Governor Crist: Florida Passenger Rail Legislation
December 16, 2009 by St. Lucie Times Staff · Leave a Comment
In light of his signing legislation to modernize Florida’s transportation with expanded passenger rail, Governor Charlie Crist’s office released this special message:
Today I signed legislation that modernizes Florida’s transportation future and secures our state’s commitment to expanding passenger rail, moving the Sunshine State into a new era of economic prosperity and innovation.
We are now one significant step closer to creating a better transportation network, linking rail with our roads, airports and seaports, through the partnership and collaboration of business, community and state leaders. Residents and visitors will be able to travel from airports to attractions to beaches, using convenient and passenger-friendly rail and transit and spurring economic development.
In the face of these challenging economic times, these rail projects mean more economic opportunities and more jobs for the people of Florida. SunRail, Tri-Rail and high speed rail will create thousands of jobs and generate millions in revenue while also being cleaner for our environment.
Properly equipping Florida’s infrastructure will encourage economic growth and allow Florida’s workforce and visitors to efficiently move goods and services to where they are needed. Faster, more efficient travel also means people have more time to build their lives and a better tomorrow for future generations.
On behalf of the many Floridians who will benefit from additional passenger rail, I am grateful to Senate President Jeff Atwater and House Speaker Larry Cretul, and our Legislature for understanding the importance of this opportunity. And I am pleased to have signed this historic legislation that seizes on the opportunity to modernize Florida’s transportation system and foster economic development.
