Voters Pass Transportation-Related Ballot Measures

Voters in six states approved by substantial margins seven Nov. 7 ballot issues affecting transportation, the American Association of State Highway and

CP Staff

Voters in six states approved by substantial margins seven Nov. 7 ballot issues affecting transportation, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials reports. California voters approved propositions requiring receipts from the state sales tax on motor vehicles to be spent on transportation improvements, and allowing issuance of up to $19.9 billion in bonds for a series of road-safety, congestion-relief, air-quality and security-related transportation improvements.

Minnesota voters approved a constitutional amendment for a five-year, phased-in dedication of revenue from a tax on the sale of new and used motor vehicles to highway projects and public transit assistance. New Jersey voters passed a state constitutional amendment to dedicate 10.5 cents per gallon of the existing motor-fuels tax (the entire state tax on gasoline, and most of the 13.5-cents-per-gallon now charged for diesel fuel) to funding the state transportation system. And Rhode Island voters approved issuance of $88.5 million in bonds for work on roads and bridges. Georgia voters approved a constitutional amendment permitting dedicated revenue streams from the sale of special license plants, while Louisiana voters backed a proposal to remove local governments’ right to place an ad valorem tax on motor vehicles.