Broward residents will be asked to vote on a proposed one-cent increase in the county’s sales tax to fund transportation projects over the next thirty years. Commissioners approved placing the transportation sales surtax question on the November 6, 2018 ballot. The surtax would increase the sales tax from six percent to seven percent and will raise an estimated $257 million annually and an estimated $16 billion over thirty years. The funding can only be used for local transportation projects.

“I’m in favor in putting this in front of the voters,” said Broward County Commissioner Chip LaMarca.

“I’m all in for letting our voters decide as they educate themselves,” said Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness.

“Constituents tell us all of the time that we need to do something about signalization and traffic. This is our opportunity,” said Commissioner Nan Rich.

The 30-year penny surtax plan identifies specific projects that will alleviate traffic and increase connectivity.

“Ninety-eight percent of the transportation projects are within Broward’s municipalities,” said Broward Mayor Beam Furr.

County wide transportation projects include:

  • Adaptive traffic signalization resulting in less traffic congestion
  • Intersection improvements including resurfacing, pavement markings, mast arm upgrades, drainage improvements, sidewalk, ADA updates, bike lanes
  • School zone safety improvements
  • Fiber optic network improvements on critical roadways that support new signal technologies
  • Expanded transit system facilities and routes to support new and improved transit service, possible light rail

The plan also creates an independent review board to oversee the transportation projects.

Mayor Beam Furr and Commissioners Nan Rich, Michael Udine, Tim Ryan, Dale Holness and Chip LaMarca voted in favor of placing the referendum on the November 2018 ballot. Vice Mayor Mark Bogen voted no.