The Metropolitan King County Council on Monday, Feb. 10, gave its unanimous approval to the formation of a Transportation Benefit District (TBD) – a separate taxing district that has the authority to generate revenue for transit, roads and other transportation projects.
“With formation of a countywide Transportation Benefit District, King County now has a potential tool for funding preservation of Metro Transit service and maintenance of local roads and transportation infrastructure,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips. “Without new revenue, King County faces transit service cuts of up to 17 percent and at least a $50 million annual gap for the maintenance of county roads.”
The district is similar in structure to the King County Ferry District and King County Flood Control District, with the members of the County Council acting as the district’s board. The district will have the the authority to acquire, construct, improve, provide and fund transportation improvements identified in the transportation plan of the Puget Sound Regional Council, the county or a city within the county.
The district will be able to consider funding options and determine whether to propose sending a measure to raise revenue for the district to county voters.
