A key business group is supporting the proposed half-cent sales tax to fund Hillsborough County transportation.
“Based on our study of the issue, the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce supports a half-cent sales tax for a duration of at least 20 years to fund transportation options within Hillsborough County, including the incorporated cities of Plant City, Tampa and Temple Terrace,” the group said in a press release Thursday.
Tampa Chamber President Bob Rohrlack added that internal polls and surveys conducted by the chamber found more than 2500 employees at its member companies said Hillsborough County traffic was a major concern.
“The status quo cannot continue. Our community must make a significant investment in better roads and more transit options,” Rohrlack said. “The cost of doing nothing is greater than the cost of investing in transportation options.”
The sales tax increase hasn’t been approved for the ballot by county commissioners yet, though if it gets their stamp it could come before voters in November.
The tax would raise about $117 million a year for transportation projects ranging from expanded hours for the bus system to repairs and maintenance on area roads.
