October 23, 2000

MICA SECURES COMMUTER RAIL FUNDS

$3 Million "Moves Us Forward," Mica Says As $20 Million in Remaining Light Rail Funds Lost

WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative John L. Mica (R-Winter Park) announced today that he has secured $3 million for the Central Florida commuter rail proposal in a spending measure that the President signed into law this morning. The federal funds are included in the Fiscal Year 2001 Transportation Appropriations Bill, which the House and Senate approved on October 6.

"Congress continues to recognize Central Florida’s tremendous transportation needs and approves of commuter rail as a potential mass transit alternative," Mica stated at a press conference in Orlando. "Further funds would be contingent on approval by our local agencies."

Mica has proposed using 53 miles of CSX track to operate a commuter rail system during rush hour periods as an interim alternative to traffic congestion on I-4, which has 3 major construction projects pending. The system would link Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola Counties, and would serve as a regional footprint to any future mass transit systems, should a consensus be reached and final decisions be made on a permanent routing. A capacity requirements study is currently being conducted to determine the feasibility of operating commuter rail on the CSX tracks.

"Our community is being given one last chance to reach consensus on an interim mass transit project," Mica said. "These funds for commuter rail keep us alive, but without local approval for a mass transit project, Central Florida will continue to send its federal gas tax dollars to other communities."

Federal law requires that 20% of all federal gas tax funds to be used only for mass transit purposes. The FTA had originally pledged $345 million in federal funds for the Orlando light rail, and $46 million was spent on studies and planning for the project. Following the Orange County Commission decision to end light rail, the Federal Transit Administration was required to return over $20 million in residual funds, which are reallocated to other communities in the Transportation Bill.

The transportation measure also includes $15.5 million for enhancing local bus fleets and passenger amenities around the State of Florida.

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