Voters approve transportation ballot initiatives

Voters across the nation Nov. 8 approved five separate transportation-related referendums and ballot initiatives, sending a clear signal that Americans support investment in transportation infrastructure, according to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA).

By an overwhelming 81% to 19%, voters in Arkansas approved nearly $600 million in bonds to finance expanded transportation improvements in the largest of the initiatives.

Eight of the nine measures, which were considered in Colorado, Michigan, Washington and Arkansas, aimed to increase funding specifically for transportation spending. Five measures were approved with an average vote of 71%.

Tuesday’s election featured two statewide and seven local ballot measures. Five of the measures were for new or extended taxes, renewals or increases, one initiative renewed a bonding program, two were transportation levies, and one—which as of press time was still too close to call—was related to toll use in Washington state.

ARTBA’s ballot initiative report can be viewed at: www.artba.org/ballot.