The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) board has adopted the 2019 Measure M2 Next 10 Delivery Plan, reflecting a balanced transportation system that supports sustainability while making improvements to freeways, streets and transit service throughout Orange County.

The 2019 plan update was created in response to new revenue forecasts for Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as OC Go. After experiencing the success and progress of the original Measure M, nearly 70% of voters renewed the half-cent sales tax in 2006 to launch OC Go. One half-cent at a time, OC Go allows OCTA to make transportation improvements that benefit the public and the local economy.

Measure M is now expected to generate $13.4 billion through 2041, an increase of $300 million compared to last year’s sales tax revenue forecast, the first forecasted increase since 2014. The Next 10 Plan, which sets project and program priorities over a 10-year period through 2026, aims to deliver transportation improvements promised to voters through Measure M as early as possible.

The Next 10 Plan calls for:

  • Delivering up to $4.3 billion in freeway projects, including completing 26 of 30 freeway project segments promised in Measure M
  • Allocating nearly $1 billion for street improvements, including synchronizing traffic signals and providing flexible funding to cities to improve their roads
  • Investing approximately $1 billion to enhance access to transit services, including delivery of the OC Streetcar and expanding Metrolink service
  • Ensuring the ongoing preservation of open space preserves and providing $40 million in water quality grants aimed at preventing the flow of trash and debris into waterways

Darrell E. Johnson, OCTA Chief Executive Officer, says the benefits of the Measure M program have been tremendous for Orange County. “Our local tax dollars are invested directly back into the community to fund improvements on our freeways, neighborhood streets and the transit system. OC Go helps ensure that our county will remain an ideal place to live, work and visit well into the future.”

Source: Various