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Proponents succeeded in getting a quarter-cent sales tax increase proposal to fund critical transportation projects in Salt Lake County on the ballot in November. Now comes the hard part - convincing voters to approve the measure.
That task will be made much easier if voters can be told more precisely what they'd be approving. Mere generalities will only lead to confusion and could doom the success of the important tax-hike campaign.
The measure approved last week by the legislature in special session does specify that a fourth of the new revenue raised would go toward property acquisition for future transportation projects, but what of the rest of the money? How much would be used to expand TRAX? And which proposed lines? Would some of it be used to extend Commuter Rail through Salt Lake County? Should that be a priority? What other transportation needs might gobble up some of the new revenue?
While KSL generally is supportive of the balanced approach adopted by state lawmakers to meeting vital transportation needs, we're concerned about confusion over exactly where the money would go. Clarification is essential as the November election approaches and voters are called upon to make their decision
