Posted on 02/24/2011 12:58:39 PM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
Gov. Rick Scott is sticking to his position on high-speed rail and has rejected a plan for a coalition of local governments to take over responsibility.
"I remain convinced that the construction cost overruns, the operating costs risk, the risk that we would give the money back if it's ever shut down, is too much for the taxpayers of the state," Scott told the Times/Herald.
There was virtually no chance Scott would budge from a week ago, when he rejected $2.4 billion in federal stimulus funding for the Orlando-Tampa line.
The decision brought howls of protest by longtime backers of the project, who said it would bring thousands of jobs to the state and address Florida's transportation problems. But Scott also drew support from tea party activists.
Bullet train backers began working feverishly to craft an alternative, to get around Scott's insistence that the state not be financially liable in any regard.
The plan, calling for local governments to take over the project, was submitted to Scott Wednesday after meetings between the governor's office, federal transportation officials and representatives from the local governments.
All "costs, fees and expenses and general liability of cost overruns and operating shortfalls shall be passed on to and guaranteed by the winning bidder selected from a concourse of bidders from the private sector," the proposal stated.
In the end, though, it failed to garner Scott's support. He was expected to announce his decision later Thursday.
(Excerpt) Read more at tampabay.com ...
In today's Tampa Trib, they quote supporters of HSR..who say that it would be good for Tampa..it could bring visitors from Orlando's theme parks and beaches...Talk about a stupid idea..imagine a family arriving at Tampa's rail terminal..two adults, 3 kids..how the heck are they gonna get to the beaches from there?
I could wile away the hours Conferrin' with the flowers Consultin' with the rain And my head I'd be a scratchin' While my thoughts were busy hatchin' If I only had a brain I'd unravel any riddle For any individ'le In trouble or in pain I would not be just a nuffin' My head all full of stuffin' My heart all full of pain I would dance and be merry Life would be a ding-a-derry If I only had a brain !
Very courageous and insightful: ANY “local” plan would of course end up bankrupt and the cities would go to the state on the grounds that “If Tampa’s commitment is out, it will cause everyone else to bail, so we HAVE to save Tampa” and so on.
What transportation problems?
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