Protesters Against Tax on Tracks

Monday afternoon along Starkey Road, a group of people protested the possible taxpayer funding of a proposed light rail project, which could go through Largo.

One proposed funding source for light rail is a one percent sales tax, which Pinellas voters would need to approve.The proposed increase would make sales tax eight percent.

The costs to build the rail would be paid for by a mix of local, state, federal and private funds that would be financed over 30 years, according to Scott Pringle of Jacobs Engineering Group at a presentation in Clearwater.

The proposed light rail plan would connect Largo's East Bay Drive with Downtown Clearwater and Downtown St. Petersburg. The preliminary cost estimates for the 16 rail stations and 24 miles of transit rail are $1.5 to $1.7 billion, Pringle said.

The protesters shared concerns about the funding of light rail.

"I am against a one percent tax for light rail. I don't believe we can afford it in this economy," said Matt Bender of Palm Harbor.

The group against the light rail tax wanted to raise awareness.

"Unless there's citizen awareness and action against this. It will just happen without people understanding. (Transit funding) is a complex issue...I hope (the tax increase) does not go on the ballot," said Betsi Burgess of St. Petersburg.

For more information on the "No Tax on Tracks" group go to www.railtaxfacts.com

Pinellas On Track is a consortium of various county planning and transportation boards, which is working on a transit and light rail plan for the area. It would take decades for the light rail project to come to fruition. The group has held a series of online town hall meetings to get resident input and answer questions.

For more information on the county proposal go to www.pinellasontrack.com