Measure M
Passed by more than two-thirds of voters in November 2004, the Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County (Measure M) continues to deliver multi-modal transportation improvements throughout the county. Measure M provides for a ¼ cent sales tax to be used to maintain local streets, fix potholes, accelerate the widening of Highway 101 for High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes, improve local street operations, restore and enhance transit services, support the development of passenger rail service, and build safe bicycle and pedestrian routes. The funds are dedicated towards specific programs and projects specified in the voter approved Expenditure Plan.
Measure M Expenditure Plan
The Expenditure Plan for the Traffic Relief Act identifies funding programs and specific projects to be implemented in order to keep Sonoma County moving. Measure M collects and disburses a ¼ sales tax for the duration of 20 years.
The programs and projects contained in the Traffic Relief Act for Sonoma County are based upon the 2004 Comprehensive Transportation Plan (CTP) developed by SCTA. The 2004 CTP identified goals related to the movement of people and goods through the improvement and maintenance of all modes of transportation. These goals and objectives are reflective of public feedback heard in workshops and outreach events throughout the county. Taken together, these goals and objectives create the strategy through which SCTA can shape our transportation future. Learn more in our Annual Report.
|
Program |
% of Funding | ||
|
Highway 101 Projects |
40% | ||
|
Local Road Rehabilitation (LSR) |
20% | ||
|
Local Street Projects (LSP) |
20% | ||
|
Local Bus Transit (LBT) |
10% | ||
|
Passenger Rail (SMART) |
5% | ||
|
Bike/Ped Projects |
4% | ||
|
Administration |
1% |
Local Streets Rehabilitation (LSR) Program and Local Bus Transit (LBT) Program
Measure M continues to provide Sonoma County and its nine cities with a reliable fund source for on-going local street maintenance and public transit operational needs through its two apportionment programs. The LSR program provides all nine jurisdictions with increased funding for the maintenance and operations of their existing local streets. The LBT program provides funding to three transit operators, to augment both regular and paratransit bus service.
Highway 101 Program
The Highway 101 program continues to make substantial progress in the delivery of a third lane in each direction from Windsor to the Marin County line. The Petaluma Blvd. South Interchange and Petaluma River Bridge (MSN B-2) project, the Lakeville Highway Separation Structures (MSN C-3) project are under construction.
Design plans to complete the remaining Highway 101 carpool lanes to the Marin County line are 95% complete. SCTA is working with Caltrans to acquire the remaining right-of-way needed to complete the corridor, and is well positioned to take advantage of future funding opportunities .
Local Street Projects (LSP)
Local jurisdictions have used Measure M to help fund various projects identified in the Local Street Projects (LSP) program. In the LSP program, the Hearn Avenue Phase 1 project was completed. Phase 4 of the Airport Project (Airport Boulevard Overcrossing / Highway 101 Interchange) and the Old Redwood Highway Overcrossing / Highway 101 Interchange were completed as was the Arnold Drive / Agua Caliente Road roundabout (Phase 2 of the Arnold Drive Improvements project).
Passenger Rail Program (SMART)
The Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) District continued construction of the first phase of the of the rail project, from San Rafael to Santa Rosa, including rail and grade crossing upgrades needed to bring passenger rail to Sonoma County.
Measure M has been a reliable fund source, helping to maintain and build upon Sonoma County’s transportation network. Measure M funds have been used to improve the quality of local roads; increase local bus transit service, reduce congestion, increase bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and bring commuter rail service to Sonoma County.