Fla. Governor rejects $2.4 billion in federal stimulus dollars

Written by jrood

The L.A. Times reports that Florida Gov. Rick Scott has announced that he's rejecting $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money President Obama's administration had earmarked for a high-speed train connecting Orlando and Tampa. "You don't have to be an economic expert to know when you spend more money than you take in you will fail," Scott said. The move likely means those dollars would be headed to California and other states investing in high-speed rail. U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Winter Park, issued a statement saying, "I am deeply disappointed in the decision to not move forward with the Orlando to Tampa passenger rail project. This is a huge setback for the state of Florida, our transportation, economic development and important tourism industry.'' He said he had already asked the governor to reconsider his decision. Florida House Speaker Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, issued a statement in reaction to the news. "I'm encouraged that he [Scott] is focusing on the practical realities of government programs, and their long-term impacts.'' Cannon said. "As the Constitutional officer charged with carrying out transportation policy, the Governor seems to have determined that at this time he cannot feasibly implement high-speed rail in Florida. I have confidence that he will bring the same level of scrutiny to other issues.'' In all, eight consortiums made up of international companies representing 11 countries had lined up to bid on the train that would have run from Orlando International Airport to downtown Tampa, with stops at the Orange County Convention Center, Walt Disney World and Lakeland.

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