147,234 / 75.3% Yes votes ...... 48,227 / 24.7% No votes

See Also: Index of all Measures

Meaning of Voting Yes/No

A YES vote of this measure means:

A "yes" vote on this measure would continue the existing onehalf of one percent sales tax for an additional 25 years up to December 31, 2034. The proceeds of the tax shall be used for highway and transit improvements as set forth in the Transportation Expenditure Plan.

A NO vote of this measure means:

A "no" vote on this measure would not allow the continuance of the existing one-half of one percent sales tax past December 31, 2008.

In order to continue the local sales tax, a new Transportation Expenditure Plan ("Plan") must be developed and the San Mateo County Transportation Authority has prepared a new Plan, a copy of which is in the sample ballot materials. This Plan provides for a program of transportation projects and includes implementation guidelines to meet current and future transportation needs. This Plan reflects input from the public, elected officials and technical committees. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission, all the cities within the County and the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors have each approved the Plan. The Plan authorizes the San Mateo County Transportation Authority to issue bonds not to exceed the total amount of the sales tax proceeds.

State law requires that the continuation of the one-half of one percent sales tax be approved by a two-thirds vote of the electorate. The proceeds of the tax shall be used in accordance with applicable law and solely for the highway and transit improvement projects and purposes set forth in the Plan.

A "yes" vote on this measure would continue the existing onehalf of one percent sales tax for an additional 25 years up to December 31, 2034. The proceeds of the tax shall be used for highway and transit improvements as set forth in the Transportation Expenditure Plan.

A "no" vote on this measure would not allow the continuance of the existing one-half of one percent sales tax past December 31, 2008.

This measure passes if two-thirds of those voting on the measure vote "yes."

San Mateo County Times

• Title of article: Future of County Transportation 09/04/04

Search Google News for Measure A

in favor

• :http://www.YesOnMeasureA.com

For 16 years, San Mateo County residents have supported local transportation and road improvements through a 1/2 cent sales tax. Those funds have been used in every city and community for traffic relief, to fix local streets, improve highways, provide paratransit service for seniors and disabled, and support shuttles and Caltrain.

Measure A renews this 1/2 cent measure. It will NOT increase taxes.

A YES vote on Measure A will raise $1.5 billion to fund pothole repairs in your community, improve Caltrain, maintain existing BART service, relieve traffic congestion on highways, streets and roads, improve transit services for seniors and disabled, and build new bicycle and pedestrian paths.

Measure A funds will be leveraged to generate an additional $1.5 billion in state and federal dollars for transportation in San Mateo County.

o This plan requires 22.5% of the funds, over $337 million, to be distributed to every city in San Mateo County for local streets and road work.

o Transit improvements, including Caltrain and existing BART services, receive $420 million.

o Highway improvements for traffic congestion relief on 101, 280, 92 and local roads receive $412 million.

o Caltrain grade separations for pedestrian safety and traffic flow receive $225 million.

o New pedestrian and bicycle paths receive $45 million.

o Water Transit service to take cars off Highway 101 receives $30 million.

Measure A requires the involvement of a Citizens Committee and annual public audits to ensure adherence to the voter approved Plan.

Measure A has the support of every City Council, the Board of Supervisors, League of Women Voters, Committee for Green Foothills, San Mateo County Economic Development Association (SAMCEDA), San Mateo Labor Council and hundreds of local residents and business owners. Please join us to keep San Mateo County moving. Yes on Measure A.

/s/ Onnolee Trapp August 9, 2004

Transportation Director, League of Women Voters of San Mateo County

/s/ Michael D. Nevin August 10, 2004

Member, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors

/s/ Lennie Roberts August 9, 2004

Legislative Advocate, Committee for Green Foothills

/s/ Arthur D. Levinson August 12, 2004

Chairman and CEO, Genentech

/s/ Deborah Wilder August 10, 2004

Chair, City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County

Year after year, the county bus service has been reduced to pay for the expansion of low-use systems such as BART, isolating residents who live on the coast side, as well as county youngsters and students, senior citizens, and low income residents.

