John Mica, the Central Florida congressman who oversees the U.S. House transportation committee, took a position on the high-speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando that appears increasingly fashionable among Republicans: He supports it, as long as private companies pony up the state’s share of funding for the project. #
From The Florida Times-Union: #
On Tuesday morning Mica, chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, expressed support for the project to the Florida Statewide Passenger Rail Commission, which was holding a meeting at the Florida Department of Transportation offices in downtown Jacksonville. #
But Mica tempered his support by saying no state money should go towards the $2.7 billion project. Federal stimulus money is expected to pay for about $2.4 billion. #
Mica, who has been skeptical about the project in the past, met Monday with Gov. Rick Scott, who along with Senate President Mike Haridopolos has expressed interest in attracting private funds and doubts about using state money. #
Scott has said he’s awaiting the results of a study due out next month before he takes a position. #
