First, the good news: Something actually passed on transportation funding here at ground zero for mess transit. The Hillsborough County Commission voted to spend $600 million over the next decade on transportation needs. The “good news” qualifier: We’re talking budget allocations to help with roads, intersections, sidewalks and bridges. That’s usually called a basic maintenance plan, not a vision to catch up with the 21st century.
It’s not nearly enough for those who understand regional connectivity and for those who know that the city of Tampa will remain on the cusp of transformation without meaningful mass transit.
What still needs to happen: Legislative help so that major Florida cities can hold their own referenda to raise money for priorities such as transit. It’s not fair that this city’s self-determination is, in effect, vetoed by “no tax for tracks” county voters and their Republican-majority commission.