U.S. voters backed dozens of statewide and local ballot measures Nov. 8 that pave the way to shore up or protect transportation funding streams.
The American Public Transportation Association called it "an historic day . . . as voters approved 33 of 48 local and statewide public transit measures" and one was still too close to call on Nov. 9.
Among the victories for transportation ballot measures, Maine voters approved a $100 million bond issue to pay for a range of transportation projects including highway, bridge, harbor, freight rail, transit, aviation and bicycle/pedestrian trails.
Austin, Texas, voters backed a record-high $720 million bond proposal for local road, trail and transit improvements.
South Carolina voters in Charleston and Dorchester counties approved a sales-tax increase to raise $2.1 billion for transit, road and greenspace projects.
Earlier this year, the Illinois General Assembly opted to put before voters a proposed constitutional amendment to require all transportation taxes and fees to be spent only on transportation needs. The measure reportedly won 79% approval this week, well above the mandated 60% threshold.
New Jersey voters approved a referendum to also protect new transportation revenue from diversions to other budget needs.
