Scott Says "No Thanks" to Federal Rail Money
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
By: Tom Parkinson

February 16, 2011 | WMFE - Gov. Rick Scott is canceling a proposed high-speed train line between Orlando and Tampa and rejecting $2.4 billion dollars from the federal government.

 At a press conference in Tallahassee this morning, Scott said the proposal is too expensive and, if it fails, Florida taxpayers could be stuck with the nearly $3 billion dollar tab.

Scott said ridership studies indicate the rail line would lose money and would likely require ongoing state government subsidies.

“The truth is that this project would be far too costly to taxpayers and I believe the risk far outweighs the benefits," Scott said.

The governor said he informed U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood of his decision in a phone call early Wednesday morning.

When asked about the future of Central Florida’s SunRail commuter rail line, Scott said he was still reviewing the plan.

Republican governors in Ohio and Wisconsin have also rejected federal government funding for high-speed rail projects.