Alameda Prepares to Hit Up Voters for Support of Sales Tax; Commission Spells out Plans

We relayed recently that Alameda County could become the first Northern California county with a transportation tax as high as a penny. The county’s Transportation Commission proposed a sales tax increase for the November 2012 ballot, and if it is to pass, it will require a two-thirds vote. In an update, the Commission has developed a new transportation expenditure plan with a bevy of new road and transit projects in preparation for taking the issue to the voters. Now that a plan has been created, Mercury News reports on the next step: “Now the spending plan needs approval from at least eight of 14 city councils in cities representing a majority of the county population.” A $400 million proposal to extend BART to Livermore is one topic that has roiled debate more than other suggestions.

Here’s the rundown on how the county plans to spend $7.8 billion in funding from the 1-cent sales tax over the next 30 years:

• Mass transit and paratransit: $3.7 billion (48 percent of total), includes operating funds of $1.45 billion for AC Transit, $77.4 million for BART maintenance, $38.7 million for Livermore Amador Valley Transit and $774 million to operate paratransit for seniors and the disabled. It also includes $400 million to extend BART to Livermore.
• Local roads and streets: $2.34 billion (30 percent)
• Highway efficiency and freight: $677 million (9 percent)
• Bicycle and pedestrian: $651 million (8 percent)
• Transit-oriented development: $300 million (4 percent)
• Technology innovation: $77.4 million (1 percent)

The county has emphasized the tax is necessary to address the needs of a growing population and the increase in congestion. The region is expected to grow by 500,000 people and supporters argue with transit funds getting around the county will be far easier.