Projected to generated 4,200 jobs in the near term, Gov. Rick Scott on Friday put the brakes on SunRail, saying he wants to examine the commuter rail project to see if it fits his criteria of providing taxpayers an adequate return on their investment.
The decision postpones action on the $1.2 billion commuter rail system until July 1 and after the 2011 Legislative session, during which lawmakers will consider nearly $2 billion in tax cuts requested by Scott.
In January, Scott froze four contracts for SunRail that were put out by the Department of Transportation totaling $235 million as part of his review of all agreements over $1 million.
“Today, I asked the Florida DOT to lock in prices that would be associated with constructing the SunRail system in Central Florida,” said a statement released on his Facebook page. “This action gives me time to review the costs and public concerns about this project. During the months ahead, I’ll complete a review of the financial impact this project could have on Florida’s taxpayers.”
Earlier this month, Scott pulled the plug on a high speed rail project approved by lawmakers in 2009 by rejecting $2.4 billion in federal funds estimate indicated would have paid 90 percent of the project’s initial costs.
Scott’s announcements prompted even measured commuter rail backers to fume:
“I think the governor’s decisions are politically motivated and not based on good, sound management decisions or good, sound economics,” Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viero, told the Orlando Sentinel. “He doesn’t respect the legislative process, and the fact that we had a special session where this project was debated and vetted,” Altman said. “Eventually his bad decisions will catch up with him. The unfortunate thing is how much damage he will do to the people of Florida before it does.”
The News Service of Florida
