Today the State of California Court of Appeal issued a decision to uphold the validity of VTA’s 2016 Measure B (“Measure B”) saying that the measure is enforceable as written.
(Learn more about the Measure and the legal challenge launched by a Saratoga resident in Cheriel Jensen v. Santa Clara Transportation Authority, et. .)
Today’s decision comes nearly two years after Santa Clara County voters approved Measure B, a half-cent sales tax for transportation improvements throughout the county. When the lawsuit was filed, funds collected from the measure, which currently total more than $274 million, were required to be kept in an escrow account until the suit was resolved. This decision brings VTA closer to accessing those funds and delivering on the promises made to the voters.
What happens next?
Pending no further appeal by Ms. Jensen, VTA will pursue all options available to access the Measure B funds on an expedited basis.
VTA is committed to meeting the transportation needs of the residents and businesses of Santa Clara County and stands ready to begin funding voter-approved projects and programs contained in 2016 Measure B as soon as possible.