Group raises $1 million to promote transit in Hillsborough

TAMPA — An organization of residents, businesses, civic groups and community leaders has raised nearly $1 million to generate support for an initiative on the November ballot to finance a more modern transportation system in Hillsborough County, according to the group.

The group, Moving Hillsborough Forward, filed a fundraising report with the county's Supervisor of Elections Office on Wednesday.

Hillsborough voters this fall will face a referendum asking to approve a 1-cent increase in the sales tax to pay for road and bus improvements and light rail.

"This tremendous commitment on the part of so many who favor progress will allow us to continue educating voters about this issue to help them make an informed decision about this referendum, which offers benefits to everyone in our region," said Gary Sasso, the campaign's chairman, in a statement.