Return to Sender: Fla. Gov. Turns Down Billions in Federal Rail Funds
- Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:02pm by
Meredith Jessup
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Just five weeks after taking office as Florida’s 45th executive, Gov. Rick Scott is making waves with ripples felt all the way to Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, the Republican governor announced he’s turning down $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money President Obama’s administration had earmarked for a high-speed rail project to connect Orlando and Tampa. In response, the White House insisted it would spend the money elsewhere.
Florida Gov. Rick Scott, R
Last week, Vice President Biden announced the administration’s new $53 billion plan to build a national high-speed rail network as a means to create jobs and improve American transportation.
But during a press conference Wednesday, Scott said he was returning the cash to Washington and took time to criticize the president’s deficit spending.
“My background is in business, not politics,” he said. “But you don’t have to be an economics expert to understand that if you spend more money than you take in, your business will fail. Unfortunately, politicians haven’t always seemed to grasp that same principle.”
“I was elected to get Floridians back to work and to change the way government does business in our state. I am committed to making good on those promises,” Scott noted.
“It is absolutely critical that we make smart investments with taxpayer dollars, whether state or federal, and I believe our state will be better served by spending these funds on projects that will benefit Florida and not turn into a spending boondoggle. The answer is to reduce government spending, cut government’s leash on our state’s job creators and then hold that government accountable for the investments it makes,” Scott concluded.
“That is what I was elected to do and that is how I plan to govern.”
In response, the Obama White House said it would send the $2.4 billion to other states if the Florida governor was unwilling to accept it.
Just hours after Scott’s announcement, White House press secretary Jay Carney insisted the allocated money would be sent to other states instead of being used to lower the federal deficit.
“We think that is an unfortunate decision,” Carney said. “This goes right to the essence of what we have been talking about here. There has been a lot of bipartisan support for the need to create the kind of modern infrastructure in this country that will enable us to compete. High speed rail is very much a part of that and we will make sure that that money is used elsewhere to advance the infrastructure and innovation agenda that is essential for economic growth.
“We believe that the money that is allocated for high-speed rail as part of the Recovery Act is essential to the infrastructure agenda that this president has,” Carney added. “Again, it is part of the president’s priority and it is essential to us to build an infrastructure that allows us to compete in the 21st Century.”
Like pigs at the trough, federal lawmakers quickly lined up for a shot at the funds.
Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., quickly released a statement Wednesday urging the Obama administration to redirect the $2 billion allocated for Florida to his own state.
“Florida‘s loss should be New York’s gain,” Schumer declared. “Other states may not be ready to unlock the potential of high-speed rail, but it is a top priority for upstate New York. We can put these funds to use in a way that gets the best bang for the buck. The administration should redirect these funds to New York as quickly as possible.”
Additionally, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., agreed and went one step further, aiming her plea for the funds directly toward Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “New York State stands ready to put these dollars to good use in developing the next generation of American passenger rail,” Gillibrand wrote. “These investments will create jobs, spur economic development, and continue to build on the growth of ridership we’ve seen in recent years.”
It’s not the first time New York has lined up to receive funds allocated for other states. Last November, Gov. Cuomo requested more than $1.25 billion in funds the then-soon-to-be governors of Wisconsin and Ohio said they didn’t want.
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Comments (129)
Miami Bob
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:26pmWay to go Governor….
Tell Obama to stick his chu chu where the sun don’t shine….. Who the hell needs it????
Report Post »KENYAN_WRECKING_BALL
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:22pmAs a Floridian I applaud Gov. Scott. Take money from a crack dealer and he will own you. The individual states need to stand up and say FU washington. People don’t realize it but Florida is a huge state. If you were to drive from Key West to Pensacola it’s the equivalent of driving from San Diego to Eureka, CA. My respect for Tampa Mayor Iorio is now gone, she supports the idea of still nursing on the Gov tit. Please someone tell me why so many of our countrymen don‘t realize how much trouble we’re in?
Report Post »cykonas
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 6:31amKenyan, it‘s not that they don’t realize, it‘s that they don’t care. They don’t care about the larger picture as long as they get “theirs”. That is cynical, and a part of me hates to say it, but I see it every day. The Tampa mayor is a great example. I’ll bet you she has been counting that money for a year or more because she saw it as automatic, and as “hers”.
