Prop 479 is the extension of Prop 400, a ½ cent sales tax dedicated to transportation. Prop 400 was approved in 2004, a 20-year extension of Prop 300, and will expire in 2025 if an extension is not approved.

Prop 479 funds the Regional Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan, with $28.2 billion ($14.9 billion comes from the proposed sales tax) in transportation investment throughout Maricopa County over 20 years.

Due to the timing of when Queen Creek was incorporated and took over roadway authority, the Town has not received arterial funds from the existing Prop 400 or original Prop 300. If Prop 479 is passed, Queen Creek will receive regional funding investment for transportation improvements.

Building the permanent State Route 24 from Ellsworth to Ironwood is one of the freeway projects funded at $119.9 million, with full interchanges at Signal Butte and Meridian. 

The Town would also receive $125.7 million towards improving arterial roadway projects, while supplying an additional $53.9 million in matching funds. 

The revenues collected through the ½ cent sales tax are distributed to Pinal County and municipalities in Pinal County based on population. Queen Creek receives a portion of the funding for roadway maintenance. 

An example of this is Ocotillo Road adjacent to Ironwood Crossing. This section of the roadway was constructed prior to 2010 and had become raveled and visually deteriorated.  The Town was able to use the road maintenance fund to incorporate this portion into the newly improved five-lane roadway after annexation, replacing the asphalt and creating a seamless improvement for the driving public.

The funding is also used by Pinal County to improve roadways throughout unincorporated areas, including San Tan Valley.