Posted on 02/16/2011 7:19:19 AM PST by SoFloFreeper
Gov. Rick Scott just announced that he has rejected federal money that would be used to build a high-speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando, saying the project would be “far too costly to taxpayers” and that he believes “the risk far outweighs the benefits.” More from his press release after the jump: #
Moments ago I spoke with u.s. transportation Secretary Ray LaHood to inform him of my decision. I appreciate the secretary’s efforts to work with us and I look forward to working with him in the future. #
My decision to reject the project comes down to three main economic realities: #
* First – capital cost overruns from the project could put Florida taxpayers on the hook for an additional $3 billion. * Second – ridership and revenue projections are historically overly-optimistic and would likely result in ongoing subsidies that state taxpayers would have to incur. (from $300 million – $575 million over 10 years) – Note: The state subsidizes Tri-Rail $34.6 million a year while passenger revenues covers only $10.4 million of the $64 million annual operating budget. * Finally – if the project becomes too costly for taxpayers and is shut down, the state would have to return the $2.4 billion in federal funds to D.C.
The truth is that this project would be far too costly to taxpayers and I believe the risk far outweighs the benefits. #
Historical data shows capital cost overruns are pervasive in 9 out of 10 high speed rail projects and that 2/3 of those projects inflated ridership projections by an average of 65 percent of actual patronage. #
It is projected that 3.07 million people will use the train annually. Keep in mind that Amtrak’s Acela train in Washington, D.C., Boston, Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore only had 3.2 million riders in 2010. And that market’s population is 8 times the size of the Tampa/Orlando market. #
President Obama’s high-speed rail program is not the answer to Florida’s economic recovery. #
We must make investments in areas where we will get a return for the shareholders – Florida’s taxpayers. #
The project has been a hot topic of debate since work began along the I-4 corridor. A coalition of politicians and business lobby groups recently formed in an effort to press Scott to accept the funds. The head of the powerful Associated Industries of Florida called the rail line a part of “America’s infrastructure bonanza” at a roundtable discussion earlier this month. #
Scott’s decision means the federal government will likely give the money earmarked for the project to another state. #
And trees.
My last trip to Tampa the street car driver was telling me that Disney has bought up most of Tampa near the tracks and were building hotel and condo’s and the high speed rail would go from Tampa to Disney World and pretty much only help Disney.
Their lobbyist’s will be working to get it through.
good thing too , also Scott is closing down over 50 parks like Ft Mose which is near me and no one ever goes to.
Every time we pass it there is no one there, actually never seen anyone except workers.
Why they built the building a few years ago is beyond me, that was a complete waste of money.
I am opposed to him closing down Oulestee as that park draws tens of thousands of people, it is the biggest civil war area in FL and where they have a massive reenactment.
Plus it takes less people to look at that area then it does Ft Mose
What're we talkin' ... a few miles?
10?
more?
(I'm not condoning the damned thing ... just tryin' to put it in perspective.)
Dumbest idea ever..like what are you going to do in Orlando without a car...?
it’;s a dumb stupid idea to stop this rail line because of cost vs whatever???
is that what you meant?
Think it’s great idea as most of us do not want it and it would be a waste of money.
It 85 miles by road right now.
It’s like I said on another thread. Here in Houston it cost over 2 billion to install a 17 mile long light rail that runs in a straight line, has an average speed of 7 miles per hour and has over 20 stops - and this was in 2003 dollars. So the amount the government is proposing would just barely scratch the surface for a high speed line that’s a 150 miles long or so.
LOL! I miss 'ol Willie sometimes. Usually, I miss him the most when articles like this are posted......
This is a good call. The Orlando to Tampa route was simply the bargaining chip that was given to then Gov. Crist (who is from, and presumably back in, the Tampa area). Those who know anything about the economics of HSR know that the distances at which the technology pays off are somewhere in the 250- 350 mile range. And that assumes that you have population density and origin-destination demand sufficient to reach an operational level that is economical (minimum or no fare box subsidies). Miami to Orlando? That could be a contender. Not in the present economic condition, but maybe in the future. But Orlando to Tampa, that was just a bone thrown by the Obama Administration to then Gov. Crist.
I just think pols should be tellin' zero to pound sand ... in one syllable words.
He tells US ... !
Good for Governor Scott! File high-speed rail with “free healthcare” a fiscal Black Hole! The best way to know what people DON’T want... is if government gives “it” a subsidy (whatever “it” is). Most “subsidy” money circulates back to the politicians that granted it. The $2.4 billion “stimulus” grant will cost the taxpayers of Florida at least thrice that! Trust me, I’ve worked in government!
Great news that Gov Scott has killed the Tampa—Orlando rail.
For those rail buffs who are in mourning, let me suggest they go to New Mexico and ride Gov Richardson’s boondoogle train from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. Richardson’s train is losing something like $25 million per year so they desperately need riders!@!!!
Thank goodness. Just as technology is making business travel less and less necessary, Leftists are pushing for a realization of 1960’s tech dreams.
The only folks who benefit is Disney. They will claim a gazzillion jobs created. Yes jobs, but minimum paying jobs in DISNEY Parks. puhleezeee
I should probably know this, but what’s DCA stand for?
Yes, good policies, one and all.
Get Amtrak off our backs too.
As part of their social engineering the federal government has become addicted to policies that disguise the real costs of avtivities.
I support the end to all subsidies, price supports, backdoor funding and tax policies designed to pick winners and losers in the marketplace.
People modify their behaviour based on the perceived direct cost to them of a product or activity. As an example, look what the Obama administration is doing to push sales and use of electric and hybrid autos.
In spite of all the naysayers, the governor is earning his votes.
Hey, I gotta idea...how 'bout not spending it anywhere! Pay off the debt.
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