By the way for anyone who would like to congratulate, or chastise, Governor Scott for the decision here is the link to his email form.
http://www.flgov.com/contact-gov-scott/email-the-governor/
Report Post »workin4alivin
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:04pmobama wants so bad to have a lasting legacy….not being able to use a calculator should just about do it.
Report Post »crcitizen
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:49pmand there response, we will spend it anyway, somerwhere else, and the their brilliant senator said he will get it done by bringing the moeny from another source to avoid the Governor.
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:37pmThe mayor of Tampa is beside herself! Good riddance Pam!
Report Post »bert2020
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:37pmBuild the rail between Mexico and the US illegals can get into the US in comfort and waste no time.
Report Post »MOONRISE
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:33pmWay to go Rick. I hope you stand your ground, as I am sure there will be pressure put on you to change your mind.
Report Post »kickagrandma
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:21pmCan’t we fire the president? We did not elect the impostor, so why must AMERICA continue to pay for him. As a matter of fact, I am demanding a recount of those votes right now….
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:19pmSend that worthless garbage back to the Federal Reserve.
Tell them to put it on the unpayable national debt.
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:30pmSINISTA
thinks the FED handles FISCAL Policy
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
No wonder you try to trade OIL on the NYSE
aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahahahaa
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:34pmMy favorite little straw-man posting troll!
Where have you been?
Let me bring you up to speed, troggy.
YOU‘RE the person who has the delusion of grandeur that you’re the Blaze’s very own forum financial advisor. (absolutely hilarious)
YOU‘RE the person who asserted that commodities aren’t traded on the stock market.
YOU’RE the one laughing at yourself, (again…low self esteem).
YOU’RE the troll.
Report Post »Eblaze44
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:16pmHooRayyyyyy!! for Governor Scott. We real Floridians are behind you all the way. Now cut a few more purse strings and set us really free.
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:13pmRight on. preach on brother! Using our tax dollars to buy people. I still haven’t figured out what my price is, but then again why the hell would I want to be owned by someone else. Last I knew that was called slavery.
Report Post »RightPolitically
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:13pmFunny isn‘t it that all who want Florida’s bequest of funds are Democrats. Those folks can’t get enough government money can they? And what will they do with it? Waste it on more boondoggles. It was also quite telling how instead of using that refused handout to lower the deficit, the White House chose to give it away to some other state. To me, it just proves that they are not serious about, nor do they care much about deficit reduction. Rick Scott did the right thing for Florida, telling Obama to forget it!
Report Post »JamesR
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:12pmThree cheers for Gov. Rick Scott! He understands how expensive this light rail can be and in a time when we can’t afford it. If the people of Florida do not want it, well then that seems to be the answer. No light rapid rail. Period.
Report Post »exliberalgrl
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:12pmBoondoggle is right. I live in Florida and am very very happy I voted for Scott. He is acting like Christie and not backing down. I’m going to send him a letter of support and thank him for saying no thanks to the money. We don’t need no sticking rail here, also I was thinking how these trains would/could be a terrorist target. Crazy train is right!
Report Post »Slobaphobe
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:04pmSenator Space Shuttle voted straight Obama for two years. NASA has been cut.Now the choo choo running to his Orlando has been derailed. Those feeding at his trough are mighty unhappy.
Report Post »docgreen
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:00pmI think I’d send it COD, and put a note on it like SHove it up where the sun doesn’t shine!….
Report Post »WhiteTeaParty
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 2:44amWell aren’t you sweet?
Report Post »chickenlittle
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:49pmTypical of the most dependent states (i.e. NY) to have Democrats line up begging for the “free” money. Have you checked out the taxes in NY lately? Taxpayer money is still TAXPAYER’s money (state or federal), and Obama treats anything federal like it’s a free gift he gets to play Santa Claus with.
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:29pmFunny part is, we’re all his little elves!
I want my shoes with the little bells on the tips!
lol
Report Post »crackerone
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:49pmThink you want the piercings in your privates!
