Prop 1: Voters to weigh in on sidewalks, bike lanes and street repairs in April vote.
A $50 million bond question including funding for sidewalk improvements, bike infrastructure and street repairs is headed to voter after being approved by the City of St. Louis’ Board of Aldermen and Mayor Tishaura Jones. The bond question will go on the ballot for a Tuesday, April 5 vote.
The bond question, Proposition 1, would help pay for the backlog of infrastructure repairs and improvements that aren’t covered by federal assistance funds.
“This bond question is an important step to invest in safe, sustainable infrastructure and ensure it is done in an equitable way. We need to see more funding focused on closing sidewalk gaps, improving accessibility for people with disabilities and supporting safer biking,” Kevin Hahn-Petruso Trailnet’s policy manager said.
Alderwoman Marlene Davis introduced the board bill initiating this process and it was passed without opposition by the Board of Aldermen.
The debt from the bonds will be paid off using existing property tax streams and not result in a property tax increase.
In addition to street repair and biking and walking upgrades, the bonds would also help pay for a new emergency dispatch center and improving conditions at correctional facilities. Money from the bonds could also be used as matching funds for federal programs – including the transportation programs that help fund the city’s planned cycle tracks – and for repairs of city buildings.
Two-thirds of people voting in the election would need to support the bond issue for it to pass.