San Mateo County taxpayers deserve well maintained highways, grade separations for Caltrain to improve pedestrian safety, and consistent investment in existing transit options that serve a range of needs. But this new, 25-year, tax will support a fragmented transit system and fund boutique, costly service for corporate interests.

It is imperative that scarce transit tax dollars benefit the greatest number of San Mateo County residents by funding economically sound transit improvements and programs. This new irresponsible tax serves the fewest residents for the greatest cost.

Measure A is opposed by transit advocates, local civic leaders, environmentalists, and political organizations.

Join responsible taxpayers and transit advocates in voting no on Measure A.

/s/ Matt Grocott August 23, 2004

Chair, Citizens for Better Transit

/s/ Lou Papan August 23, 2004

Retired State of California Assemblyman

/s/ Chris Pallas August 23, 2004

Council Member, City of San Bruno

/s/ Miles Gilster August 23, 2004

Libertarian Party of San Mateo County Central Committee

/s/ Pam Rianda August 23, 2004

School Teacher

Under the new tax, millions of dollars will be siphoned away from desperately needed projects to support a proposed ferry service for two county communities and to subsidize the San Mateo County BART extension.

Compared to the few dollars required for every new bus passenger, the boutique ferries will serve a small number of commuters and cost in excess of $22 per person based on MTC projections.

The BART subsidy included in the measure will cost taxpayers $30 million over the life of the tax to support a service that was never supposed to require additional funding. Since its opening in June 2003, the BART extension has consistently lost money and cost county taxpayers up to $30 million according to Samtrans. This irresponsible diversion of local tax dollars will not buy San Mateo County a seat on the elected BART board. Voluntarily submitting to taxation without representation, and thereby forfeiting control over local money, is simply irrational.

Proponents of Measure A are squandering an opportunity to make wise investments in local transit with a poorly constructed tax plan. This new version will also extend five years beyond the original for a total of 25 years, locking county taxpayers into a bad deal far into the future and burdening the next generation with this reckless tax. Our investments should result in the largest increase in transit rider ship and the most congestion relief for the smallest cost. This irresponsible tax does not come close to meeting such a standard.

Join environmental and taxpayer groups, transit advocates and community leaders in voting NO on MEASURE A.

/s/ Matt Grocott August 10, 2004

Citizens for Better Transit, Chair

/s/ Louis J. Papan August 10, 2004

Retired State of California Assemblyman

/s/ Chris Pallas August 9, 2004

Council Member, City of San Bruno

/s/ Miles Gilster August 13, 2004

Libertarian Party of San Mateo County Central Committee

/s/ Pam Rianda August 9, 2004

School Teacher

These funds are generated in this County and stay in this County for projects that have, and will, improve our transportation systems. Sacramento or Washington D.C. can't get their hands on these funds. Sixteen years ago, County residents approved this funding source. Unless Measure A is renewed, these critical voter approved funds will expire. Imagine the traffic nightmare without the $1 billion in traffic improvement projects made over the last 16 years! Imagine traffic in the future if Measure A is not renewed!

Independent studies demonstrate that funded projects have relieved traffic congestion, reduced commute times, improved air quality and saved lives. But more needs to be done.

Nearly a quarter of these funds will go directly to your community for road and street repairs. Highway projects, Caltrain, SAMTRANS shuttles, paratransit for seniors and disabled citizens, pedestrian and bike access, existing BART service, and water transit all receive an appropriate share. An extensive participation process involving the public and concerned groups helped craft the Plan embodied in Measure A. All 20 cities, including nearly 90% of our City Councilmembers in San Mateo County, approved this Plan.

Annual public audits are required.

Please join business groups, environmental organizations, labor representatives, large and small employers, County elected officials from Congress to School Board members and traffic experts in voting to renew this crucial funding. Yes on Measure A.