Report Post »psycodad36
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:42pmlost in my comments prior,i forgot to thank and pay respect to the gov. of florida.his voters should be proud.
Report Post »psycodad36
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:40pmspending more borrowed Chinese money on fluff.or maybe high speed cattle cars for the unwilling to submit crowd.we don’t need high speed rail or low speed rail.there are no manufacturers anymore.hardly even a farm to be found.
Report Post »like has been said before,most dangerous place to be is between Smuck schumer and a tv camera,(I”LL add,or a taxpayers dollar)this man and his counterpart don’t rep. me,if not for nyc this state might actually make sense to outsiders.
emertz8413
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:36pmWaiting for Ohio to do the same thing!
Report Post »brntout
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:43pmAlready has and lost a hefty chunk of change for the state,but from cincinnati to cleveland,at an average speed of 35 mph?Thanks because i drive over 55.
Report Post »emertz8413
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:56pmHadn’t heard that at all, thanks for the info. Yep, I can get to Cleveland faster from Cincy than that stupid train, and still have a car to get around in! Hoping our stupid street car is de-funded too!
Report Post »Zcat
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:28pmI wonder if Glenn Beck is aware of how slow his staff at this website is at putting up news articles of the day. I waited to see on serveral articles if the blaze was going to post them. I see you finally posted Gov Scott turning down mainey for Obamas high speed rail.
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:34pmThe Blaze may have been late but the people of Florida have been applauding our new Governor all day long.
Report Post »Danglinbags
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:39pmThey are busy gentlemen. Have you ever ran a web site?
Report Post »decendentof56
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:29pmNotice how serious Obama is about cutting the deficit? He says, “ok, Fla, if you don’t want the $$$, I’ll send it to someone else. He wanted to dangle the carrot to a Rebub Gov. Good for Scott!
Report Post »This Pres is ready to take this country down. He has to GO!
SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:27pmThank you Rick Scott. this is what it means to be part of a representative republic. there is no market force for a high speed rail, so we don’t need it. The voters and tax payers of Florida thank you. We don‘t need to be beholden to the federal gov’t. Let them keep our money that they so benevolently wanted to use to pump 2.5 billion into the pockets of the trade unions here. Stand strong Gov. Scott and we will stand beside you.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:26pmWay to go Governor Scott … that’s what we are talking about .. no more wasteful spending just to spend!
Report Post »WhiteTeaParty
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 2:43amWell Florida‘s lost is Texas’s gain.
Possible routes in Texas
The Rail Division recently completed work on Texas’ Rail Plan, needed to qualify for federal dollars to help speed development of passenger and freight rail projects.
The plan, approved by the Texas Transportation Commission last November, calls for Texas to begin studying possible routes for a high-speed rail system, including Houston to Austin along U.S. 290, Dallas to Houston along Interstate 45, and Oklahoma City to South Texas. The latter probably would parallel I-35 from Oklahoma City to San Antonio.
When you look at it, Texas has three of the top 10 metropolitan areas in this nation, They’re all within 300 miles of each other, which puts them right in the wheelhouse for high-speed rail.
Report Post »blacksmith
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 3:22pm@ WTP
Report Post »Then by all means the citizens of thr great state of Texas should have high speed rail! Now for the but. But the citizens of the great state of Ohio,Florida, etc…. should not have to pay for it. Enjoy your huge tax increase. I, like most real taxpayers feel,am Taxed Enough Already!
DashRipRock
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:26pmThey killed the Oragne Blossom Special?
say it isnt so……
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:30pmYes .. from Tampa to Orlando .. what a waste it would have been .. let’s just say you “wanted” to take the train ..first drive to Tampa (even if you live there most likely would need to take your car) ..Pay for Parking … lug luggage to train pay for ticket (projected ticket $80+ one way) … arrive in Orlando .. rent car (you can’t get around very well without one) .to get back to Tampa do over again! .. OR drive car down I-4
Report Post »brntout
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:38pmFind me a Grren Acres my friend
Report Post »DashRipRock
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:44pmDude the Orange Blossom special ran from New York to Florida
There is a song about it in 1938, its concider the best fiddle song written in the 20th century.
