News Story

Independent committee in charge of overseeing half-cent transportation sales tax spending determines that OCTA is on track

ORANGE – An independent committee has determined for the 30th consecutive year that the Orange County Transportation Authority is successfully delivering on its promises made to voters through Measure M, the county’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements

The Taxpayer Oversight Committee held its annual Measure M, also known as OC Go, hearing via teleconference on Tuesday, June 8, and unanimously found that OCTA is once again proceeding in accordance with the ordinances that were first approved by voters in 1990 and renewed by 70 percent of voters in 2006.

The independent, 11-member committee was formed to monitor OCTA’s use of Measure M funding, which sets a course for delivering transit, street and freeway improvements, while protecting the environment, through 2041. The committee approves all changes to the Measure M plan and holds annual public hearings on the expenditure of funds generated by the half-cent sales tax entrusted to OCTA.

“I’m extremely proud the committee has determined OCTA continues delivering on our promises, all of which result in tangible transportation benefits for every person in Orange County,” said OCTA Chairman Andrew Do, also the county’s First District Supervisor. “Independent validation of OCTA’s work consistently for 30 straight years is a remarkable accomplishment and I appreciate all the committee members’ contributions, which have helped ensure OCTA remains a transparent, innovative and responsive public agency.”

The current Measure M (2011 – 2041) is committed to delivering a balanced and sustainable transportation system in Orange County. The plan supports two environmental programs and allocates 43 percent of funding to freeways, 32 percent to streets and 25 percent to transit.

The original Measure M (1990 – 2010) made possible more than $4 billion of transportation improvements, including improvements to freeways, widened streets, synchronized signals and intersections. It also provided the means for Orange County’s Metrolink commuter-rail service, which continues to be funded by OC Go today.

For more information on the Taxpayers Oversight Committee, please visit octa.net/TOC.