/s/ Carole Groom

Mayor, City of San Mateo

/s/ Jerry Hill August 10, 2004

San Mateo County Supervisor

/s/ James R. Pouliot August 19, 2004

CEO, California State Automobile Association (AAA)

/s/ Dale Edwards August 19, 2004

San Mateo County Paratransit Coordinating Council Chair

/s/ Mark Church August 19, 2004

San Mateo County Transportation Authority Chair

The Board of Supervisors of the County of San Mateo, State of California,

ORDAINS as follows:

Article 1. General

SECTION 1. Title. This ordinance shall be known as the "2004 San Mateo County Transportation Authority Ordinance." Such Authority shall be referred to as "Authority." This ordinance shall be applicable in the incorporated and unincorporated territory of the County of San Mateo, which shall be referred to herein as "County".

SECTION 2. Purpose. Pursuant to Division 12.5 of the Public Utilities Code, San Mateo County Ordinance No. 03135, passed in 1988 and subsequently approved by the voters, created the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, imposed a one-half of one percent transactions and use tax for a period of twenty years, and authorized issuance of limited tax bonds to finance the transportation improvements set forth in the Transportation Expenditure Plan, and will expire at the end of 2008. This ordinance, if approved, would continue the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, authorize the Authority to extend the one-half of one percent retail transactions and use tax for an additional 25 years and authorize the Authority to issue limited tax bonds to finance the transportation improvements set forth in the 2004 Transportation Expenditure Plan, which has been approved by the Board of Supervisors and all of the Cities in the County. Hence, this ordinance is hereby adopted and should be interpreted so as to achieve the purposes set forth herein:

a. to continue the San Mateo County Transportation Authority;

b. to extend the one-half of one percent retail transactions and use tax for 25 years upon the expiration of the tax pursuant to Ordinance No. 03135, in accordance with the provisions of Part 1.6 (commencing with Revenue and Taxation Code section 7251) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code and Public Utilities Code section 131100 et seq., which directs the County Board of Supervisors to adopt this tax ordinance for voter approval, exercising the taxing power granted to the San Mateo County Transportation Authority in Public Utilities Code Section 131102 on behalf of said Authority;

c. to adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that incorporates provisions identical to those of the Sales and Use Tax Law of the State of California insofar as those provisions are not inconsistent with the requirements and limitations contained in Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation code;

d. to adopt a retail transactions and use tax ordinance that imposes a tax and provides a measure therefor that can be administered and collected by the State Board of Equalization in a manner that adapts itself as fully as practicable to, and requires the least possible deviation from, the existing statutory and administrative procedures followed by the State Board of Equalization in administering and collecting the California State Sales and Use Taxes;

e. to authorize administration of the retail transactions and use tax ordinance in a manner that will, to the degree possible, be consistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, minimize the cost of collecting the transactions and use taxes, and at the same time, minimize the burden of record keeping upon persons subject to taxation under the provisions of this ordinance;

f. to improve, construct, maintain, and operate certain transportation projects and facilities contained in the 2004 Transportation Expenditure Plan adopted by the Board of Supervisors of San Mateo County and all of the Cities in the County, which Plan is incorporated by this reference as though fully set forth herein, as that Plan may be amended from time to time pursuant to the Plan and applicable law;

g. to set a maximum term of twenty-five (25) years during which time this tax shall be imposed pursuant to the authority granted by section 131102(c) of the Public Utilities Code; and h. to authorize the Authority to issue limited tax bonds, from time to time, to finance transportation projects in the 2004 Plan, provided that the maximum bonded indebtedness will not exceed the total amount of proceeds of this retail transactions and use tax, estimated to be $1.5 Billion (2004 dollars).

SECTION 3. Continuance of Authority. Upon voter approval of this Ordinance, the Authority will continue to serve as the administering agency of the tax; be composed of seven members as specified in the 2004 Transportation Expenditure Plan; have all of the powers set forth in Division 12.5 (commencing with section 131000) of the Public Utilities Code; have all of the powers set forth in the 2004 Transportation Expenditure Plan; and have all the powers incidental or necessary to imposing and collecting the tax and administering the tax proceeds and the 2004 Plan.

