Local voters approve Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority funding question
Voters deny Hayden School District ballot measures, approve mill levy increase for West Routt Fire Protection District, 2% municipal sales tax in Oak Creek
John F. Russell/Steamboat Pilot & Today
The following is based on unofficial results released by the Moffat County and Routt County Clerk’s Office at 7:06 p.m. on Tuesday and will be updated.
Ballot issue 7A: Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority half-cent sales tax
According to the unofficial results, voters presiding in the Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority jurisdiction have approved a half-cent sales tax measure to fund the authority, marking a key step toward realizing regional bus service and improved transportation infrastructure valleywide.
The RTA jurisdiction is composed of voters in Craig, Steamboat Springs, unincorporated Routt County, Hayden, Oak Creek, and Yampa.
According to unofficial results from the Moffat County Clerk’s office, Craig voted 58% in opposition to the RTA tax question.
Voters in unincorporated Routt County, Hayden, Oak Creek and Yampa cumulatively voted 61% in favor of the tax question.
Despite the opposition in Craig, the measure passed by 2,023 votes across all of the entities included in the RTA jurisdiction.
The new tax, which goes into effect on Jan. 1, is estimated to bring in roughly $7.87 million per year to the new regional transportation authority.
It will be used to help the transportation authority enhance public safety on U.S. Highway 40, improve transportation options for local workers, residents, seniors and visitors, participate in regional planning efforts for potential Mountain Rail service, and provide affordable regional transportation options to underserved and outlying areas.
A top objective of the Yampa Valley Regional Transportation Authority is the introduction of fixed-route bus service on Colorado Highway 131 between Steamboat, Oak Creek and Yampa.
Plans also include establishing a new local circulator bus route within Craig, ground transportation options to and from the Yampa Valley Regional Airport and creating park-and-ride lots for commuters accessing both the U.S. 40 bus route and other new routes.
The RTA Board of Directors is expected to make a final decision on its inaugural executive director pick on Monday, Nov. 9.
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