29 January 2010 by 13 News
Tampa - President Barack Obama has promised Florida federal funding for a high-speed rail line that would connect Orlando to Tampa and eventually Miami.
Obama and Vice President Joe Biden announced the grant at a town hall-style meeting Thursday at University of Tampa’s Bob Martinez Sports Center.
Florida is expected to receive $1.25 billion to build a high-speed rail line that would connect Orlando to Tampa and Miami, traveling at speeds of up to 120 mph. State officials had asked for $2.5 billion.
Gov. Charlie Crist, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Tampa Mayor Pam Lorio joined Obama in Tampa as he announced a total of $8 billion in stimulus money for high-speed rail projects across the country, an initiative the administration said will save or create tens of thousands of jobs.
The proposed stops along the first phase of the rail line would be at Orlando International Airport, Walt Disney World and Lakeland.
Experts said high-speed rail would also be a boost to tourism, and allow people the freedom to live and work in different parts of the state.
Sen. Bill Nelson called it the biggest economic boost to Florida since Disney World.
The rail line is expected to be up and running by the end of 2015.
What's Next For High Speed Rail?
So far, the Florida Department of Transportation has spent $350 million on land acquisitions and studies.
The proposed stops along the rail line would include Lakeland, Disney, Celebration and International Drive.
In Lakeland, there's controversy over where the stop should be built. Some want it at the University of South Florida campus, while others said it should be downtown where more people can access it.
In Celebration, officials said a stop could spur huge amounts of economic development as well home sales.
A stop could also be at Interstate 4 and U.S. 192 on Disney property.
Bryan Malenius, a spokesman for Disney said, “We’re looking forward to working with officials to place a high speed rail station for the new system on or near our property taking into consideration the needs of both tourists and local residents.”
The last stop is proposed off the Beachline and International Drive.
Most of these plans and timelines were all created based on the state getting $2.5 billion from the federal government, so things may change now that we're $1.25 billion short.
Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
High-speed rail’s first major impact on Central Florida would be in the form of rail construction jobs. The project is expected to create about 7,000 jobs in the Central Florida area, and 22,000 statewide.
Once the line is up and running, it’s expected to have a dramatic impact for international tourists, who often fly to Miami, and then have to find a way to get to Central Florida.
High-speed rail could also play a role in attracting companies.
“Anything that could add to an expanded transportation network within the region makes it a much more attractive region for companies that are particularly moving from larger cities, where they have more mass transit options than we do in Metro Orlando,” said Jennifer Wakefield, of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission.
The president promised to make more money available each year through the annual budget process. What remains unclear, however, is whether there will be enough funding from other sources, or if that could lead to delays in the project.
At a rail manufacturing conference in 2009, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said more than 30 foreign and domestic companies have promised to establish or expand operations in the U.S. if they are chosen to build high-speed lines.
The Politics Of High-Speed Rail
One day after his speech before Congress, Obama is talking high-speed rail and most importantly jobs.
Experts call it a political gold mine that every politician in the Sunshine State wants to be associated with.
"Kennedy said, you know, defeat has very few fathers but victory has many,” said former Congressman Lou Frey. “Everyone wants to stand next to good news in the political thing and say ‘boy I did this.’"
Because of the positive political gain, every decision surrounding the announcement was well thought out -- even where the president decided to announce the multi-billion dollars in stimulus cash.
"I think it was in Tampa because the Democrat administration wants to give credit to Tampa area Congresswoman Kathy Caster for this, instead of coming here to Orlando and let Republican Congressman Mica get credit for this," said Dr. Rick Foglesong from Rollins College.
However, it’s a little trickier for the Republicans.
"I’ll be intrigued to hear what candidates who run against government have to say about this stimulus spending that going to come to our state," Dr. Foglesong said.
Gov. Crist has already taken criticism for being too chummy with the president.
"How do you handle it? You say, you're respectful to the president, but gee you got a conflict and so you try to take all the credit you can. Probably, my advice to him is to stay away from Obama under the circumstances," Frey said.
High-speed rail is on its way, and how it plays out on the political front will be interesting to watch.
Line To Miami To Run Through Brevard?
VIERA -- Once the first phase of the rail system is complete, it’s on to Phase 2 -- and Brevard County may be right in its path.
The second phase involves two proposed routes:
Orlando to Fort Pierce via Florida’s Turnpike
Orlando to Miami via the Beachline and I-95
The I-95 route would exit north from Orlando International Airport, head east along state Road 528 and then follow I-95 south to Miami.
That route would mean a possible station stop in Brevard County, with the opportunity to grow business around the county that could cater to passengers.
Consultants would identify existing railroads, utilities and infrastructure already in place to determine the best route.
Brevard County Manager Howard Tipton told News 13 the project would bring both temporary construction jobs and permanent jobs surrounding the rail stop, as well as draw business to the county.
“Certainly, as Phase 2 of the study begins, if it’s going to move forward, we’d love to have Brevard in that alignment,” Tipton said. “The legislative delegation has supported it, and we think the Space Coast makes all the difference of the success of the line.”
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