SECTION 4. Contract with State. Prior to the operative date of the tax, the Authority shall contract with the State Board of Equalization to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of this retail transactions and use tax; provided, that if the Authority shall not have contracted with the State Board of Equalization prior to the operative date of the tax, it shall nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date of the tax shall be the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.

SECTION 5. Transactions and Use Tax Rate of One-Half of One Percent. For the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon all retailers in the incorporated and unincorporated territory of this County at the rate of one-half of one percent of the gross receipts of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold at retail in this County on and after January 1, 2009. This tax shall be imposed for a maximum period of twenty-five (25) years beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2034.

SECTION 6. Place of Sale. For the purposes of this ordinance, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to an out-of-state destination. The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges, when such charges are subject to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a retailer has no permanent place of business in the state or has more than one place of business, the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined under rules and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the State Board of Equalization.

SECTION 7. Use Tax, Rate of One-Half of One Percent, and Term. An excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in this County of tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on and after January 1, 2009 for storage, use or other consumption in this County at the rate of one-half of one percent of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery charges when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax regardless of the place to which delivery is made. This tax shall be imposed for a maximum period of twenty-five (25) years beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2034.

SECTION 8. Adoption of Provisions of State Law. Except as otherwise provided in this ordinance and except insofar as they are inconsistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.

SECTION 9. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes. In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name of the Authority shall be substituted therefore. The substitution, however, shall not be made when the word "State" is used as part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer, State Board of Control, State Board of Equalization, State Treasury, or the Constitution of the State of California; when the result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against the Authority or any agency, officer or employee thereof rather than by or against the State Board of Equalization, in performing the functions incident to the administration or operation of this ordinance; in those sections, including but not necessarily limited to, sections referring to the exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution would be to provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other consumption remains subject to tax by the state under the said provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or; Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax by the state under the said provisions of that code; and in sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797 or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. The name of the "County" shall be substituted for the word "state" in the phrase "retailer engaged in business in this state" in section 6203 and in the definition of that phrase in section 6203.

SECTION 10. Permit Not Required. If a seller's permit has been issued to a retailer under section 6067 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, an additional transactor's permit shall not be required by this ordinance.

SECTION 11. Exemptions, Exclusions and Credits.

a. There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city, city and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Local Sales and Use Tax Law or the amount of any stateadministered transactions or use tax.

b. There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax gross receipts derived from:

(1) Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the County in which the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this state, the United States, or any foreign government;

(2) Sales of property to be used outside the County which is shipped to a point outside the County, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer or his agent, or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at such point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point outside the County shall be satisfied;

(i) with respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered under Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by registration to an out-of-County address and by a declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his principal place of residence;

(ii) with respect to commercial vehicles by registration to a place of business out-of-county, and a declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, that the vehicle will be operated from that address;

(3) Sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance; and

(4) A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property for any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.

For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4), above, the sale or lease of tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract of lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the unconditional right to terminate the contract upon notice, whether or not such right is exercised.

c. There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this ordinance, the storage, use or other consumption in this County of tangible personal property:

(1) The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax under any state-administered transactions and use tax ordinance;

(2) Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used or consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this state, the United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the exemptions provided in sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State of California;

(3) if the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this ordinance; and

(4) If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for any period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this ordinance.

(5) For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4), above, storage, use or other consumption, or possession, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease for any period of time during which any party to the contract or lease has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not such right is exercised.

(6) Except as provided in subparagraph (7), retailer engaged in business in the County shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the County or participates within the County in making the sale of the property, including, but not limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of business of the retailer in the County or through any representative, agent, canvasser, solicitor, subsidiary or person in the County under authority of the retailer.

