Mica Gets Three Transportation Subcommitees
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
By: Matthew Peddie

January 22, 2013 | WMFE- Florida US House representative John Mica will retain some influence in helping set transportation policy, even though Pennsylvania Congressman Bill Shuster has taken over as chair of the powerful House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mica will continue to serve on three transportation subcommittees.

Mica was appointed to subcommittees on Highways and Transit; Railroads Pipelines and Hazardous Materials, and Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.

The Winter Park Republican says it will be a challenge to try to fix congested and crumbling highways, and fund a new highway transportation bill once the current bill expires.

"Unfortunately it’s almost impossible to increase gas taxes, and that doesn’t really even solve your problem because people are using even less of the traditional gasoline," said Mica. 

"You have alternative fuels, you have plug in cars, and you have cars going much further on one gallon of gas.

 One source of revenue included in the current transportation bill allows for extra toll lanes to be built on existing interstates like I-4.

Mica says Amtrak also needs reform- he says allowing private operators to run the passenger rail system would improve service and save money. Meanwhile Mica says he’s excited about the prospect of private passenger rail starting in Florida- with All Aboard Florida proposing a Miami to Orlando service beginning in 2015.