Bond Measure Passes

On November 4, 1930, voters within the District’s six member counties went to the polls on the question of whether to put up their homes, their farms and their business properties as collateral for a $35 million bond issue to finance bridge construction. For some, the timing of the bond election was considered economically reckless as it would create bonded indebtedness during the Great Depression. Others said bridge construction represented the economic relief needed from the Great Depression. After the vote, it was clear the people believed in Strauss’ vision – 145,057 voted in favor and 46,954 against it.

The last of the construction bonds was retired in 1971, with $35 million in principal and nearly $39 million in interest being paid entirely from Bridge tolls. With the exception of the Sausalito Lateral approach road (Alexander Avenue today) which was built as a federal WPA project, there was no state or federal funds involved in building the Golden Gate Bridge.