Imperial County Voters Agree That Measure D = Better Roads

Measure D, a half-cent sales tax passed by voters in 1989 to pay for street and road maintenance and other transportation projects throughout Imperial County, was set to expire in 2010. However, an astounding 83.5% of Imperial County voters approved Measure D on the November 4, 2008 ballot which extended the tax for another 40 years and will provide an estimated $980 million for transportation projects throughout the county. Measure D directs that the money be spent as follows:

• Up to 92 percent for local street and road improvements. Funds will be distributed to each city and to the county based largely on population.
• 5 percent for state highway improvements within the county.
• At least 2 percent for senior transit programs and related services.
• No more than 1 percent to administer the program.

The new Measure D continues the goals of the current Measure D: to repair and maintain existing roads and improve highways to reduce congestion and improve traffic safety. To ensure this, each local jurisdiction is required to prepare an annual list of projects to be implemented over the succeeding five years, public hearings must be held to provide an opportunity for citizen review of these projects, and the project lists must be approved by the Local Transportation Authority.

Measure D funds can only be used for transportation projects. Important voter safeguards require independent oversight and accountabililty of the funds. Measure D also provides an important source of local matching funds needed to attract additional state and federal transportation dollars to Imperial County.

Measure D was supported by many groups, cities, and elected officials. No ballot argument was filed against the measure.

The Auto Club helped develop the measure and strongly supported Measure D to ensure Imperial County has adequate resources to repair and expand local roads, improve traffic safety, complete needed highway projects, and improve local transit services.

To read more about the Measure D ballot proposal, visit www.yesonmeasured.net.

For more information on Measure D developed by the Auto Club, see this brochure.