Contra Costa transit agency OKs sales tax ballot measure

CCTA's transportation expenditure plan includes various improvements for Bay Area Rapid Transit.

The Contra Costa Transportation Authority's (CCTA) board last week voted to place on the November ballot a sales tax measure that would fund transportation improvements in the California county.

If approved by voters, the half-cent sales tax would generate $2.9 billion over the next 30 years to pay for projects throughout Contra Costa County, as outlined in the agency's 30-year transportation expenditure plan.

Improvements to Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) service are included in the plan, according to a CCTA press release. In particular, the plan calls for spending $300 million on BART capacity improvements, as well as bicycle and pedestrian access and parking improvements.

The agency also would allocate $70 million for BART's East Contra Costa Extension.

"As we move into the future, Contra Costa’s economic strength is going to depend on people being able to travel quickly and conveniently throughout the county – to jobs, shopping and entertainment destinations, and everywhere else they need to go," said Don Tatzin, who serves as special meeting chair on CCTA's board. "This plan – and the measure that will fund the improvements it describes – helps make sure that is a reality in years to come."