SANDAG sells $350 million in bonds to finance transportation projects, incl. No. Coast Corridor rail, highway, and bike projects

SAN DIEGO - Capitalizing on favorable market conditions and strong investor demand, it was announced Friday, Aug. 29 that SANDAG had sold $350 million in tax-exempt, fixed-rate bonds at an exceptionally low 3.85 percent interest rate to finance key transportation improvements in the region.

With investors willing to pay a premium for the bonds, the bond issuance generated proceeds totaling $404 million - 54 million more than the face value of the bonds. The low interest rate at which the bonds were sold means that more taxpayer money will go toward project construction, rather than debt service.

“We will use the money strategically to accelerate the completion of a host of infrastructure improvements that will benefit the region’s economy and quality of life,” SANDAG Chair and Santee Councilmember Jack Dale said. “Over the next few years, we will break ground on the Mid-Coast Trolley extension from Old Town to University City and the North Coast Corridor rail, highway, and bike projects.”

The bond pricing and sale were completed on August 20 in one day, rather than two days as originally planned, due to exceptionally strong investor demand. The bonds are structured to have final mature in 2048.

Ahead of the bond issuance, SANDAG was given AAA ratings in July by both Fitch Ratings and Standard & Poor’s, in recognition of its financial strength and stability.

The newly-issued debt will be repaid with tax receipts from TransNet, the regional half-cent sales tax for transportation projects. TransNet was first approved by county voters in 1987 for 20 years and was extended for another 40 years in 2004.