Senate Bill 1212 was voted down in the Florida State Senate on May 1, 2009 with a vote of 16-23. With this vote, the Senate did not approve the liability language for SunRail. So, the “no” vote was not for the commuter rail itself, but the liability language for the “deal” with CSX.
The failure of Senate Bill 1212 left many disappointed and uncertain about the future of transportation and smart growth in Central Florida. Many view this outcome as the death of SunRail. However, because of Central Florida leadership and a strong push from the Federal Government, I have hope for SunRail and believe our Federal Government supports it.
SunRail is the future for Central Florida. Put another way, Central Florida has a poorer future if there is no SunRail.
Ironically, the money for the SunRail project is more secure now than ever. In the past two weeks, President Barack Obama has recommended to Congress $1.83 billion in funding for major transit projects that will create jobs and increase transportation options throughout the United States. More than $600 million of those funds are being recommended for new projects including SunRail. The spending plan, included in President Obama’s Budget submitted to Congress, announces recommendations by the Federal Transit Administration to invest $604.3 million in 10 new or expanding transit projects—five projects under the New Starts Program, which provides federal funding for major capital construction projects; included in these five projects is SunRail.
So stay tuned and stay positive!!! We need rail transit in Central Florida, and Sun Rail is our current best opportunity to start becoming a world class city!
The failure of Senate Bill 1212 left many disappointed and uncertain about the future of transportation and smart growth in Central Florida. Many view this outcome as the death of SunRail. However, because of Central Florida leadership and a strong push from the Federal Government, I have hope for SunRail and believe our Federal Government supports it.
SunRail is the future for Central Florida. Put another way, Central Florida has a poorer future if there is no SunRail.
Ironically, the money for the SunRail project is more secure now than ever. In the past two weeks, President Barack Obama has recommended to Congress $1.83 billion in funding for major transit projects that will create jobs and increase transportation options throughout the United States. More than $600 million of those funds are being recommended for new projects including SunRail. The spending plan, included in President Obama’s Budget submitted to Congress, announces recommendations by the Federal Transit Administration to invest $604.3 million in 10 new or expanding transit projects—five projects under the New Starts Program, which provides federal funding for major capital construction projects; included in these five projects is SunRail.
So stay tuned and stay positive!!! We need rail transit in Central Florida, and Sun Rail is our current best opportunity to start becoming a world class city!
