Florida: Campaign Pushing to 'Greenlight' Pinellas Mass Transit Tax

[marmar]

FL: Campaign Pushing to 'Greenlight' Pinellas Mass Transit Tax

Christopher O'Donnell
Source: Tampa Tribune
Created: February 10, 2014


Feb. 09--ST. PETERSBURG -- With elected leaders, environmentalists and activists in attendance, transit supporters Friday launched a nine-month campaign to persuade voters to back a one-penny sales tax hike to pay for a mass-transit system in Pinellas.

Realtors, construction firms and other companies are expected to raise up to $1 million for the advocacy campaign dubbed "Yes for Greenlight." Voter approval in November would kick start a $2.2 billion, 10-year project to expand bus service by 65 percent, add bus-only lanes to some major roads, and build a 24-mile light-rail link from Clearwater to St. Petersburg.

"This is about the future of Pinellas County," said County Commissioner and Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority Chairman Ken Welch. "It's about jobs; it's about economic development."

The campaign will be led by Ronnie Duncan, chair of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, and Chris Steinocher, president of the St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce. .....................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.masstransitmag.com/news/11308188/campaign-pushing-to-greenlight-pinellas-mass-transit-tax