Phoenix (AZ Family) — Arizona’s two most populous counties will vote to decide whether to continue a half-cent tax to fund transportation projects as the Phoenix metropolitan area and surrounding areas continue to experience a population boom. is being carried out.
The following will be on the ballot in Maricopa County this year: props 479. Voters first approved the tax in 1985 and renewed it in 2004, contributing to the construction of the Beltway and SR-51.
If passed, the tax would be extended for another 20 years and would raise nearly $15 billion in revenue (in 2020 dollars, not accounting for inflation).
An overwhelming majority of Arizonans support the ballot measure, which is supported by the public. Maricopa Government Association (MAG) and all major cities around Phoenix.
Government officials say the funding will help reduce average commute times to around 30 minutes by 2050. 1.7 million people and 900,000 jobs Based on current forecasts.
Phoenix city officials say the funding will help with maintenance. Valley Metro Light Rail Systemcreate new bus rapid transit routewhich will improve several busy roads and improve a 31-mile stretch of Interstate 17 and Interstate 10, also known as the freeway. “Spine Corridor””, which accounts for almost half of the daily highway traffic.
The money could also help complete Loop 303 and accelerate the development of State Route 30, a new route between Phoenix and Buckeye.
MAG reports that compared to a “no-construction scenario,” Prop 479 will reduce afternoon commute times by one-third and help reduce congestion on critical freight routes. This will generate $2.4 billion in net new economic activity annually, save local businesses travel time and transportation/logistics costs, and create more than 30,000 good-paying jobs.
In fast-growing Pinal County, voters are deciding whether to keep the same taxes in their community. The county has added about 60,000 people since 2020, an increase of nearly 14%.
Traffic is a major concern for Maricopa, a developing city located about 40 miles south of Phoenix, which relies on one main route into the Valley. State Route 347.
Over the past five years, the tax has generated $10 million to $15 million for road repairs, air pollution reduction and pavement preservation, according to the county. Continuation of the tax is important for city leaders looking to find new ways to keep up with growth.
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