The Metro transit agency recently requested the first appropriation of new sales-tax dollars from St. Louis County.

Metro President and CEO Bob Baer on July 6 asked the county to appropriate to the agency the first $39.5 million generated in fiscal 2011 by a half-cent countywide sales tax.

Voters approved the Proposition A sales tax April 6.

The funds would be used for the “restoration of public mass transit,” Baer wrote in a letter to Dooley.

Sales-tax money generated over and above the first $39.5 million should be held for “future capital requests,” Baer stated.

County Executive Charlie Dooley recommended the County Council approve Metro’s request.

Metro also is waiting for its annual appropriation of one-half of the funds generated by the half-cent county transportation sales tax that dates back to 1973. Revenue from that tax is split between mass transit and roads.

The council unanimously gave initial approval to legislation authorizing the appropriation last week. It was scheduled for final approval Tuesday — after the Call went to press.