Show support for rail project or lose money, Nelson warns

[JeffreyS]

Show support for rail project or lose money, Nelson warns

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/aug/05/show-support-rail-project-or-lose-money-nelson-war/news/
By CATHERINE DOLINSKI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: August 5, 2009

TALLAHASSEE - Florida stands to lose billions of federal dollars to build high-speed rail linking Tampa to Orlando if state lawmakers don't rally behind the project, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson warned today.

The state Department of Transportation has applied to the federal government for $2.53 billion to build a high-speed rail link between Tampa and Orlando. The money would come from the U.S. Department of Transportation's $8-billion pot of stimulus money for such projects.

Florida has a strong application, wrote Nelson, D-Fla. But recent conversations with U.S. transportation officials have convinced him, he said, that Florida may not get the money unless state leaders show their "immediate and full pledge of support" for the proposal.

"I ask that you consider a letter to [U.S. Transportation] Secretary Ray LaHood that describes your support and vision for the future of high-speed rail, as well as your intention to pass related legislation during the next legislative session," he wrote. "Expressing your support, as the Legislature's leadership, could make the difference."

Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Reporter Catherine Dolinski can be reached at (850) 222-8382.