Politics & Government
Group That Wants to Repeal SMART Funding Holding Town Hall This Weekend
Say project that was originally approved by voters has derailed, plagued by delays, reduced funding and a significantly scaled-back service that will make commuting to SF a challenge
The group that wants to repeal the quarter-cent sales tax used to fund Sonoma Marin Area Rail Transit is having a town hall meeting this Sunday in Santa Rosa.
RepealSMART is made up of Marin and Sonoma county residents upset with cost overruns and management practices of the SMART light rail project and say the entire project needs to scrapped.
SMART’s original plan was to operate a light rail system between Cloverdale and Larkspur Landing. But over the past year, these plans have been scaled back because of funding shortfalls in the $150 million range. As the project stands now, the train would run from Santa Rosa to San Rafael, meaning commuters to San Francisco would have to transfer to a shuttle to get to the Larkspur ferry.
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In addition, many stations planned along the route have been deferred until more funding can be secured, including the Corona Station in North Petaluma and the near the intersection of Atherton Avenue and North Redwood Boulevard.
Also at risk of partial elimination is a multiuse path along the entire rail route intended for pedestrians and cyclists.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The town hall meeting will be held this Sunday, November 13 at 6 pm at Ellington Hall, 3535 Industrial Drive, Suite B4 in Santa Rosa.
For more info, visit the group’s Facebook page or email info@repealsmart.org
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