Orange County authority OKs FY2020 budget

The Orange County Transportation Authority's (OCTA) board this week approved a $1.5 billion budget for fiscal-year 2020.

To take effect July 1, the budget advances a number of capital improvements, including the OC Streetcar and Interstate 5 and 405 projects in Orange County, California. OCTA has allocated $48.5 million for ongoing streetcar construction and $366.4 million for the freeway work.

Under construction since late 2018, the $408 million OC Streetcar system is slated to open in late 2021. The 10-station system will run along a 4.1-mile route from the Santa Ana transportation center to a new station in Garden Grove, California.

"The budget will fund work that will make a positive impact on everyone who lives, works or commutes in Orange County by investing in the county's streets, freeways, transit services and active transportation programs," said OCTA Chairman Tim Shaw in a press release.

Measure M — Orange County's half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements — will continue to fund transportation improvements in the next fiscal year, as well.

"[The] budget demonstrates OCTA's continued commitment to fulfilling the promises made to voters who approved Measure M," said Shaw.