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February 18, 2009
Mayor Dyer announces advancement of SunRail project

Email Message Sent to Members of the Central Florida Rail Commission (Orange County Mayor Richard Crotty, Seminole County Commissioner Carlton Henley, Volusia County Council Chairman Frank Bruno and Osceola County Commissioner Brandon Arrington) at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, February 18, 2009.

As Chairman of the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission, it is my distinct pleasure to report to you that SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) project, passed its first stop in the Economic Development and Community Affairs Policy Council, of the Florida House of Representatives, this morning by a vote of 14-3.

This is an important first step in ensuring that this critical project receives the necessary authorization from our state legislature in the coming weeks. I also want to take this opportunity to add some context and clarification to numbers that were brought up during the meeting.

Some attendees pointed to the long-term costs of operating and maintaining SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) as a drawback to the project.

But, it is vital to understand that the “return on that investment” will be much greater for our region and for our state. SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) is expected to generate nearly 260,000 jobs, and an estimated $8.8 billion in earnings, over a 30 year time period.
It's also critical to understand the cost for SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) pales in comparison to the investment required to maintain roads in our region.

And, when you consider that it would cost an estimated $7 billion dollars just to add the same capacity to I-4 that SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) provides, it is easy to see the value of Central Florida's first commuter rail line.

However, as we have seen over the last two decades, additional road capacity and road maintenance do not translate into reduced gridlock or an improved quality of life. We need to invest in rail transit to provide a meaningful alternative to increased congestion and sprawl.

A recent study by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) demonstrated the economic impact SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) would have on our community. Thousands of jobs would be created within weeks of legislative approval as construction begins. As SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) comes to life, additional operation and maintenance jobs will be created and transit-oriented development will begin to sprout around train stations – providing a huge economic boost to communities throughout Central Florida for many years into the future.

SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail) is an investment in the future of our region and the state of Florida. It represents a significant investment in our community that will provide immediate and long-term benefits in economic development and quality of life. It will provide Central Florida residents a new option in transportation and change the way our community moves and grows.

Thank you for your continued support for SunRail (Central Florida Commuter Rail).

Sincerely,
Buddy Dyer
Mayor of Orlando
Chairman
Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission