Measure Impact – 20 YR Anniversary of 2004 Extension

January 9, 2024

The New Year marks an important anniversary in the history of San Bernardino County – 20 years since voters overwhelmingly extended Measure I and, in the process, acknowledged the importance of public investment in our transportation future.

Today, the half-cent sales tax included under Measure I generates about $240 million per year to improve local streets, expand freeway capacity, keep our bridges and overpasses safe, and support critical transit projects across the nation’s largest geographic county. While the demand for transportation far exceeds the ability of Measure I to raise funds, can you imagine San Bernardino County without it?

First approved by voters in 1989, Measure I faced its first vote of confidence in 2004. The result: 80% of voters approved extending the tax through 2040. Since then, projects that have been funded by Measure I, at least in part, include:

• The Arrow 9-mile commuter-rail extension between San Bernardino and Redlands.
• The widening of U.S. 395, one of the busiest highways in the High Desert region.
• The extension of the 210 Freeway from Rancho Cucamonga to San Bernardino.
• Numerous interchange and bridge improvements along the Interstate 10 Freeway, including Tippecanoe Avenue, Riverside Avenue, and Cherry Avenue.

The impact of Measure I can be seen in a number of ongoing and new projects, including the widening of the 10 Freeway to add Express Lanes between I-15 and the Los Angeles County Line and the planned West Valley Connector bus rapid transit system.

“Measure I Funding has improved the quality of life for our residents. Public investments in transportation have allowed our county to grow the right way, improving connectivity, and encouraging business and job growth.” said Dawn Rowe, President of the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority Board of Directors and Chair of the county Board of Supervisors.

Click here for more on Measure I.