Look a-yonder comin’
Comin’ down that railroad track
Hey, look a-yonder comin’
Comin’ down that railroad track
It’s the Orange Blossom Special
Bringin’ my baby back
Well, I’m going down to Florida
And get some sand in my shoes
Or maybe Californy
And get some sand in my shoes
I’ll ride that Orange Blossom Special
And lose these New York blues
“Say man, when you going back to Florida?”
“When am I goin’ back to Florida? I don’t know, don’t reckon I ever will.”
“Ain’t you worried about getting your nourishment in New York?”
“Well, I don’t care if I do-die-do-die-do-die-do-die.”
Hey talk about a-ramblin’
Report Post »She’s the fastest train on the line
Talk about a-travellin’
She’s the fastest train on the line
It’s that Orange Blossom Special
Rollin’ down the seaboard line
Eblaze44
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:29pmThey did not kill the Orange Blossom Special – it died a slow lingering death from lack of passengers years ago. the last run was in 1953. It was a deluxe rail that ran from New York to Miami by Seaboard Airline Railroad. during the winter season there was a special that went from Jacksonville to Tampa/StPete.
AmTrak is a joke almost anywhere. it makes no money. the primary cause is no passengers because of slow/sloppy service and the fact that they run on “working” freight lines which have priority. Real rail service in this country would require a complete rebuilding of a rail system that freight stayed off of. The reason that it works in Europe – they don’t haul much freight. they also don’t haul freight on the Bullet train track in Japan. we could have rail, but the government drove the spike in the railroads heart years ago, because they were monopolies – now it is really a monopoly that is run by the government at your expense and has the same crappy service and schedule that all government enterprises have.
Report Post »sofaking obvious
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:25pmSend it to me. :)
SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:29pmIf your state wants to be a welfare state like Cali, then you’re welcome to it. We here in Florida voted no on high speed rail and sunrail. guess what? For some reason it was still on the table. This is a red state. That means we want our voices heard.
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:32pmWhen the state bailouts come I will pull down my flag and break out the blue magic marker and color in that star. We have to break out of the welfare mentality that has infected the people of this country. Taking handouts from the Feds that was our money to start with does nothing to improve the way of life in our Red state. Maybe we were overtaxed by 2.5 billion. Ever think of that?
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:32pm@SLAPTHELEFT
Contact Bill Nelson (D-FL) .. HE STILL DOESN’T GET IT! Vote him out in 2012!
senate.gov (you can contact him through his page)
Report Post »lecar
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:34pmI am sure that Florida will be the better after time will prove New York is broke from trying to implement an unsustainable project. Imagine the kudos when Florida is proven right and laugh their arsses off at New York.
Report Post »Of course, the libs will say New York is state of the art infrastucture and Florida is back woods. Suppose they don’t take into account the ongoing expense of maintenance, upgrades, and pay for the union workers.
SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:35pmAnd in the laugher of the day the Obama admin said the money wouldn’t be used to pay down the debt, it would be sent to another state that was looking to be the lapdog of the Federal Gov’t. I’m taking bet that its a blue state. Any takers?
Report Post »sofaking obvious
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:38pm@ SLAPTHELEFT. LOL I live in Cali and I would use the money on boarder security.
Report Post »Rogue
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:38pmHow about you allow these Blew states to fund thier own high speed rail systems and operate them at a loss. Let the citizens of those states pay for the cost – I don‘t want a dime of my federal taxes going to fund Obama’s pet project.
This whole high speed rail is simply a way to pay back his union backers. Union materials to build new tracks, union labor to build it, unionized employees to run it. There will be no open bidding for any part of this project if it goes through… if the project cost $50 billion, count on about double that amount eventually making it into union pockets.
Report Post »SLAPTHELEFT
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:40pmNo offense to you my friend Sofaking. That money would never make it to the border. but I’m with you on that. Would be a good way to use the money.
Report Post »american1st
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:42pmthe “i will leave no penny unspent even if i have to borrow to do it” attitude of the administration sickens me (they should have put the money toward the debt), congratulations Florida you will save your state with actions like these if you doubt it just watch California, the sate government here cant wait to get some “fast” rail money and will be attempting to connect two towns that nobody travels between in a boondoggle of unequaled size and scope….
