BRADENTON, Fla. - Florida Gov. Rick Scott Tuesday announced he rejected billions in federal funding for the state’s $2.6 billion high-speed rail project from Orlando to Tampa and he notified Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood of his decision.
More than $20 million in federal funds have already been spent on the project, which had been seen as the most shovel-ready high-speed rail project in the country.
“This project would be far too costly to taxpayers and I believe the risk far outweighs the benefits,” Scott said. “Rather than investing in a high-risk rail project, we should be focusing on improving our ports, rail, and highway infrastructure to be in a position to attract the increased shipping that will result when the Panama Canal is expanded.”
Scott said cost overruns could put taxpayers at risk for $3 billion and that ridership and revenue projections are “overly optimistic.” He provided no data to support his conclusions.
