Florida Gov. Scott Cancels Tampa-Orlando High-Speed Train
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida Gov. Rick Scott is canceling a proposed high-speed train line between Orlando and Tampa, rejecting more than $2 billion from the federal government.
The Republican governor said Wednesday the proposal is too costly for Florida and could put the state's taxpayers on the hook for roughly $3 billion.
Scott said he believes that ridership and revenue projections tend to be too optimistic and would likely require ongoing state government subsidies.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Finally, Scott noted, that if the project went belly-up, Florida would be required to refund the federal government's investment in the project.
Scott said he informed U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood of his decision earlier Wednesday.
Republican governors in Ohio and Wisconsin have also rejected high-speed rail plans.