Voters in Texas, Maine Overwhelmingly Approve Transportation Initiatives
Texas’ ballot initiative, Proposition 7, was approved by 83 percent of the electorate. It dedicates $2.5 billion of Texas’ sales and use taxes and 35% of vehicle sales and rental taxes in excess of $5 billion to purchase right of way for and/or build, maintain and repair non-tolled roads. The diversion of general revenues would begin in 2017 with the rest to follow in 2019. The former provision expires at the end of fiscal year 2032 while the latter, which is expected to generate $432 million in its first year, expires at the end of fiscal 2029.
“Now that the people of Texas have spoken, the Texas Transportation Commission stands ready to work with local leaders, communities and planning organizations to deliver roadway projects that are needed to ease congestion, address safety and maintain our extensive transportation system,” Commission Chairman Tryon Lewis said in a statement after the election results were announced.
Last November, Texans voted for Proposition 1, which allocated about $1.2 billion for the state’s highway fund.
“Texans want and deserve a safe, first-class highway system,” State Senate Transportation Chairman Robert Nichol said in a statement. “Voters have made an investment in our state’s economic future by supporting Proposition 7 and ensuring our state’s highway system will be able to keep up with our increasing population and booming economy. With this funding, TxDOT will have a predictable revenue stream with which they will be able to implement long-range transportation plans for our state.”
Texas Trucking Association President John Esparza was excited about the resounding vote in favor of Proposition 7 on the heels of a similar vote for Proposition 1 in 2014.
“It sends a strong message,” Esparza said. “This is the second time in two years that we’ve seen overwhelming support for transportation across the political spectrum. Folks are understanding that we have problems with our roads and that funding them improves everyone’s quality of life. We’re doing this without raising taxes or tolls or adding debt. We just reshuffled our priorities and transportation has come to the top.”
By a nearly 3-1 margin, Maine voters passed an $85 million bond that will fund transportation. All but $20 million will go for roads and bridges.
