Will 3rd time be charm for rail?
TALLAHASSEE (AP) – Advocates are hoping the lure of federal stimulus dollars will overcome opposition to creating a central Florida commuter rail system and shoring up an existing line in South Florida during a nine-day special session that starts Thursday.
The state is seeking $2.6 billion in federal stimulus money to also begin building a high-speed rail system between Tampa and Orlando that eventually may extend to Miami.
Florida, though, is one of 24 states seeking $50 billion – more than six times the $8 billion available. High-speed projects with links to commuter rail systems are expected to have a leg up in the competition for the stimulus money.
“We have been informed directly, or rather indirectly, from our federal friends that if we can accomplish something before the end of the year, we have a much better opportunity for the high-speed rail component,” Gov. Charlie Crist said.
Legislation to create the proposed SunRail system in the Orlando area failed during the past two regular legislative sessions. It passed in the House both times but was rejected in the Senate including a 23-16 bipartisan vote earlier this year.
That measure drew opposition in part because it also had a $2 per day car rental surtax in three South Florida counties to help subsidize their financially troubled Tri-Rail system.
SunRail is expected to cost $2.66 billion over 30 years with the state, federal and local governments each contributing $700 million and the rest coming from fares, said Rep. Gary Aubuchon, a Cape Coral Republican who is sponsoring the special session bill in the House.