For the purposes of this article, the following terms have the following meanings:

(a) To “expand” the transactions and use tax means to expand the purposes for which the revenue derived from the tax may be expended to include covering the costs of implementation of the regional comprehensive plan as referenced in Article 6.5 (commencing with Section 132360). These projects shall be limited to mitigation of impacts related to growth, maximizing the efficiency of regional transportation and transit systems, and funding of regional projects that integrate land uses, transportation systems, infrastructure needs, and public investment strategies, within a regional framework. Projects shall be limited to any or all of the following:

(1) Acquisition, management, maintenance, and monitoring of natural habitat and open space, and other projects that implement protection and preservation programs consistent with adopted natural community conservation plans and habitat conservation plans.

(2) Development and implementation of watershed management.

(3) Construction, repair, replacement, and maintenance of stormwater management and conveyance systems, and water quality improvement programs or projects.

(4) Construction, acquisition, maintenance, monitoring, and operation of beach sand replenishment projects.

(5) Funding of operations and maintenance costs for public transit projects that maximize mobility and transportation choices.

(b) To “extend” the transactions and use tax means to extend the imposition of the tax beyond any term stated in the tax ordinance originally imposing the tax.

(c) To “increase” the transactions and use tax means to increase the tax rate or the maximum tax rate authorized in the tax ordinance originally imposing the tax to an amount that does not exceed the maximum tax rate authorized under Section 132307.

(d) The term “property” with regard to real property may include severable appurtenant real property rights such as easements, permits, and leases.

(e) The “purposes” for which revenue derived from the transactions and use tax may be expended, in addition to the other purposes listed in this article and in Article 5 (commencing with Section 132300), include funding one or more grants to provide funding mechanisms for purchases of property or long-term management and monitoring of projects authorized by this section. Recipients of those grants shall be required to meet the applicable conditions of Section 132321.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 83, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2009.)