Florida High Speed Rail Option and Elimination

fsujax · February 16, 2011, 10:23:19 AM

the other thing to remember is Jacksonville is still connected to the SEHSR network and is participating in the feasibility study that is ongoing linking Jacksonville to Atlanta.

JeffreyS · February 16, 2011, 10:25:29 AM

Why does he keep referencing Obama? If he does not like the that is one but whether or not it is Obama's plan shouldn't matter. Oh well we are more in line with the SEHSR anyway.

Jumpinjack · February 16, 2011, 10:28:45 AM

Quote from: tufsu1 on February 16, 2011, 10:21:24 AM
Let's Get To Work...first thing we'll do is eliminate jobs!

No, we are making more highway construction jobs available.

dougskiles · February 16, 2011, 10:50:43 AM

Quote from: fsujax on February 16, 2011, 10:23:19 AM
the other thing to remember is Jacksonville is still connected to the SEHSR network and is participating in the feasibility study that is ongoing linking Jacksonville to Atlanta.

What is happening in Georgia with HSR and the state government? Any threats of rejecting federal assistance?

fsujax · February 16, 2011, 10:52:38 AM

Mica's Response

Mica response

Transportation chief Mica: "Deeply disappointed" with Scott rejection of high speed rail

House Transportation chair John Mica on Florida Gov. Rick Scott's decision to turn down high speed rail dollars: "I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project.

"This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development, and important tourism industry.

"I have urged the Governor to reconsider going forward and allow the private sector to assume the risk and any future costs for the project. I made this appeal to the Governor this morning. With the federal government assuming 90% of the cost of the project, I am disappointed the private sector will not have an opportunity to even offer innovative proposals to help finance the balance of the costs and to construct and operate this system.

"I will continue to work with the Governor and all those interested in developing cost-effective 21st century transportation alternatives for Florida and the nation, with systems that can improve quality of life and help meet our future transportation needs."

tufsu1 · February 16, 2011, 10:53:37 AM

Quote from: Jumpinjack on February 16, 2011, 10:28:45 AM
Quote from: tufsu1 on February 16, 2011, 10:21:24 AM
Let's Get To Work...first thing we'll do is eliminate jobs!

No, we are making more highway construction jobs available.

I doubt it...I'm thinking he doesn't want to spend any $

yapp1850 · February 16, 2011, 10:54:08 AM

now the money is gone, do you think the state will state a new real rail plan that is on csx/fec tracks so the train goes from city center to city center.

tufsu1 · February 16, 2011, 10:56:10 AM

CSX is not at all interested in sharing/selling their tracks from Tampa to Lakeland for passenger rail

dougskiles · February 16, 2011, 10:57:53 AM

What would be better?

Federal funding for HSR between Tampa and Orlando

or

Commuter rail in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, South Florida - with restored passenger rail service along the east coast?

I vote for the latter.

jcjohnpaint · February 16, 2011, 11:00:03 AM

This governor is in no way a liar. He clearly spelled out how he was going to systematically destroy this state to give the hard working Floridians tax breaks what ever the %^&$%# that means. I think it was pretty clear what he was going to do in his goal to privatize everything. I did not vote for him and never will....so I did what I could and I will do it again.

tufsu1 · February 16, 2011, 11:05:44 AM

Quote from: dougskiles on February 16, 2011, 10:57:53 AM
What would be better?

Federal funding for HSR between Tampa and Orlando

or

Commuter rail in Jacksonville, Tampa, Orlando, South Florida - with restored passenger rail service along the east coast?

I vote for the latter.

agreed...but the Feds aren't offering $2+ Billion for that...and even if they were, this Governor wouldn't take it!

yapp1850 · February 16, 2011, 11:14:45 AM

csx have said the only way for passenger rail on there tracks from tampa to auburndale is if the goverment upgrade tracks like a secord set of track and siding.

Shwaz · February 16, 2011, 11:16:05 AM

Honestly the project was just a much bigger version of the skyway... meaning it seems doomed from the start... connecting nothing to nowhere. I believe the governor is right in that the ridership estimate was waaaay off... and when this corridor eventually failed it would kill off all other rail plans for FL.

I don't agree with Governor on his stance that if the tax payers have to subsidize $1 dollar that's cause to scrap the plan... obviously we've covered the operational costs of the 'freeway' system ad nauseum... but even if his short sightedness kills the program... I believe it will only benefit future rail plans for all of the state.

cephus · February 16, 2011, 11:51:39 AM

I'm with Doug Skiles and Schwaz on this one

Ocklawaha · February 16, 2011, 12:12:53 PM

Quote from: Ocklawaha on January 08, 2011, 11:56:04 PM
...PSST... IT AIN'T GONNA FLY WILBUR!

Damn, here I go, from Consultant to El Misericordia of Florida's railroads, in one giant leap...

I remain, at your service,

OCKLAWAHA

CSX would be more then happy with a second or third track from Jax - Orlando - Lakeland - Tampa. They'd be celebrating and hanging banners from their windows.

They'll tell you their not interested, but a little sugar will get us all the attention we'll need.

Thank God this thing is dead on I-4, stupid idea in the first place. Perhaps the next governor will look at what North Carolina, California, Maine, Illinois and the Pacific Northwest have done with AMTRAK and turn this lemon into something more drinkable.

OCKLAWAHA