President Obama will sign today an appropriations measure containing strong support to move Florida to the top of federal list for mass transit
U.S. Representatives John Mica (FL-7th District) and Corrine Brown (FL-3rd District) announced a record level of federal funding for Central Florida’s Commuter Rail project.
     Central Florida Commuter Rail and other transit projects that will complement the rail system received more than $26 million in federal funds from an appropriations agreement reached by Congress and is expected to be signed into law today.  The funding bill had been stalled since October of last year and is not part of the stimulus package.
     Key Commuter Rail funds include $13 million that will be provided for construction grants as a result of the joint request made by Congressman Mica and Congresswoman Brown in the overdue appropriations measure.
     Congressman Mica said, “The record amount of transportation appropriations for Central Florida Commuter Rail reconfirms that the federal government is ready to aid our region with a 21st century transposition system.”  Representative Brown added, “This funding once again shows the strong federal commitment to this project, and will greatly assist to expedite commuter rail for Central Florida.”
     Congressman Mica also received federal appropriations in the 2009 bill for construction and improvements to the Winter Park Amtrak Station for Central Florida Commuter Rail service in the amount of $950,000.  This is in addition to $3 million previously obtained by the Congressman.  Rep. Mica received another $1.425 million for the construction of bus and rail terminals to service the commuter rail system in the cities of Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs.
     Additionally, Senators Martinez and Nelson and Congresswoman Brown requested and will receive over $11 million for LYNX and the Downtown Orlando East-West Circulator System.  These projects will not only complement Central Florida Commuter Rail but will also greatly improve public transit alternatives in our community.
            The Commuter Rail Project is expected to create an estimated 28,000 jobs for the 61-mile project that is also in line for federal stimulus funding this year.