LA County measure would hike sales tax to pay for transit projects

VAN NUYS, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Los Angeles County's Metro board is looking at proposing a ballot measure to hike the county sales tax by half a penny, and extend an existing half-cent hike for another 18 years, to help pay for transportation projects.

The transit agency argues the increased funding is necessary to help accommodate the county's growing population - expected to increase by 2.4 million by 2057.

The funding would help pay for major projects like a train tunnel under the Sepulveda Pass, extending the Purple Line into Westwood and building truck lanes on the 710 Freeway.

The measure would raise about $120 billion over 40 years, but would cost the average person about $24 per year in increased sales tax payments.

If the Metro board approves the plan, it would go to voters possibly by this November.

"If we can deliver it faster, it means we can help ease traffic sooner for millions of people," said Metro deputy CEO Stephanie Wiggins.

The transit agency has been inviting the public to attend a series of meetings to share their thoughts about the proposal.

A list of the upcoming public meetings is available on the Metro website.