Despite heavy opposition, Orlando commuter rail project moves forward

[thelakelander]

If this project makes it through, the side effect on Jacksonville could end up with the rail line between Downtown and Orange Park being available was a route for local commuter rail service.

Slowly, Bumpily, CSX Deal Rolls On

By NICOLA M. WHITE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 12, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Buoyed by support from Central Florida politicians and business leaders, a House council moved forward a bill that eventually would allow the state to seal a controversial deal with CSX Transportation to build a commuter rail system in the Orlando area.

Although those on both sides of the debate agree they want better mass transit in Central Florida, critics have raised questions about several aspects of the deal, including the fact that it was hatched largely behind closed doors without input from the public.

They also raise questions about a provision that would put liability for any railroad accidents and most of the maintenance costs on Florida taxpayers, even though CSX would continue to use the tracks for longer, heavier freight trains.

That's the part of the deal that lawmakers discussed Friday; without the agreement that any passenger accidents are the liability of the state, CSX will not sell its tracks. This agreement requires legislative approval first.

Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Coral Gables, pushed for his colleagues to agree to the provision, which is tucked into a larger transportation bill. CSX currently provides only freight train services, he argued, and that's why the company needs the state to pay for insurance for passengers.

"Why would we pay for passengers? Because we brought them there. They are not here today," said Rep. Gary Aubuchon, R-Coral Gables, who sponsored the bill.

After more than three hours of discussion, the House Economic Expansion & Infrastructure Council passed the bill with an almost unanimous vote. Rep. Susan Bucher, D-West Palm Beach, voted no.

"The fact that this was a secret deal without the citizens who would have the impact in their community involved is just atrocious. I can't believe we've done this to them," Bucher said.

She tried to add an amendment to the bill to require the state to hire only union rail workers to operate the commuter rail, but was shot down. Rep. Will Weatherford, R-Wesley Chapel, said he didn't like the suggestion that nonunion workers were not as qualified to work on the railroad.

Under the plan, which was negotiated in 2005 under the administration of former Gov. Jeb Bush, the state would pay $649 million to buy 61 miles of track from CSX and to pay for the railroad to expand other operations statewide.

Of that sum, $150 million goes to actually buying the tracks. The rest goes for CSX to make improvements on its rail lines. Some legislators, including Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, have been calling the pact "a sweetheart deal" for a private company. It also has raised the ire of many Lakeland residents, who would see more freight trains rumble through their downtown as a result of the project.

Some Lakeland residents came to Tallahassee on Friday to protest the deal, but they were outnumbered by the Central Florida lawmakers and residents who spoke up in support of it.

"This funding amounts to nothing more than corporate welfare," said Winter Haven resident Dee Dee Chiavuzzi, who lives near what could become a major train yard if the deal goes through.

Central Florida residents testified about clogged highways and the need to get to work more quickly.

"The population of Central Florida is going to double in the next 20 years," Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer told the panel.

Aubuchon, the bill's sponsor, conceded that there were critics of the plan but pushed his colleagues to consider the big picture: commuter rail for Central Florida.

"When we are doing something of such magnitude, there's always going to be issues to be ironed out," Aubuchon said.

The bill's next stop is the House floor, where the full chamber can debate.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/apr/12/me-slowly-bumpily-csx-deal-rolls-on/?news-metro

[Lunican]

I actually think that $150 million for 61 miles of land through Central Florida is a bargain. CSX should have demanded a lot more for it.

[JeffreyS]

Are the commuter rail and Amtrak going to share any stations? And the burning question will Disney connect the monorail to the commuter rail?

[thelakelander]

1. Yes, they will share the stations that Amtrak already stops at currently.

2. No, Disney has no plans to connect the monorail.  However, Orlando does have plans for light rail that will connect downtown with International Drive and Disney.

[JeffreyS]

Thanks