Initiative Analysis

Initiative 985 – I-985 would reprioritize traffic congestion relief by implementing some of the key findings from a performance audit conducted by the State Auditor's office and make several other program changes. I-985 would require that car pool lanes be open to all traffic during non-peak hours and require state, county and local jurisdictions to synchronize traffic lights along heavily used arterials and roadways. I-985 would also increase funding to expand roadside assistance programs. In addition, I-985 would create and fund a Reduce Traffic Congestion Account by shifting existing revenues including, a portion of taxes collected on the sale of used and new cars, local revenues collected from traffic camera infractions and a half percent on state public works transportation projects. I-985 would require that money in the account be subject to the legislative process and restricted to projects that reduce traffic congestion.