(7) "A retailer engaged in business in the County" shall also include any retailer of any of the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered under Division
3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That retailer shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or licenses the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the County.

d. Any person subject to use tax under this ordinance may credit against that tax any transactions or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or retailer liable for a transaction tax pursuant to Chapter 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property, the storage, use or other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.

SECTION 12. Proposition. There shall be proposed to the voters of San Mateo County the following proposition: Shall San Mateo County Ordinance No. 04223 THE SAN MATEO COUNTY SAFE ROADS, TRAFFIC RELIEF AND PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION MEASURE be approved: To repair neighborhood streets; expand senior and paratransit services; improve Caltrain; construct bicycle/pedestrian paths; support existing BART service; assist water transport; reduce congestion; shall the Transportation Authority extend the current 1/2 cent sales/use tax for 25 years, implement the County Expenditure Plan and issue limited tax bonds not exceeding proceeds, with no increase in taxes, and with citizen participation and annual audits?

SECTION 13. Authorization and Limitation on Issuance of Bonds. The Authority is hereby authorized to issue limited tax bonds, from time to time, pursuant to the provisions of Public Utilities Code Sections 131109 et seq. and the 2004 Transportation Expenditure Plan provided that the maximum bonded indebtedness will not exceed the total amount of proceeds of this retail transactions and use tax, estimated to be $1.5 Billion (2004 Dollars).

SECTION 14. Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the tax imposed by this ordinance shall be used in accordance with applicable law and solely for the projects and purposes set forth in the 2004 County Transportation Expenditure Plan, or as that Plan may be amended from time to time, and for the administration thereof.

SECTION 15. Amendments. All amendments to Part I of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent with Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, subsequent to the effective date of this ordinance shall automatically become a part of this ordinance; provided, however, that no such amendment shall operate so as to affect the rate of tax imposed by this ordinance.

SECTION 16. Enjoining Collection Forbidden. No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit, action, or proceeding in any court against the state or the Authority, or against any officer of the state or the Authority, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this ordinance, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, or any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected.

SECTION 17. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the ordinance and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstance shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 18. Operative Date; Period of Tax Imposition. This ordinance relates, in substantial part, to the levying and collecting of the Authority's retail transaction and use taxes and will become effective at the close of the polls on the day of election at which the Proposition in Section 12 is adopted by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the electors voting on the Proposition, except that the tax imposed under this ordinance, which extends the tax imposed under Ordinance 03135, will become operative on January 1, 2009 or upon the first day of the calendar quarter following the execution of a contract with the State Board of Equalization pursuant to Section 4 hereof, whichever last occurs. The maximum period during which the tax will be imposed is the twenty-five (25) year period from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2034.

______________________________________________________________________________________

2004 TRANSPORTATION EXPENDITURE PLAN

- Developed with extensive public input

- Approved by the San Mateo County Transportation Authority, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, each of the 20 cities within San Mateo County and the Metropolitan Transportation Commission

SUMMARY

Measure A: Effective and Essential

The 1988 voter approval of Measure A, San Mateo County's half-cent transportation sales tax, adopted under provisions of the California Public Utilities Code commencing at Section 131000, has provided the County with a resource to meet its multi-faceted transportation challenges during the past 16 years. The measure also marked the development of the San Mateo County Transportation Authority (hereafter referred to as the TA), the agency created to administer the sales-tax funds. Because the measure ends in 2008, its extension is at the heart of the County's ability to continue meeting its growing transportation needs.

Growth in employment during the 1990s has increased traffic congestion along several highway segments in the County. Significant progress has been achieved in the County through investments in Caltrain and highway improvements; however, the task is not yet complete. As the economy rebounds and then continues to grow, we need to maintain our infrastructure to accommodate the accompanying traffic congestion in commute corridors and on local streets and roads.

Continuing traffic growth also has underscored the importance of additional safety measures, particularly grade separations along the Caltrain rail line and safe bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Local transit service, especially for the elderly and people with disabilities, has become increasingly important in communities throughout the County.