Report Post »John 1776
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:48pm“The White House insisted it would spend the money elsewhere” …. Well, we can really see how serious they are about cutting expenses! Next I suspect they will say that if no one takes it, they will burn it in the back yard. Come on! He cut heating aid for the poor… Just so happens that extra money would exactly fund that aid. But, heck, we don’t want people to actually stay warm as the glaciers approach… it might emit CO2 !
Report Post »sofaking obvious
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:52pm@SLAPTHELEFT I hear you and I realize it’s just a dream, but the best place (Cali) could spend it.
Report Post »Cape_Lookout_RW_Extremist
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 7:57pmThats the freaking problem…everybody’s got their hand out like school kids thinking somebody else will pay the bill. Good on you Governor. When our governor sobers up, I’d like you to educate her as well.
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:06pm@SLAPTHELEFT
I know he doesn’t listen but my emails are short and “sweet” and I love to fill up his queue .. and on occasion bug his workers on the phone ;-)
2012 bye bye BILL!
Report Post »cnsrvtvj
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:09pmThis high speed rail stuff is a joke. What most people fail to understand is that the government is only providing a small portion of the cost. Most states are broke and can’t afford to pay the remaining costs not covered by the government funding. Good job Rck Scott.
http://www.donsmithshow.com – see the selective outrage video
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:16pmSend it back to the Federal Reserve.
Report Post »338lapua
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:17pmWisconsin said no…….Ohio said no…… There are too many long term strings attached to this FREE money.Obviously from Obama’s stash.
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:17pmHigh-speed rail is simply to facilitate your transport to the FEMA Civilian Labor Camp.
Do
Not
Ride.
Report Post »decendentof56
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:20pmIt‘s not the job of the Federal Government to ’invest’ in high-speed, slow-speed, or any speed of trains. We‘ve already seen what they’ve done with Amtrak.
Report Post »If you study the Constitution you’ll quickly learn that the Federal Government has few powers. It’s the States and private enterprise that should decide if passenger trains are a viable means of transportation. The same goes for battery-powered cars, and ethanol gas. Get the damn Feds out of private enterprise.
american1st
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:23pm@Sinista Mace funny you should mention that, the high speed line in CA runs to Corcoran, a city of 26,000 — including 12,000 “guests of the state” at nearby prisons….. railroad to nowhere
Report Post »Islesfordian
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:23pmNever accept money from the Mob. It never ends well.
Report Post »streetrodder
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:31pm@CATB. I also e mailed Nelson to let him he won’t be getting my vote. I also voted for Rick Scott and i will be e mailing him to tell him good job.
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:32pmThere’s a secret transportation complex underneath Denver Airport connecting a series of tunnels that stretch across the entire United (for now) States.
Report Post »mcfinch
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:34pmI will take it too.
http://politicalbowl.com
Report Post »CatB
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:38pm@ Streetrodder…
Yes I have already emailed Gov Scott and told him good job! He told us (I saw him at a small event very one on one during the election) to hold him accountable .. I will tell him when he does right … not just if he does something I don’t like (wink). So far I think he is doing what we need .. not making some people “happy” .. oh well .. time we had some “grown ups” running things.
Report Post »Melvin Spittle
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 8:52pmNice job Florida! Now if Gov Jerry “Moonbeam” Brown could give Gov. Rick Scott a call to learn a lesson on how to govern, we in California may have hope. Unfortunately, that will never happen as Brown is a socialist and hater of corporations. He is bought and paid for by the unions so we are eff’ed here. Unfortunately, I am under house arrest here in this state and am not walking away from my underwater mortgage responsibility. I refuse to have my fellow Americans bail me out so neither should the state of California be bailed out.
