Santa Clarita residents are encouraged to attend a community meeting hosted by The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) next week.

The event will be held on Wednesday, May 11, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. at the Centre to provide input on a draft expenditure plan that outlines more than $120 billion in transit, highway and local projects over the next four decades and would be funded through a potential sales tax ballot measure that may go before voters on November 8.

The Centre is located at 20880 Centre Pointe Parkway.

Councilmember Marsha McLean strongly encourages residents to attend the meeting to learn about how the measure would be used to fund transportation plans in L.A. County, specifically areas in Santa Clarita.

The ballot measure under consideration would ask voters to increase the countywide sales tax by a half cent for 40 years and to continue the existing Measure R tax—a half-cent sales tax for Los Angeles County used to finance new transportation projects and programs, and accelerate those already in the pipeline—for an additional 18 years, both of which would run through 2057. In total, the 40-year plan would fund nearly 40 major highway and transit projects and another 36 transportation programs to improve the movement of people, goods and services.

“The draft expenditure plan impacts residents directly. I strongly urge everyone to review the plan and learn how the funds will be spent in Santa Clarita Valley for transportation planning over the span of 40 years,” said Councilmember Marsha McLean. “This is a great opportunity for residents to voice their opinion and request that a fair share of the funds will be used on improvements within Santa Clarita Valley,” she added.

In addition to new transit and highway projects, the expenditure draft plan includes commuter rail; transit operations and projects to keep buses, trains and facilities in good repair; pedestrian and cycling connections and funding to support affordable fares for students, seniors and the disabled.

Santa Clarita residents who attend the meeting will have a chance to ask questions about the new measure and share their thoughts.

“I strongly encourage our residents to attend the public meeting. The draft expenditure plan impacts them directly and is a great opportunity to provide feedback on L.A. County’s future transportation plan,” said Councilmember Marsha McLean.

The full expenditure plan is available for public review at www.metro.net/theplan. The public is encouraged to take a look at the plan, realizing that it is a working draft document and subject to change, as the process goes forward. Residents are also encouraged to provide their feedback by emailing theplan@metro.net.

Public input received will be compiled and shared with the Metro Board of Directors as they contemplate a final expenditure plan and decide in June whether to put the measure on the November ballot.