The extension of Measure A will provide San Mateo County with the resources to continue shaping the transportation program to best meet the needs of County residents. In nearly 20 years since the drafting of the current Transportation Expenditure Plan, the County has seen the emergence of a new set of challenges, which must be met if the quality of life in the County is to be preserved.

Developing the Next Transportation Expenditure Plan

The Transportation Expenditure Plan for the extension of Measure A began with a blank sheet of paper and was assembled through a process which embraced the many and varied constituencies that make up San Mateo County. Beginning in the Spring of 2003, we embarked on a process that included melding technical evaluations with the feedback from the public and elected officials throughout the County.

The TA provided an important forum for public input into the Transportation Expenditure Plan by sponsoring focus groups, three public workshops and hosting more than 30 outreach events to civic organizations, service groups and neighborhood associations. Through this public process, the TA gained perspectives of residents representing both the general public and groups with special needs. The opinions and suggestions heard at these public outreach events were evaluated by professional staff from the TA, cities and local agencies who worked together to recommend a program which addresses both current and anticipated congestion needs.

While all projects were considered for the Transportation Expenditure Plan, not every project could be included because the total estimated cost of all the suggested projects was more than the current estimated income of an extended Measure A. The Transportation Expenditure Plan reflects programs and projects identified by cities and local agencies plus additions from public workshops.

When creating the Transportation Expenditure Plan, the TA focused on building a balanced plan, consistent with the Countywide Transportation Plan, reflecting the wants and needs of the public combined with the recommendations of engineers and the support of elected officials.

Plan Vision

Through this multi-party process, a strategy has emerged.

o Target key, congested corridors for highway and transit improvements

o Continue to improve connections with regional transportation facilities

o Enhance safety in all aspects of the transportation system.

o Meet local mobility needs, especially those of seniors and people with disabilities

o Meet the Cities' and County's unique local transportation needs

o Leverage local, state and federal funds

o Encourage transportation projects that support transit-oriented development These broad themes have been translated into a balanced plan which provides for the multi-faceted needs of San Mateo County. Specific programs and projects have emerged as components in a countywide strategy.

Transportation Expenditure Plan Program Categories

The Transportation Expenditure Plan provides for investment in six program categories. Each program category receives a percentage share of sales tax revenues, currently estimated at $1.5 billion (in 2004 dollars) over a 25-year period.

Program Category Percent Share 25-Year Estimated Revenue

1. Transit 30 % $450 Million

2. Highways 27.5 % $412.5 Million

3. Local Streets/Transportation 22.5 % $337.5 Million

4. Grade Separations 15 % $225 Million

5. Pedestrian and Bicycle 3 % $ 45 Million

6. Alternative Congestion Relief Programs 1 % $ 15 Million

Up to one percent of the revenues is allocated for TA staff salaries and benefits. Further detail on the specific program within each category is provided in the Transportation Expenditure Plan Summary and Project Description sections of this plan.

Oversight and Administration

The implementation of the Transportation Expenditure Plan will be the continuing responsibility of the current San Mateo County Transportation Authority. The TA is composed of seven elected officials representing the Cities in the County, the County of San Mateo and the San Mateo County Transit District.

The TA will be responsible for developing and updating a strategic plan to guide allocation decisions. The TA will develop the initial strategic plan by December 31, 2008, and prepare and update it at least every five years during the term of the Measure.

The Citizens Advisory Committee established under the original Measure A will continue to advise the TA. The TA also will work closely and cooperatively with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) and the San Mateo City and County Association of Governments (C/CAG) on the programming of grant funding for Transportation Expenditure Plan programs and projects.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION on the TRANSPORTATION EXPENDITURE PLAN, see pages 33-54 of the Combined Sample Ballot for San Mateo County. That document may be reached via the link http://www.shapethefuture.org/elections/nov2004/documents/SampleBallot_Combined_All.pdf.