Residents of the Forest Green subdivision north of Falcon are among the most recent beneficiaries of the 1 percent sales and use tax that funds the Pikes Peak Rural Transportation Authority. In November, El Paso County road crews completed road and drainage improvements to Forest Green Drive and Forest Green Way.According to its website, the PPRTA was established in 2004 to provide funding for road improvements, maintenance and public transportation projects in El Paso County. Revenues are split among three categories:
- 55 percent for specific capital projects
- 35 percent for maintenance projects
- 10 percent for metro transit improvements
The portion of the tax dedicated to specific capital projects was scheduled to expire Dec. 31, 2014. With voter approval of ballot issue 5A on Nov. 6, the 55 percent portion of the 1 percent tax will remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2024. The 1 percent sales and use tax amount costs the average family about 42 cents per day.Since the inception of the PPRTA, almost half of the original priority A projects has been completed, including the widening of Meridian Road between Woodmen Road and Stapleton Road, and the Stapleton Road extension from Eastonville to U.S. Highway 24.Some of the projects included on the A list for the next 10 years include roadway corridor improvements to Eastonville Road, between McLaughlin Road and Latigo Boulevard; and intersection improvements at Meridian and McLaughlin roads and New Meridian Road at U.S. Highway 24.Currently, crews are working to widen Meridian Road between Stapleton Road and Rex Road. Southbound right turn lanes will also be added to intersections at Londonderry and Stapleton. The El Paso County Department of Transportation estimates completion of this project in April of next year.
