Florida gets $808 million to advance bullet train project
This map shows the route of the high-speed rail line that will connect Tampa and Orlando, as well as two possible routes linking Orlando to Miami. After completing extensive environmental and planning studies, Florida Rail Enterprise will determine which route - one principally along I-95 or the other following Florida's Turnpike - will be more suitable for the approximately 235-mile corridor between Orlando and Miami. Map source: Florida Rail Enterprise
By ALFONSO CHARDY achardy@ElNuevoHerald.com
The U.S. Department of Transportation will award $800 million more to Florida toward building a high-speed rail line from Tampa to Orlando, according to Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
Nelson's office said the U.S. Department of Transportation also notified Congress Monday of its intention to award an $8 million planning grant for the proposed high-speed rail extension between Orlando and Miami.
Nelson's office said the news came from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood during a phone call with Nelson on Monday.
The $800 million comes on top of $1.25 billion President Obama announced for Florida in January for the Tampa-Orlando stretch.
The award means Florida only needs approximately $300 million more from the federal government in addition to the state's share of funding to complete the $2.6 billion project, Nelson's office said.
``The remaining federal funds could come next year,'' Nelson's office said in statement. ``This is fantastic news for Florida. This will ensure the state remains full speed ahead with high-speed rail construction.''
Nelson's office said the U.S. Department of Transportation also notified Congress Monday of its intention to award an $8 million planning grant for the proposed high-speed rail extension between Orlando and Miami.
Nelson's office said the news came from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood during a phone call with Nelson on Monday.
The $800 million comes on top of $1.25 billion President Obama announced for Florida in January for the Tampa-Orlando stretch.
The award means Florida only needs approximately $300 million more from the federal government in addition to the state's share of funding to complete the $2.6 billion project, Nelson's office said.
``The remaining federal funds could come next year,'' Nelson's office said in statement. ``This is fantastic news for Florida. This will ensure the state remains full speed ahead with high-speed rail construction.''
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