SunRail

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!

Join me May 20 at Green Cities™ Florida!

I will be one of 60 speakers at Green Cities Florida addressing a wide range of sustainability focused topics. The subject of my presentation is “Transit Oriented Design and Central Florida's Sustainable Future,” scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on May 20. To see the full list of speakers, visit the following link:

http://greencities.com/usa/florida/orlando/2009/speakers

The event, which takes place May 20-21, 2009 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, will bring Florida's top business, government, and community leaders together for two days to address the key elements that make up a city, such as: energy, tourism, finance, water conservation, construction, manufacturing, education, health care, and infrastructure. There are numerous opportunities for professional and social networking as well as 7 educational tracks designed to best prepare you for success in the new green economy.

If you are in government, business, or a student preparing for a career, this event is for you! Learn more about your business, your community, and Florida’s future.

Please join me at Green Cities™ Florida and when you register, make sure to enter the following discount code so you receive a special 25% off of registration: 619356. You can register conveniently online at: http://greencities.com/usa/florida/orlando/2009/register

I have listed some of the event highlights below for you to review.

See you at Green Cities!
~Phil



To register today and learn more information about the event, please visit http://www.greencitiesflorida.com/


Highlights

• May 20th at 9am – “Flipping the Switch” for the new 1 MW Solar Electric System atop the Orange County Convention Center with Mayor Richard Crotty, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Senator Lee Constantine.

• May 20th at 5:30pm – Ribbon Cutting and Opening Celebration for the Orange County Climate Change Education Center

• Professional and social networking opportunities with businesses and government

• Detailed information about professional development in the green sector

• Insight into environmental jobs and opportunities

• Showcase of sustainable products/services

• Certification courses and CEU workshops

• Roundtable discussions & interactive panels

• Detailed analysis of Florida’s share of the stimulus package and best practices for Florida business and government utilization