Measure A Approved in Santa Barbara County

On November 4th, an overwhelming 78.8% of Sanata Barbara County voters supported Measure A. As a result, the half-cent sales tax that was first approved by voters in 1989 will be extended for another 30 years. Measure A will generate an estimated $1.05 billion, which will match and leverage almost $500 million in state and federal funds for transportation-system improvements.

Measure A projects were selected by community leaders from the South Coast and North County areas. Each region will receive $455 million over 30 years for the highest-priority transportation projects. The measure also will provide $140 million to widen Highway 101 to six lanes between Santa Barbara and Carpinteria. The approval of Measure A also will enable Santa Barbara County to compete more effectively for state and federal matching funds.

Measure A was supported by many local organizations and community leaders, including the Santa Barbara County Taxpayer’s Association; the Santa Barbara Industrial Association; the Coalition for Labor, Agriculture and Business; the county’s eight city councils; and the county board of supervisors. Ballot arguments against Measure A were signed by Jennifer Herrera, executive director, Fix101; Scott Wenz, president, Cars Are Basic Inc.; and R. Ward Sr. Opponents preferred a measure that would expire sooner and would commit more funds to major highway projects, with less money for transit.

The Auto Club strongly supported Measure A. The Club’s view was that Measure A’s investment plan reflected a variety of transportation needs and interests throughout the county, all developed through extensive public involvement in each community. Measure A will ensure uninterrupted investment in future transportation projects, which can take years to complete. The Club was concerned that a failure to pass Measure A would result in project delays, increased costs, and more congestion, and could reduce Santa Barbara County’s share of state and federal transportation funds.

To read more about the Measure A ballot proposal, visit www.yesonmeasurea2008.com.

For more information on Measure A that was developed by the Auto Club in support of the ballot measure, see this brochure.