Board Actions
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February 8, 2010 Board Meeting
Measure M Quarterly Report Indicates Increase In Sales Tax Revenue
Measure M, the half-cent transportation sales tax approved by Orange County voters in 1990, has resulted in the allocation of $698 million in the fourth quarter of 2009 for freeway, street and transit projects.
The final Measure M freeway project, the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) Gateway is 84 percent complete. In addition, during the last quarter, La Habra received $10.2 million for the Imperial Highway (SR-90) Smart Street project. As part of the Metrolink Expansion Project, design work for the new parking structure at the Tustin Metrolink station is 95 percent complete.
Compared with September 2009 projections, Measure M revenue is expected to increase by $1.9 million.
Further Study Planned For Express Lanes Option On I-405 Project
The board approved further study of adding express lanes as one option for the San Diego Freeway I-405 Improvement Project, which would stretch from the San Joaquin Transportation Corridor (SR-73) to the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605).
The express lanes alternative includes adding one general purpose lane in each direction and adding one express lane in each direction, which would operate in conjunction with the existing carpool lanes. Carpools would have free access to the two-lane express lanes, while single-occupant vehicles would pay a toll similar to the 91 Express Lanes.
Preliminary studies show the express lanes could generate up to $200 million annually. This alternative is being explored as a possible way to help fund the improvement project because its total estimated cost exceeds what’s anticipated to be available in Measure M2 revenue.
Funding Limited For STIP Projects
Money available under the 2010 State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), a major source of funding for transportation throughout the state, remains at the 2008 levels because of California’s budget crisis. For fiscal years 2010-11 through 2014-15, $298.3 million is available for Orange County and is expected to be allocated as follows:
- $185.3 million for highway projects
- $92.3 million for transit projects
- $20.7 million for transportation enhancement projects, which is primarily federal funding
The major highway funding is targeted for improvements on the Riverside Freeway (SR-91) / Costa Mesa Freeway (SR-55) interchange. The widening project will take place at the SR-91 between SR-55 and SR-241. Also, the Santa Ana Freeway (I-5) / Ortega Highway (SR-74) interchange will be funded.
Of the $92.3 million available for transit projects, $75.7 million would help fund the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center and parking expansion at several rail stations.
Specific transportation enhancement projects have yet to be identified, but could include bicycle, pedestrian and landscaping improvements.
Later this month, OCTA will submit the projects to the California Transportation Commission for approval.
Board Honors Employees Of The Year For 2009
Chairman Jerry Amante presented resolutions of appreciation for the 2009 employees of the year.
Coach Operator of the year James Da Vanzo has maintained a 30-year safe driving record. Da Vanzo, who is stationed at the Anaheim bus base, has exceptional customer service skills and has maintained an excellent attendance record.
Maintenance employee of the year Joel Rule, a certified journeyman mechanic, has worked at OCTA for 23 years. Stationed at the Garden Grove base, Rule is dedicated to providing optimum service in all duties he performs.
Administrative employee of the year Andrew Oftelie, a manager in the financial planning and analysis department, has worked at OCTA for 10 years. Oftelie has been an integral member of the team in charge of the development of the Renewed Measure M Early Action Plan, providing guidelines for programs and capital projects.