phoenix – Come November, Maricopa County voters will weigh policies specific to their county, and the results could impact transportation projects for years to come.

Here’s what you need to know about Proposition 479.

What is Proposition 479?

around If approved, Proposition 479, a public relations pamphlet published by Maricopa County, would extend the half-cent sales tax for another 20 years, until Dec. 31, 2045.

“This excise tax revenue will be used to build new highways, widen existing highways and highways, expand and repair regional highway systems, expand regional bus service, and support Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) paratransit. and expand the region’s mass transit system,” the brochure read in part. “All proposed projects to be funded from proposed excise taxes and other locally available funds are identified in the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan.”

Is this a new tax?

This is not a new tax, as Maricopa County residents have been paying taxes for decades.

Voters in the county approved a half-cent sales tax in 1985, according to the pamphlet. This tax was renewed in 2004 for another 20 years.

According to According to official results from the 2004 Maricopa County general election, more than 647,000 people, or 57.68 percent of voters, approved what was then known as Proposition 400.

“Since 1985, the half-cent sales tax has been used to build regional transportation networks, funding the construction of Loops 101, 202, and 303 and State Routes 24, 51, and 143, and “We have supported bus transit and regional transit, light rail systems, and expanded and built hundreds of miles of highways,” the brochure reads in part.

How much revenue is the tax expected to generate?

Based on 2020 purchasing power, a half-cent sales tax is expected to generate approximately $14.9 billion in revenue from 2026 to 2045, according to numbers provided in the brochure.

Specifically, 40.5% of the revenue would be allocated to highways and other lines on the state highway system, 37% to public transportation, and 22.5% to “arterial roads, intersection improvements, and regional transportation.” There is. transportation infrastructure. ”

What projects will this measure help finance?

Officials say revenue from the sales tax continuation will help fund projects outlined in the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Plan, which has been approved by various mayors and elected leaders in the region. Revenue from the half-cent sales tax will account for 53 percent of the funding for the various projects, with the remainder coming from the State Highway User Revenue Fund, the Federal Transportation Fund and the Federal Highway Fund.

“The investment plan includes 331 new freeway/express lane miles, 134 new High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane miles, 43 new or improved transportation interchanges, 19 new direct HOV ramps, and three new or Includes an improved system interchange” brochure.

Major road projects funded by this tax include:

• Complete the Southeast Valley Gateway Freeway (also known as State Route 24)
• Build the Tres Rios Expressway, also known as State Route 30 or Interstate 10 Relief, in the southwest valley between Loop 303 and Interstate 17.
• Interim improvements to the Tres Rios Expressway between State Route 85 and Loop 303 are under construction.
• Extending and improving I-17 from its “split” interchange with I-10 to Loop 101.
• Expanding the westbound lanes of I-10 from Loop 101 (Agus Fria Highway) to I-17.

The brochure states that the Regional Strategic Transport Infrastructure Plan also includes investments in public transport, including:

• Nearly double existing funding for regional bus services and partner with local jurisdictions
• Expanding existing commuter bus services
• Contributed to the establishment of over 45 miles of express bus transportation in the region
• It partners with local cities on rail projects, including westbound light rail expansions along Interstate 10 and in West Phoenix, and planned streetcar expansions in Tempe and Mesa.

The plan also includes more than 1,000 miles of new and improved roads, with $2.9 billion earmarked for such projects.

What are supporters saying about Proposition 479?

The pamphlet listed many arguments for and against the ballot measure.

Some supporters of the measure say it will help improve the lives of county residents in a number of ways.

“The 2022 needs assessment shows that more than 80% of Arizona [Community Health Centers] We identified transportation as a major barrier to health services. Prop. 479 will ensure patients can get to their medical appointments whether by car, bus or mobility van,” said Jessica Yanow and Jennifer Longdon, Arizona Community Health Center Alliance Read part of the joint argument written jointly with

“Projects funded by Prop. 479 will not only ensure that our transportation system can meet the demands of a growing population, but will also be critical in improving the quality of life and health status of all residents, especially seniors.” ” reads in part a joint argument written by Brendon Blake and Dana Marie Kennedy with AARP Arizona. “As we age, we are more likely to become isolated, which can negatively impact our physical and mental health. That’s why we support investments like those funded by Prop 479 to help you stay active. Whether you drive or choose other options like public transportation, you need the added support of dial-a-ride. Even if

What are opponents saying about Prop 479?

Some opponents say the measure funds public transportation, which in their opinion is little used.

“That’s not my intention. [be] I objected to this funding except when driving a car. [past] One of these huge shiny modern buses, I looked inside and was so sad to see it all empty,” wrote Diama Marshall of Chandler. ”

Two Arizona Free Enterprise Club board members, Scott Musi and Amy Yentes, called the measure a “transportation slush fund disguised as a transportation plan.”

A joint argument against the bill reads in part: “The proposed $70 billion in profiteering would divert nearly the same amount of money toward construction of light rail and other transportation projects as it does toward highway construction.” It is written. “Worse still, the millions of dollars they claim they set aside with Prop. 479 for street improvements are actually ‘road diets’ – narrowing existing roads, creating expansive sidewalks and protected streets.” It’s being paid for by a crazy plan to replace it with bike lanes.”

What are polls saying about Prop 479?

numbers According to a Noble Predictive Insights poll conducted Aug. 12-16, 64% of those surveyed support Proposition 479, 18% oppose it, and 19% are unsure of their position on the bill. It was shown that there is no.

“Proposition 479 has enjoyed majority support from Maricopa County voters for more than a year, and opposition to renewal in particular has remained unchanged over the past year,” a news release about the poll reads in part.