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February 26, 2009
Commuter Rail would kick-start economy

02/26/2009 © Oviedo Seminole Chronicle

America is in a recession, and Floridians have not been spared. Florida's unemployment rate is 8.1 percent, higher than the national rate of 7.2 percent. It seems as if every day, newspapers throughout the state report layoffs by Florida companies. Last year, Florida lost 255,000 jobs.

Times are tough, and the full attention of our elected leaders should be given to economic recovery, transition and job growth. While Florida is faced with the same economic challenges as the rest of the nation, we are fortunate to have a governor who understands the need to invest in long-term transportation solutions even in these tough times.

Last year, Gov. Charlie Crist announced his Accelerate Florida program to advance investment in infrastructure projects that will create jobs and encourage economic growth. The wisdom of the governor's initiative is evidenced by the strong return on investment generated by infrastructure projects. For example, for every dollar invested in transportation projects, $5.60 in economic benefit is gained. That is a smart investment.

In addition to backing the Accelerate Florida initiative, the Florida Chamber of Commerce joined Gov. Crist in his call for national leaders to invest in our state's more than $7 billion in shovel-ready transportation projects that can be started in less than four months, delivering a quick return on investment.

Along with those important projects, our state has even more work to do to prepare our transit infrastructure before we add another 7 million residents by the year 2030. Florida must continue to diversify and expand its mix of transit solutions to move goods and people.

One significant transit solution Florida should build upon is the expansion of commuter rail. While commuter rail systems are being planned in several regions, the Central Florida region's proposed SunRail system provides the most immediate opportunity for construction activity that could leverage federal funding and quickly create thousands of jobs.

Not only will this project have an economic benefit for the whole state - by directly reinvesting private money in roadways, railroads and other transportation facilities throughout Florida - but it will also lay the foundation for passenger rail systems in other Florida regions desperate for multi-modal transportation solutions.

Expanding commuter rail in Florida is a great opportunity to leverage federal funding, create thousands of jobs and gain economic benefits that accompany transportation improvements.

Actions by this coming legislative session by the Florida Legislature and by Gov. Crist will enable the SunRail project to serve as a much-needed stimulus to our state's economy. Florida needs long-term thinking and short-term action. The time to act on commuter rail is now.