Gov. Charlie Crist recently signed legislation to build a new 61-mile rail line through the Orlando area. The bill pits Republicans against Republicans in the Sunshine State, as evidenced by protesters at the press conference.
Republican politicians are behind the bill, but "Tea Baggers" and other conservatives believe it is wasted money.
Kevin Butler, a Republican who is considering a bid for Florida's 8th Congressional District, was among the protesters.
""I'm upset with what the politicians are doing now," Butler said. "They seem to be out of touch with what the people want."
Butler called SunRail a huge waste of taxpayer money that will never earn a profit for the state or region.
"It's a project no one is going to ride," he said. "Mass transit typically succeeds in areas where parking is an issue and traffic is horrendous, and Orlando doesn't qualify. I don't see it in the short term being something that's beneficial.""
FULL STORY: Rail Bill Draws Protesters
Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House
If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.
World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County
Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.
U.S. Supreme Court: California's Impact Fees May Violate Takings Clause
A California property owner took El Dorado County to state court after paying a traffic impact fee he felt was exorbitant. He lost in trial court, appellate court, and the California Supreme Court denied review. Then the U.S. Supreme Court acted.
California Grid Runs on 100% Renewable Energy for Over 9 Hours
The state’s energy grid was entirely powered by clean energy for some portion of the day on 37 out of the last 45 days.
New Forecasting Tool Aims to Reduce Heat-Related Deaths
Two federal agencies launched a new, easy-to-use, color-coded heat warning system that combines meteorological and medical risk factors.
AI Traffic Management Comes to Dallas-Fort Worth
Several Texas cities are using an AI-powered platform called NoTraffic to help manage traffic signals to increase safety and improve traffic flow.
City of Costa Mesa
Licking County
Barrett Planning Group LLC
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Mpact Transit + Community
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Tufts University, Department of Urban and Environmental Policy & Planning
City of Universal City TX
ULI Northwest Arkansas
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.