Cities throughout Orange County will receive more than $37 million in transportation sales tax funds to help ease traffic by making improvements to streets and timing of traffic lights.The Orange County Transportation Authority board earlier this week awarded funding for seven projects that will improve and widen busy streets and intersections, totaling more than $33 million.
Three additional projects will receive funding to synchronize traffic signals to ensure drivers hit the most green lights during peak traffic hours. That funding totals nearly $4 million. The funds are available through Measure M, Orange County’s half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements, also known as OC Go.
“Because OCTA is able to get this money to cities across Orange County on a competitive basis each year, it ensures that we keep our commitment to voters to continue improving our transportation network for safe and efficient travel,” said OCTA Chairman Gene Hernandez, also the mayor of Yorba Linda.
Since the sales tax measure was renewed by voters in 2006, more than $519 million in competitive funding has been awarded to make Orange County streets better. That amount includes external funding leveraged by the local sales tax dollars. And that’s in addition to another $500 million-plus in formula funding that goes directly to cities in orange County.
Those receiving funds for projects include: Irvine, Santa Ana (four projects) and Yorba Linda (two projects).
Cities receiving funds for traffic signal synchronization include: Irvine and Mission Viejo (two projects).
The most recent call for projects was issued by OCTA in summer 2022 through the Comprehensive Transportation Funding Program, making funding available on a competitive basis for projects that will improve congested streets and synchronize traffic signals.
Project applications were reviewed for eligibility, consistency and adherence to the program guidelines.
“This program shows how our ongoing strong partnerships with cities across the county continue to fulfill the promises made to voters through Measure M and improves transportation for everyone who lives, works or visits Orange County,” said OCTA CEO Darrell E. Johnson.