Funding High Speed Rail

Lawmakers in Florida are calling for private investment in the constitutionally mandated high-speed rail system.

1 minute read

January 26, 2001, 6:00 AM PST

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera

"State lawmakers are asking private businesses to pick up the multibillion-dollar fare for a new, constitutionally mandated high-speed rail system. Sen. Jim Sebesta, R-St. Petersburg, said Wednesday he will ask the state's Department of Transportation to request bids from companies wishing to build the first leg of the system from Orlando to St. Petersburg, with one stop in Tampa. Sebesta is chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. He has secured the blessing of Gov. Jeb Bush, House Speaker Tom Feeney, R-Oviedo, and Senate President John McKay, R-Bradenton - all of whom have said the state can't afford the project. Bush has included no money for the train in his latest budget. And, in an interview with The Tampa Tribune editorial board last week, Bush said he has told the state Department of Transportation there is no need to hurry with the project. 'I told them to go slow - slow-track the fast-train,' Bush said."

Thanks to Christian Peralta

FULL STORY: Rail plan relies on private backing

Thursday, January 25, 2001 in The Tampa Tribune

Transportation Florida

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