BRADENTON, Fla. — The Florida Supreme Court Friday refused to overturn Gov. Rick Scott’s decision not to accept $2.4 billion in federal funds for high-speed rail.
Scott, in an early morning conversation with Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, once again refused to accept the money.
“The governor is gratified that the court provided a clear and unanimous decision; he is now focused on moving forward with infrastructure projects that create long-term jobs and turn Florida’s economy around,” said Scott spokesman Brian Burgess. “He also spoke with U.S. DOT Secretary LaHood this morning and informed him that Florida will focus on other infrastructure projects and will not move forward with any federal high-speed rail plan.”
The high court’s justices said the two state senators who sued the new Republican governor did not prove their case and that they would not accept motions for rehearing.
“I know that states across America are enthusiastic about receiving additional support to help bring America’s high-speed rail network to life and deliver all its economic benefits to their citizens,” LaHood said in a statement. “The Obama administration’s bold high-speed rail plan will not only create jobs and reinvigorate our manufacturing sector in the near term, it is a crucial and strategic investment in America’s future prosperity.”
