SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. – June 1, 2016 – Today the San Luis Obispo Council of Governments approved the next steps for the
San Luis Obispo County Self-Help Local Transportation Investment Plan. The Plan is based on a proposed 9-year, countywide half-cent sales tax to fund local and regional transportation priorities. The Plan was heavily influenced by a comprehensive public outreach program that asked residents to identify their priorities for future transportation programs and projects and will now go to every city council in the county and the County Board of Supervisors for approval to be placed on the November 2016 ballot.
“Today marks a major milestone for transportation funding in our region,†said Ron De Carli, SLOCOG Executive Director. “With the ongoing decline in state and federal transportation funding, SLO County residents are now one step closer to having the ability to decide if they want to use local funds for local priorities.â€
According to the Self-Help Counties Coalition, 84% of California residents currently live in a Self-Help County. Self-Help Counties deliver voter-approved (by super-majority) transportation sales tax measures that fund roads, transit, highway, freight, bicycle, pedestrian and other mobility programs. Together, these counties pump $4 to $5 billion each year into California’s transportation infrastructure, creating jobs, expanding mobility and enhancing local communities and the environment.
According to a recent report from AAA, the average driver reported spending $300 to repair pothole damage to their vehicle and many reported having to make repairs an average of three times in the last five years. Drivers are also paying an additional $960 a year in wasted time and fuel due to traffic congestion.
As proposed, the Plan provides fifty-five percent of funds for local control by the jurisdictions for use on their priority projects, including road repair and maintenance. Twenty-five percent of the funds will be used to reduce growing traffic congestion on major roadways and highways. Twenty percent will fund multi-modal projects and programs that support public transportation and bike and pedestrian improvements. To see the entire Plan and to learn more visit
www.selfhelpslo.org.
About SLOCOG
The San Luis Obispo Council of Governments (SLOCOG) is an association of local governments in the San Luis Obispo County Region. Its members include all 7 cities (Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Pismo Beach, and San Luis Obispo) as well as unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County. The central purpose of SLOCOG is to examine common regional problems and suggest solutions. SLOCOG provides transportation planning and funding for the region, and serves as a forum for the study and resolution of regional issues. In addition to preparing the region’s long-range transportation plan, SLOCOG plans and provides funding for public transit services, highway and roadway improvements, and other alternative methods of transportation.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Hicks at 805-781-4462
or email shicks@slocog.org.
