Monterey County voters approved Measure X in November 2016 to fund the Transportation Safety & Investment Plan (web attachment), just above the required 2/3rds voter approval threshold, at 67.71%. The revenues are split with 60% dedicated to local road maintenance, pothole repairs and safety projects, and 40% dedicated to regional safety and mobility projects. As part of the 40% dedicated to regional projects, Measure X includes $20 million for the Fort Ord Regional Trail and Greenway project, and $20 million for a Safe Routes to School category.
Several implementation steps will occur before the tax begins. Beginning in January 2017, TAMC will approve agreements with the Board of Equalization, the County Auditor and the cities and the County to develop agreements for revenue. TAMC will initiate a pavement management system and hire a bond analysis advisor. Per Investment Plan policies and guidelines, the Transportation Agency will also be setting up the Citizens Oversight Committee that includes representatives from a diverse set of community organizations and interest groups such as, the League of Women Voters, the Salinas Valley Taxpayers Association, a pedestrian or bicycle transportation advocate, transit users and a Chamber of Commerce.
The tax will begin collection on April 1, 2017, and the first payments to the cities and County are expected in August 2017. The cities and county will develop a list of early delivery projects and a 5-year expenditure plan for local street and road maintenance projects. In September 2017, TAMC will develop a 5-year X-cellent Transportation Project Priority Plan to launch regional projects.
Public outreach will be a key component of Measure X. TAMC will issue press releases and present to community groups as project implementation begins. The TAMC website and Facebook pages will be updated regularly to reflect progress on the projects included in the Investment Plan. "This project funded by Measure X" signs will also be displayed at project construction sites.