See How Santa Cruz County Wants To Spend Transportation Tax Money

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The county has a blueprint for how it wants to spend the half-cent, 30-year sales tax passed by voters in 2016 for transportation improvements, known as Measure D. Santa Cruz County is seeking public feedback in writing or in person.

The plan, available online here, says of the county's proposed Measure D spending: 27 percent could go to neighborhood projects ($135 million), 25 percent could go to highway corridors ($125 million), 20 percent could go to transportation for people with disabilities and seniors ($100 million), and 17 percent could go to active transportation, such as bicycling or walking ($85 million).

The plan seeks to provide safer school transportation, empower seniors and those with disabilities, expand bicycle and pedestrian paths, repave roads, repair roads, ease traffic and reduce global warming. It outlines several proposed upgrades.

The public may submit comments by: emailing them to sip@sccrtc.org; mailing them to 1523 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060; or faxing them to 831-460-6178.

Submit written comments by noon on Feb. 5 for consideration at the Feb. 6 Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission's meeting to consider adopting the plan.

Anyone who wishes to speak in person may come to the City of Santa Cruz Council Chambers (809 Center St., Room 10) on Jan. 16. Comments will not be taken any sooner than 10 a.m.

Submit comments by noon Jan. 15 for consideration at the hearing.