U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said Friday that there is little hope that Florida can come up with a plan to regain $2.4 billion in federal funds for a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando.
Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, and Miami had formed a coalition to accept the funds that Gov. Rick Scott rejected. Federal regulators said the cities could apply for the funds but they would be required to team up with a partner such as Amtrak to qualify for the money.
Proposals from those interested in the funding, including other states, are due to the U.S. Department of Transportation by April 4. Nelson said Amtrak officials told him that they did not expect to have enough time to meet the deadline.
