This morning, Gov. Rick Scott spoke with the U.S. Transportation Secretary RayLaHood, and repeated what he told him on previous Fridays: Florida will not be accepting federal money for high-speed rail. This time, it appears the rejection is final, and the money will be headed elsewhere. #
After talking with Scott, LaHood issued this statement: #
The Obama Administration’s bold high-speed rail plan will not only create jobs and reinvigorate our manufacturing sector in the near term, it is a crucial and strategic investment in America’s future prosperity. I know that states across America are enthusiastic about receiving additional support to help bring America’s high-speed rail network to life and deliver all its economic benefits to their citizens. #
Meanwhile, the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously that Scott was fully within his rights as governor to reject the money, denying an emergency petition brought this week by state Sens. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, and Arthenia Joyner, D-Tampa. #
Scott, for his part, is “now focused on moving forward with infrastructure projects that create long-term jobs and turn Florida’s economy around,” according to a statement issued by his communications office. #
Rail supporters lamented that the Tampa-Orlando line would have done just that. #
“It would have been an unprecedented opportunity for Florida, being the first high-speed rail project in the Western Hemisphere,” said Partick Guittard, of the Florida Public Interest Research Group. #
Scott appears to have meant what he said. He just issued the following statement: #
30,000 NEW JOBS:
GOVERNOR RICK SCOTT ANNOUNCES FUNDING PLAN FOR
PORT OF MIAMI DREDGE PROJECT
#Directs FDOT to amend work plan to include $77 million for the port #
Miami – Standing before a crowd of hundreds at the Port of Miami today, Governor Rick Scott announced plans to fully fund the $77 million shortfall for the port dredging project so that larger ships can enter the port. #
“Today I directed the Florida Department of Transportation to amend their work plan to include $77 million so that Florida can take another leap forward in international trade,” Scott said. “This is the type of infrastructure project that will pay permanent, long-term dividends, and provide a solid return on investment for Florida’s taxpayers.” #
Flanked by Senator Marco Rubio, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, Congressman David Rivera, and Colombian Ambassador Gabriel Silva, the Governor unveiled his intention to invest in the types of infrastructure projects that have long-term, permanent payoffs. The Port of Miami dredge project is projected to result in 30,000 new jobs for the region in the coming years. #
Once the port is dredged to a depth of 50 feet, larger, “New Panamax” ships can load and unload cargo there, enabling the Port of Miami to become a “first port of call” for ships coming through the expanded Panama Canal in 2014. #
“This is a solid first step toward enhancing Florida’s infrastructure and getting our state ready for a new generation of international trade with South America and beyond,” said Governor Scott. There are a number of worthy infrastructure projects that deserve our attention, and as Floridians, we know best where our resources should be focused.” #
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