A proposed transportation-tax extension is poised to succeed in Maricopa County.
The half-cent sales tax was first established in 1984, then renewed in 2004. If it passes, it will extend for another 20 years and is projected to fund many billions of dollars of transportation projects, including updates to I-10 and I-17.
The measure was referred to the ballot by a bipartisan group of state lawmakers and Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, despite the opposition of a far-right caucus.
Republican lawmakers put up an alternative tax-extension deal on party lines, which would have separated public transportation into a separate ballot measure for voters to consider. But Hobbs vetoed that bill.
Republican lawmakers opposed more funding to light rail and other transportation projects, but the bipartisan compromise will mainly fund road projects, and most of the public transportation funding won’t go to light rail.
As of Thursday afternoon, the measure was leading with 60% of the vote.
The Maricopa Association of Governments, or MAG, is a proponent of the measure and declared victory on Wednesday.
MAG chair and Chandler Mayor Kevin Hartke gave this statement:
“For 40 years, and with the unanimous support of local governments with diverse populations and needs, Valley residents have confirmed their commitment to preserving our transportation infrastructure and investing in our future mobility,” Hartke said. “Proposition 479 is not just a win for the people of Maricopa County, but a competitive edge for Arizona business.”
