VTA board considering sales tax measure on November ballot

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Friday morning, VTA officials and local, state and federal leaders gathered to celebrate 40 years of transportation investment in Santa Clara County.

After the event, the Valley Transportation Board started a workshop on the future. They are considering putting on a half-cent sales tax measure on the November ballot. It would possibly raise $6 billion over 30 years, which could lead to billions more from the state and federal governments.

Today, the board is looking at potential projects including a BART extension into downtown San Jose and on to Santa Clara, improvements to the expressways and highways and more frequent bus service.

"It's a mix of things that we think will enhance that will move goods, services and people in a safe way here," said Santa Clara VTA Board Chair Cindy Chavez.

The VTA board will decide if it will put the sales tax measure on the ballot in July, it would then go to voters in November.