Cities: TransNet crucial for local transportation

By: KATHERINE MARKS - Staff Writer | Saturday, July 17, 2004 10:40 PM PDT ∞

NORTH COUNTY---- Though much of the shouting over a controversial transportation tax has focused on how much money should go to mass transit and freeways, there is one aspect of the tax that seems to have been overlooked in the debate: what the revenue has done ---- and would do ---- for local streets.

From bike paths to interchanges, from asphalt to those raised dots that keep drivers in their lanes, the half-cent sales tax known as TransNet has provided funding that many city leaders say has been crucial.

First levied in 1988, the tax has generated more than $2 billion for transportation projects throughout the county. In November, voters will be asked to extend the tax ---- set to expire in 2008 ---- by 40 years.

The extension is expected to raise $14 billion, with the revenues split about evenly among public transportation, surface streets and freeways. Backers say they have a better shot at getting the supermajority needed to pass the measure in a presidential election where higher turnouts are expected.

Critics say more money should go to freeways, which carry the bulk of commuters, especially in rural and suburban areas. But supporters, especially those at the local level, say one thing that can't be debated is just how important the tax has been for cities.

"It's the local streets that will suffer without TransNet," said Peter Weiss, public works director for Oceanside.

New roads and offramps may attract more attention during the TransNet debate, but many drivers may overlook other benefits of the tax, he said. In Oceanside, the tax provides about 80 percent of the funds for street repairs, Weiss said.

"If TransNet doesn't get extended, that's $2 million that overnight would disappear," he said referring to the maintenance money. The city gets roughly another $2 million annually for new streets and roadways.

The city's budget is already strained, and the loss of TransNet money could mean that some services would be slashed, Weiss said.

TransNet revenues have provided major boosts to city projects throughout North County from Highway 78 to Highway 76, often providing crucial funds for long-awaited projects.

Nearly $9 million in TransNet revenues helped the city of San Marcos build a new interchange at Twin Oaks Valley Road and Highway 78, the gateway to Cal State San Marcos.

Vista used $6.4 million to help build a new interchange at Vista Village Drive and Highway 78, a $36 million project that was part of a major redevelopment of the city's downtown area. Carlsbad has spent $10 million in TransNet money to improve drainage and repave roads throughout the city. Escondido used $4.6 million to help widen stretches of El Norte Parkway.

In Poway, the most visible project to benefit of TransNet is Scripps Poway Parkway, a $34 million road linking Highway 67 with Interstate 15, said Mayor Mickey Cafagna, who is also chairman of the San Diego Association of Governments. The association, the county's transportation planning agency, is pushing for the tax extension.

"We've done a lot of road-widening projects," Cafagna said. "It's not like we can get state or federal money to help our local roads."

Since 1988, TransNet revenues have contributed some $2.3 billion to freeways, public transportation and surface streets, said Craig Scott, manager of transportation finance for SANDAG. By the time the tax expires in 2008, it is expected to have generated more than $3.2 billion in revenue.

Individual jurisdictions plan how to spend their TransNet money with limited oversight from the association board, Scott said.

The TransNet measure that will go before voters in November, Proposition A, stipulates that only 30 percent of a city's share can be spent on maintenance. It also sets aside $280 million for transportation projects in smart-growth developments, which place high-density housing near transit corridors. That amount is part of the $4.48 billion dedicated to local roads, Scott said.

Critics have said the money will only help local jurisdictions tread water at best. The majority of San Diego County supervisors have called for 50 percent of TransNet revenues to go to freeways and 33 percent for local roads.

While the association board received support from all 18 city councils in the county, not all council members are backing the measure.

Oceanside City Councilman Rocky Chavez said TransNet is not the be-all and end-all. He was on the losing end of his council's 4-1 vote to back the TransNet measure.

"I'm wondering how much is really going to help Oceanside," Chavez said of the current proposal.

Contact staff writer Katherine Marks at (760) 740-3529 or kmarks@nctimes.com.

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