Report Post »dave847
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:03pmThe distance from Tampa to Orlando is approx. 80 miles. So 80 miles = 2.4 billion, That comes to 30 million a mile. The total funds to create “national” high speed rail “network” = (53 billion – 2.4 = 50.6b). It’s 744 miles from Orlando to D.C. at 30m per mile = 22.32b (50.6b – 22.32b = 28.28b). 312 miles from D.C to New York = 9.36b (28.28b – 9.36 = 18.92b) New York to Chicago 460 miles = 13.8b (18.92b – 13.8b = 5.12b) Obviosly 5.12 billion is not enough to reach any other major city. Not to mention the ignored costs of stations, branch locations, service stations etc. So answer me this Mr. Bidden, what nation are you speaking of? From what I can see these numbers can barely cover a regional “network”. And if you want to sell the line about a small city to city network, well great, except it failed misserably when Amtrak did it, tell me why should we expect a different outcome with your choo choos?
Oh and by the way Orlando to L.A. is 2205 miles = 66.15b. Ooops, guess that won’t work.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:06pmIf having the Fed’s do everything for you then go to California, home of the progressives of the west coast, and almost as broke as the federal government is at this time. This bullet train or high speed rail parts of Obama’s agenda is just another of his many attempts to use projects as bribery to win over support for himself, or use against any opposition who rejects the funding.
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:15pmRAND Corp has run multiple studies on productivity losses associated with traffic jams in major US cities. Labor productivity losses create a headwind on wage increases, which limits consumer demand, which limits economic and employment growth. Increasing labor productivity is one of the key metrics of economic progress that exists.
High speed rail, as well as more prevalent and accessible commuter rail, reduces traffic jams, which alleviates labor productivity declines. It also attracts businesses that are drawn to places with superior infrastructure. This is why cash-rich places like China and the Middle East are spending money in these areas. Now, the projects do not generate extremely high returns on invested capital in an of themselves, but the public goods not captured by the rails are captured by all the businesses and workers who rely upon those rails, which helps the overall economy. Construction of the rails also provides for temporary boosts in job creation, which are welcomed during periods of elevated unemployment.
Only government can deploy such rails since the capital intensivity of these projects, rights or way demanded, and lower returns associated with them make it difficult for private companies to justify undertaking such projects. This has been true since the building of the first transcontinental railroad in the US, and likely even goes back farther than that.
In light of all of this, it seems strange that the FL Governor would turn down these funds. The rail projects can be justified on the basis of the public good created and the businesses that are subsequently attracted. The construction itself also provides the temporary boost in employment that helps tide over workers until private sector demand can be fully recovered. The logic and timing of these projects would appear sound.
My working theory on why a politician would turn down the funds is because that politician is hoping to win the votes and sympathy of voters who do not understand these benefits. I know that there are smart conservatives out there that think that public infrastructure projects are nearly always a waste, and that all infrastructure should be built by the private sector. I am skeptical of this view, but would welcome a response to understand that view better…
Report Post »grandmaof5
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:28pmSLAPTHELEFT, well said. I am very proud of Rick Scott. I hope he and Chris Christie are attached at the hip.
Report Post »uncleherbert
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:40pmI am proud of Gov. Scott. If private bussiness will not build it we do not need it!
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 9:47pmHigh-speed rail will never gain the acceptance in this country that it enjoys in Europe. First of all, every city or village or group of huts and pup-tents would want to have a station, therefore it would never be high-speed rail. Secondly, Americans have gotten too used to having their cars and would not accept having to use public transportation at their destination. High-speed rail would only be successful in the Northeast corridor, but it will never be built. Rail transport that serves all communities along its route will be built, but will never be profitable enough to garner the private investment needed, AMTRAK is your example! So, there will be no un-subsidized high-speed rail and no profitable passenger rail. Period. We are not Europe and, thankfully, the Democrats will never convert us.
Report Post »Sinista Mace
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:37pmRand Corporation has no credibility, they’ve been lobbying for war with Iran or some other Middle Eastern country for the past 2 years. (to “save” the economy, you know, like idiots think ww2 did)
Report Post »bullcrapbuster
Posted on February 16, 2011 at 10:52pm@abc…………all BULLCRAP
Report Post »thepatriotdave
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 12:13amFlorida Gov. Rick Scott is a hero!
We need to send him emails of support. This is the kind of leadership that will bring this country back to sanity.
http://tinyurl.com/4rv8xsm
Report Post »A Doctors Labor Is Not My Right
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 1:09amIf 2.4 billion dollars were going to be spent elsewhere, now that Gov. Rick Scott rejected it, wouldn’t that be treating the money like a slush fund?
