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February 13, 2009
Mica & Brown: Stimulus a Boost to Commuter Rail

Washington, DC – Funding for transit projects in the stimulus package could accelerate the Central Florida Commuter Rail project, according to Congressman John L. Mica (FL-07), the Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL-03), the Chairwoman of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

“The total appropriation for transit systems includes $750 million for the New Starts program,” Mica said. “Nationally, the Central Florida Commuter Rail project is next in line for final approval and federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration.

“The timing couldn’t be better. All the project needs is the State Legislature’s approval of the CSX-Florida Department of Transportation liability agreement,” Mica said.

“Providing additional funds to this popular program will increase the availability of federal funds for the Commuter Rail project and may speed up the contract terms,” said Brown.

“This action has the potential to provide Central Florida with a quicker, cost-effective transportation alternative and some relief to the region’s growing highway congestion,” Brown added.

The Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program is the federal program which funds new transit projects or extensions to existing systems.

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