If you watched any or all of the 40 minutes plus of oral arguments via The Florida Channel on Thursday, this cannot be a surprise: The Florida Supreme Court Friday morning, ruling unanimously, turned down the request of Tampa Democratic state senator Arthenia Joyner and Republican state Senator Thad Allman to force Governor Rick Scott to accept $2.4 billion in federal money to build the train between Tampa and Orlando.
Bill Nelson is reacting here. He calls the decision "unfortunate."
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said, essentially, Okay Florida, I get it. You don't want the money.
"The Obama Administration's bold high-speed rail plan will not only create jobs and reinvigorate our manufacturing sector in the near term, it is a crucial and strategic investment in America's future prosperity. I know that states across America are enthusiastic about receiving additional support to help bring America's high-speed rail network to life and deliver all its economic benefits to their citizens."
Tampa area Congresswoman Kathy Castor has been a huge supporter of the project, as has been virtually everyone in local government and business in the Tampa Bay area. She reiterated her charge that Scott's decision lacks any understanding of Florida's economy, and shows "an unfortunate devotion to his own rigid ideology." You can read her statement below:
This article appears in Mar 3-9, 2011.
