Measure D passes, will fund transportation projects

Major transportation improvement projects in Santa Cruz County are getting the green light as a half-cent sales tax is set to bring in about $17 million annually over the next 30 years.

Election results certified this week show 67 percent of voters approved Measure D on the November ballot.

While over two thirds of county voters approved the measure, it was not without its critics.

“Well, I’m a little bit suspicious of government appropriation of funds in my area. It seems like when this happens, we wait years to see these things and I was really hoping, I voted against it,” said resident Zalila Moon.

Officials with the county’s Regional Transportation Commission say it will fund a series of much-needed projects.

“Give us a chance to demonstrate how well we can use this money,” said George Dondero, RTC’s executive director. “I think for those who are mistrustful of government and use of tax dollars, the good thing here is that this money is locally generated and it’s locally controlled. It will not go to Sacramento. It will not go to Washington, or to other counties. It will all be spent here to make transportation better in the county.”

Measure D funds are expected to pay for the widening of Highway 1, construction of a wildlife tunnel under Highway 17, and work on the coastal rail trail.

The sales tax change starts next April.