QuoteGetting Rail Out Of The Station
The Tampa Tribune (FL)
By Jim Beamguard
December 14, 2008
The federal government is soon going to be allocating billions of dollars for cities to build rail projects, both as part of the new transportation bill and as a one-time economic stimulus to help the economy.
U.S. Rep. John Mica, who represents an east-central Florida area from the Orlando suburbs to beyond St. Augustine, fears Tampa and Orlando could be left behind. The Republican leader on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee visited Tampa recently to warn local leaders to get rolling.
He also met with the Tribune Editorial Board. Here is an edited account of the highlights:
What is the urgency in finishing a rail plan?
Next year, we do a five- to six-year transportation bill. The current one expires the end of September 2009. We're starting that process now, deciding transportation policy for the country.
When I came to Congress 16 years ago, there were 29 requests for fixed-rail projects. There were 300 in the last bill. I expect even more this year.
Full Article:
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/dec/14/co-getting-rail-out-of-the-station/
It seems that it isn't even feared Jacksonville won't get anything, it's just a foregone conclusion.
Nice. Its just too bad we may miss the boat.
QuoteThere are a couple folks I threw out of the office a few years back. They came up, and said Mr. Mica, we want your support. Here are our plans for transportation. I looked at them and it was just some highways. I said, you come back with a comprehensive plan.
I threw Bush out of the office, too. Bush handed me the same thing. Myopic.
Another good quote:
QuoteWhy not use buses instead of trains?
I've tried more buses all over the country. We tried them on the side of interstates and in HOV lanes. The problem is, when you have an accident or any kind of a slowdown, the buses are subject to that.
Probably would help to have a station before we try and get the train out of it!
Perils of Peyton...
OCKLAWAHA