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May 7, 2009
US Transportation Secretary Confirms Federal Commitment to SunRail

For Immediate Release
May 7, 2009
Contact: Justin Harclerode
202-226-8767

Washington, D.C. – The President’s budget released today confirms the federal commitment to developing commuter rail for Central Florida, according to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation and U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL).

“The Administration is fully committed to the Central Florida Commuter Rail project,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “I urge state and local leaders to work together to resolve any problems to move the project forward. Commuter rail for Central Florida is important to the state and the nation.”

“In spite of the Florida legislature’s failure to provide terms of liability for Central Florida Commuter Rail, the federal government has kept its commitment throughout the project,” said Mica, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican Leader. “I was pleased to receive this personal confirmation from U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Mica is working with state and local leaders to explore all options for keeping the Commuter Rail project moving forward.

The President’s budget includes $40 million in New Starts funding for Central Florida Commuter Rail. New Starts is the Federal Transit Administration program to build new or extend existing rail transit systems. The $40 million in funding for final design activities is a down payment on the total federal funding commitment that will be finalized when the project receives a full funding grant agreement.