This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon: Proposition P, popularly known as the “Arch tax,” passed in St. Louis County's April 2 election with 57,784 yes votes to 51,349 no votes, or nearly 53 percent in favor 47 percent opposed. The 3/16 of a penny sales tax increase will go toward improving local parks, trails and the Gateway Arch grounds.
According to unofficial township results, the measure received strong support from townships in the central corridor, with more than 71 percent of Hadley Township voters supporting it. Townships on the periphery of the county were generally opposed, with Northwest Township casting 59 percent of its ballots against Prop P.