Report Post »OhSusanna
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 1:10am@ABC
Your working theory would be wrong. High speed rail in Florida does not address the problem of traffic jams within cities – it is proposed to operate between major cities. The first phase of the project is the one in question, between Tampa and Orlando, and the funding dangled by the FEDs does not even cover the entire cost of phase one. As the governor points out, real-world examples demonstrate that original cost estimates for rail projects run over by huge amounts and ridership estimates for Florida do not pass the smell test.
The typical commuter between Tampa and Orlando is more likely to be a tourist who already has a vehicle, either owned or rented. Families will find it cheaper and more convenient to travel by car with all their luggage, gear, child seats and so forth. Then there’s the issue of the cost of train tickets for not one person, but three, four or more, along with the probable secondary transportation they would need once they reach each city.
Also, jobs – what about all the cities and businesses along the I-4 corridor that would be bypassed by high speed rail? Plus, most of the companies bidding on the project are foreign. As usual, myopic masterplanners have rather limited vision. I applaud Governor Scott for cancelling this boondoggle. If it’s really such a great idea, then private industry can take the risk to build and maintain it.
Report Post »WhiteTeaParty
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 2:37amTexas could use the funds for high speed rail. Lawmakers in the past and present have stated that they would love to see high speed rail connecting Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and Austin.
Report Post »22 million people live in that triangle area. It would benefit the state of Texas and Texans very nicely if we had high speed rail.
cykonas
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 6:14amFor maybe the first time in my adult life I am proud to be a Floridian.
Report Post »scottcomco
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 6:58amHooray for a politician who will make a stand like that. Is it just me or does Chucky sound like a crack addict who needs a fix and is willing to stand on a corner and give you any story that will get him 20 bucks. As for his bang for the buck: just another careless gun reference by an insensitive politician? Just Sayin
Report Post »abc
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 3:54pmSusannah, my question did not relate specifically to the high speed rail project proposed, but to the use of public funds for rails in general. It’s a little bit of a cop-out to say that my working theory is wrong given specific problems with this case, when I am posing a more general proposition that public funding of public infrastructure to address known problems is a good idea. And I would take issue with your comment that such rail projects should only be undertaken by the private sector. No major rail lines (intra-city or inter-city) have been built that way anywhere in the world at any time in the history of rails.
Report Post »IntheKnowOG
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 4:33pmabc
Ummmm….wrong. The entire railraod network in FL was built by private enterprise. Henry B. Plant on the west coast and Henry Flagler on the east coast. Amen for Scott’s move. It takes me 90 mins to drive from Tampa Bay to Orlando. The bullet train was simply a waste of money. Not too mention, once it was built, the satae was liable for it’s operational costs. Kinda like me forcing you to buy a ferrari but justifying it by making the down payment. Good luck with the 60 remaining payments of 3 grand each.
Report Post »DisillusionedDaily
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 8:46pmNew day, new stupidity!……Senator Bill Nelson, (D-FL), is joining with a bunch of Dems in the state to recall our new governor. They want the high-speed rail money and all the crap that goes with it. The fact that it will be a continual drain on the state economy does not matter. It seems that there is no end to the number of people stupid enough to think the Federal Government hands out money with no strings attached…………Some day they will learn the truth.
Report Post »OhSusanna
Posted on February 17, 2011 at 10:47pm@ABC
Actually, your “working theory” was that the governor turned down the funds because it would appeal to Floridians who are basically too stupid to know what’s good for them. Not the best approach to attract people to your side, eh? You’re dealing with generalities, I’m dealing with realities.
Your argument starts from a false premise. Florida is not Europe, Japan or New York. Florida doesn’t have a problem with travel between Tampa and Orlando. The main problem is congestion within major metropolitan areas, and the worst traffic is in the southeast areas around Miami. So why spend billions of dollars on a non-problem for something that doesn’t address real needs?
We are trillions of dollars in debt, the economy is in a death-spiral, and our politicians are like little kids in a toy store. “I want that! I want that! I want that!” Well, Mommy and Daddy say “No!”
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