Transportation Benefit District in Spokane?
If you follow transportation happenings, you've probably heard talk recently of forming a local 'TBD', or Transportation Benefit District.' The TBD would be a way to raise money for much-needed transportation projects, and would add at least an extra $20 to your bill every time you license your vehicle. Local lawmakers can implement a TBD without voter approval for an amount as small as $20. If they decide to get more ambitious and ask for more money though, you- the voter- will be consulted. 
One of the best blogs in the region is the SRTC blog. Seriously. It’s your daily source for great transportation news, operated by SRTC staff members Staci Lehman, the Public Education/Information coordinator and Jeff Selle, the Manager of Government Relations. It’s fun, well-written and very informative.
Yesterday the subject of a local Transportation Benefit District caught our eye. To wit:
A meeting was held last week to discuss the possibility of forming a TBD. Here's a synopsis of that meeting from the Spokane Valley Herald.
Would taxpayers go for an extra $20 on license fees if it meant road improvements? According to the Herald, to raise $20 million, it would require a car tab fee of between $40 and $50 and necessitate a vote. From that amount about 30 percent would be earmarked for regional projects while the remaining 70 percent could be divided between our local governments.
For TDB 101, go here.
