New Funds Possible for Miami Rail? (Tampa, Orlando: to rent, unemployment rate, universities)

[hmontaq]

The rail has need to go to the airport forever... The real waste of money is the Marlins stadium and that underground tunnel to the port (wasted billions!!!). But they will create construction as well as other jobs. Even though I think a French company got the tunnel build bid.

[MiamiRob]

Originally Posted by Coconut1

I've been reading about how the new governors of WI and OH are pledging to kill high speed rail projects in their states. In WI, $810 million in stimulus funds would pay for the entire project and in OH, $400 million was allocated.

The articles state if the projects are killed the funding would go back to the government for distribution elsewhere.

Obviously the Orlando to Miami high speed rail is too expensive (a price tag of $8 billion) and the Tampa to Orlando line needs $300 million more.

If Tampa to Orlando got the additional $300 million needed to pay for their line that still leaves $910 million for other projects.

I'm wondering if the funds are only allowed to be used for high speed rail or whether other rail projects are also acceptable.

If other projects are acceptable, I'm wondering if a project like Baylink would be eligible.

If the new Governors in WI & OH kill their high speed rail projects then that would free up those money for other high speed rail projects in other states.
Those Fed dollars that are already allocated can only be used for high speed rail.This also depends if Florida doesn't join WI & OH because Rick Scott said he was against high speed rail in Florida and may very well kill the project even though the Feds have given Florida over $2 billion dollars already.

[flyers29]

Originally Posted by MiamiRob

If the new Governors in WI & OH kill their high speed rail projects then that would free up those money for other high speed rail projects in other states.
Those Fed dollars that are already allocated can only be used for high speed rail.This also depends if Florida doesn't join WI & OH because Rick Scott said he was against high speed rail in Florida and may very well kill the project even though the Feds have given Florida over $2 billion dollars already.

I think that part I bolded is a good reason to think Florida won't be getting the WI/OH funds regardless of what Scott thinks.

[Coconut1]

Okay, I knew it was for rail only, but didn't know it had to specifically be used for high speed rail. Such a shame.

I don't think Scott will kill the Tampa to Orlando project, it's just hot air.

I know Cuomo asked for the rejected funds already, as did the Gov. of IL. Those rejecting these funds will seriously regret it, IMO.

There's only so many roads you can build and ways you can keep gas artificially low.

[♥♥PRINC3Ss♥♥]

I don't think Ricky will kill it. I wish they would have started with the Miami Orlando line first.

[MiamiRob]

^ agreed because a Miami to Orlando line would be more heavily used & probably more profitable than the current line proposed. I hope Scott doesn't kill high speed rail.
Someone also mentioned a Metrorail extension to the Airport. That extension is expected to be completed in 18 months or in April of 2012.

Metrorail extension scheduled to be completed in April 2012 - Miami-Dade - MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/11/10/1917895/metrorail-extension-scheduled.html#ixzz14sZZRGVB - broken link)

[hurricaneMan1992]

I hope Rick Scott kills the high speed rail project, and here's why: the initial construction of the partial (e.g., inadequate) system is not fully funded by the Federal Government, let alone the costly maintenance, which will be a burden on the State's budget for decades. Florida is not ready for inter-city rail because, let's face it, our metropolitan area public transportation sucks.

Any money spend on public transportation should be spent on local public transportation where it is truly needed and welcome. You're not talking about connecting cities like NYC and DC here...the situation in Florida is a totally different ball game!

[miamifloridafan]

Originally Posted by hurricaneMan1992

I hope Rick Scott kills the high speed rail project, and here's why: the initial construction of the partial (e.g., inadequate) system is not fully funded by the Federal Government, let alone the costly maintenance, which will be a burden on the State's budget for decades. Florida is not ready for inter-city rail because, let's face it, our metropolitan area public transportation sucks.

Any money spend on public transportation should be spent on local public transportation where it is truly needed and welcome. You're not talking about connecting cities like NYC and DC here...the situation in Florida is a totally different ball game!

but at least we can reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

[hurricaneMan1992]

Originally Posted by miamifloridafan

but at least we can reduce our reliance on foreign oil.

Agreed that reducing reliance on foreign oil is a good idea.
Question: How much does the average Miami-an drive within South Florida vs. between Miami and Orlando? Wouldn't improving local transit be more effective at reducing our reliance of foreign oil?

[MiamiRob]

Originally Posted by hurricaneMan1992

I hope Rick Scott kills the high speed rail project, and here's why: the initial construction of the partial (e.g., inadequate) system is not fully funded by the Federal Government, let alone the costly maintenance, which will be a burden on the State's budget for decades. Florida is not ready for inter-city rail because, let's face it, our metropolitan area public transportation sucks.

Any money spend on public transportation should be spent on local public transportation where it is truly needed and welcome. You're not talking about connecting cities like NYC and DC here...the situation in Florida is a totally different ball game!

So you would rather kill high speed rail & have other states take our $2 billion in Fed funds? The Feds are paying the vast majority for the first phase of this project and those funds are already allocated. Those funds will never go to local transit.
By the way if you think Scott is going to improve public transit in our state I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell you!
As for our metro transit "sucking" it still is the best in the state of Florida carrying around 350,000 riders a day in Miami-Dade county alone.
The Feds have made Florida it's top priority so I think we should take advantage of improving rail in our state.