Politics & Government
Measure M Ends with Projects Delivered
During the last 20 years, $26 million has changed the way in which people move throughout Laguna Niguel.
The Orange County Transportation Authority concludes the Measure M program next week, which during the past two decades has paved the way for more than $4 billion in transportation improvements.
Collection of the half-cent sales tax officially stops March 31, ending a program approved by voters 1990.
Laguna Niguel was awarded $14 million in Measure M competitive grants and $12 million in street maintenance grants.
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“Measure M projects have transformed the way in which our residents and visitors travel throughout this county,” said OCTA Chairwoman Patricia Bates, also the 5th District supervisor.
Measure M projects have been split into three general categories, with 43 percent funding freeway projects, 32 percent funding streets and roads projects, and 25 percent funding transit improvements:
Find out what's happening in Laguna Niguel-Dana Pointwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
- $1.75 billion to upgrade to every Orange County freeway
- $1.3 billion for city street and road projects
- $1 billion for Metrolink service and senior and disabled bus fare stabilization
Measure M has:
- Added 192 freeway lane miles
- Improved 170 intersection and 38 freeway interchanges
- Provided $600 million to local agencies for improvements
- Allowed Metrolink service to be implemented in Orange County
The voters of Orange County voted to renew Measure M in 2006. On April 1, the first half-cent of what is estimated to be $15 billion over the next 30 years will be collected for Measure M2.