Residents in Maricopa County have decisively backed the continuation of a transportation funding measure that’s been a cornerstone for regional infrastructure since the ’80s. Proposition 479, an extension of a half-cent sales tax dedicated to transportation, will provide nearly $15 billion over the next two decades for ongoing and new projects, the Maricopa Association of Governments reported. According to a
statement obtained by Arizona’s MAG
, this purse will help keep the average commute to a reasonable 30 minutes, even with an expected influx of nearly 2 million new residents.
The support for the proposition indicates not just a win for local commuters, but an economic boon for the state as a whole. “The investments will fund a transportation system to help create more than $30 billion in net new income for the region,”
Chandler Mayor and MAG Chair Kevin Hartke pointed out
. Moreover, the proposition speaks to a significant expansion of highways, with 331 new freeway/highway lane miles and improvements to other critical transportation infrastructures in plan.
Transportation is pivotal to the area’s growing southeastern communities, especially as they anticipate booming growth. Queen Creek Mayor and Transportation Policy Committee Chair Julia Wheatley emphasized how “with funding from Proposition 479, we can upgrade SR 24 to a full freeway between Loop 202 and Ironwood Drive” to support this expansion, according to
the MAG release
. These improvements are poised to address the transportation needs of tomorrow, with the plan also carving out funds for advanced technology and street rehabilitation.
Pivotal to the region’s quality of life, the revamped transportation system is set to diversify transit options and bolster ADA paratransit services—gains that Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego believes are vital. “Phoenix wouldn’t be where it is today without its strong transportation and transit systems, and the passage of Prop 479 ensures we’ll be able to enjoy modern, reliable infrastructure for decades to come,” she voiced in
a statement from MAG
. The comprehensive plan also touts new HOV lane miles, arterial road improvements, and investment in Bus Rapid Transit to facilitate the region’s thriving economic and residential tapestry.
Now that voters have signalled their commitment to regional infrastructure investment, local leaders are poised to initiate the next phase. “Reaching the finish line with the passage of Proposition 479 is just the start of the journey,”
Hartke elaborated
. “We stand ready to get to work on the promises made to voters and deliver a world-class transportation system.” With such widespread support and a robust funding strategy, Maricopa’s transportation future seems set on a clear, well-paved path ahead.
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