Governor Scott slams brakes on high speed rail line from Orlando to Tampa

Governor Scott slams brakes on high speed rail line from Orlando to Tampa


By Nick VinZant, Reporter Last Updated: Wednesday, February 16, 2011 12:56 PM Video Stories * Scott rejects high-speed rail Watch Video TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Rick Scott said he is cancelling a proposed high-speed rail line between Orlando and Tampa, rejecting more than $2 billion from the federal government. The governor made the announcement Wednesday, saying the proposal was too costly for Florida, and could put the state's taxpayers on the hook for roughly $3 billion. Scott said he believes that ridership and revenue projections tend to be too optimistic, and would likely require ongoing state government subsidies. He also said if the project failed, Florida would be required to refund the federal government's investment in the project. For some, the governor's decision was a good move not to spend taxpayers' money. But for others, it's a job killer. Supporters of the project said the rejection of high-speed rail is a major setback for a wide variety of industries. They said the money would have provided thousands of construction jobs. For the transportation industry, plans to link with the rail line are now in limbo, and supporters said it's a big blow as well for Central Florida tourism. As for the jobs, Scott said he wants to focus on expanding ports and highways instead.