocated by Salinas Valley cities will serve local needs and agriculture and will contribute to safety and traffic flow on Highway 101.

The 25-year term would allow bond funding so major projects could be started immediately.

Fifty percent of tax money would go to highway projects, including improvements on Highway 101, Highway 156, Highway 1, Highway 68 and the Del Monte/Lighthouse Avenue corridor.

The 25% return-to-source funds include an expectation that local governments will maintain prior funding for road work.

The remaining 25% would go to alternative transportation, with 20% for bus and other transit.

Monterey County Farm Bureau is a private, nonprofit association of farmers and ranchers, providing information, representation, programs and services.  More information is available at www.MontereyCFB.com.

Monterey County Hospitality Association is a local trade association working on behalf of the hospitality industry in Monterey County.  More information is available at www.MCHA.net.

Transportation Agency for Monterey County can be found at www.TAMCMonterey.org.

(Posted November 19, 2007)

Home Up