NVTA advances replacement tax measure to fund road repairs, highway projects

On February 21, 2024, the Napa Valley Transportation Authority – Tax Agency Board of Directors unanimously approved the release of a Draft Sales Tax Measure Ordinance and $1.2 billion Expenditure Plan to the cities of Napa, American Canyon, St. Helena and Calistoga, the town of Yountville and the County of Napa. It marks a major milestone in efforts to replace Measure T with a similar ½-cent sales tax measure that will provide greater funding flexibility for local jurisdictions to build street and road projects, as well as $56 million for regional highway projects.

“We have a new opportunity for an ordinance that looks much better,” said NVTA Executive Director Kate Miller, citing the regional benefit for Napa Valley. “Working together, we stand to get a lot more done.”

Without raising taxes, the replacement measure would span 30 years, going into effect in 2025 and sunsetting in 2055. Compared to Measure T, which 74.7% voters passed in 2012, the new measure allows for bonding that will help jurisdictions build costly road improvements, quicker. One dollar today will lose 54% of its purchasing power by 2055, and funding projects faster ensures local jurisdictions receive the most benefit.

The Measure includes $56 million to address bottlenecks on Highway 29, specifically:

• State Route 29 at State Route 12: Intersection improvements at SR-29 and Jameson Canyon/Airport Road and SR-12/Kelly Road
• State Route 29-American Canyon: Operational improvements between Napa Junction and American Canyon Road
• State Route 29 at State Route 12/121 – Intersection improvements at SR-29/Carneros Highway

It will also help fund a Highway Operations and Emergency Evacuation Center, to better prepare the region in the event of a natural disaster or major incident.

Under the replacement measure, each Napa Valley jurisdiction will be able to spend 5% of its local streets and roads funds on non-maintenance transportation projects, such as building active transportation infrastructure or new roadways/bridges. The Measure will also improve Napa County’s Pavement Condition Index Scores, which would otherwise continue to decline.

The Measure will enhance bike and pedestrian infrastructure, by requiring jurisdictions to commit an amount of local funds, indexed to 7% of Measure revenues, on bike and pedestrian facilities.

In the coming months, each jurisdiction will review and vote on the Ordinance and Expenditure Plan. If approved, it will head to the Napa County Board of Supervisors in June and be included in the November 5 ballot.

All Measure expenditures will be monitored by an Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee.

For more information, contact Communications and Outreach Coordinator Emily Charrier at 707-253-4599, echarrier@nvta.ca.gov.