12/1/09-Florida lawmakers are scheduled to head back to the Capitol this week to discuss high-speed rail as they try to secure federal funding for rail projects.
The state Legislature will convene a special session Thursday, Dec. 3, to consider a proposal to build a commuter-rail system in Central Florida. Gov. Charlie Crist and legislative leaders are intent on approving a $2.1 billion SunRail commuter train system for metro Orlando.
They also want to come up with $27 million to allot for operating costs for the Tri-Trail commuter system in South Florida.
“Florida’s economy and our people need the boost that commuter rail can bring to our state,” Crist said in a statement. “Creating more transportation alternatives means more jobs and more opportunities for economic development that can generate millions of dollars in revenue.”
The 61-mile SunRail project would connect Volusia and three other counties. House lawmakers approved the project during the 2009 regular session, but it fell shy of the votes needed for passage in the Senate.
The latest negotiations between lawmakers to get the SunRail project approved are expected to include purchasing tracks for the commuter train from CSX Transportation in Jacksonville.
Funds for the project would come out of the existing transportation budget.
Supporters are hopeful that if they approve the SunRail plan it would significantly boost their chances of getting $2.5 billion in federal funding to build a high-speed corridor from Tampa to Orlando and from Orlando to Miami. The U.S. Department of Transportation has about $8 billion available for high-speed rail projects.

10/23/09-Florida lawmakers soon could be headed back to the Capitol to discuss high-speed rail as they try to secure federal funding for rail projects.
Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, said this week he is interested in gathering for a special session in December to consider a proposal to build a commuter-rail system in Central Florida.
Gov. Charlie Crist also appears to be onboard for a special session to address the issue. House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, hasn’t indicated whether he’s in favor of returning to the statehouse before the next regular session begins in March 2010.
The 61-mile SunRail project would connect Volusia and three other counties. House lawmakers approved the project during the 2009 regular session, but it fell shy of the votes needed for passage in the Senate.
The U.S. Department of Transportation has about $8 billion available for high-speed rail projects. Supporters are hopeful that if they approve the SunRail plan it would significantly boost their chances of getting $2.6 billion in federal funding to build a high-speed corridor from Tampa to Orlando and from Orlando to Miami.