PHOENIX (AP) Phoenix’s mayor says a transportation plan that will include a sales tax increase has triumphed at the polls.
Mayor Greg Stanton, who was running for re-election, claimed victory for Proposition 104 after early results from Aug. 25 voting were released, according to a report in the Arizona Republic.
Stanton called the infrastructure investment a historic moment for Phoenix, and he declared it was a “great night for the future of the city.”
In the results, about 55 percent (or 52,300) voted yes to the proposed increase, while about 45 percent (or 43,500) voted no.
The transportation plan increases a transit sales tax that would be used to expand the city’s light rail line and bus service, repair and build roadways and create bike lanes. The $31 billion plan would be funded by the proposed transit sales tax increase, passenger fares and federal and county funds.
The transit sales tax is now 0.40 percent and would be raised to 0.70. It would mean a 30 cent increase on a $100 purchase. Transactions of more than $10,000 would be exempt.
The current light-rail system runs from Mesa to central Phoenix, and plans call for an expansion across the metro area.
