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Breaking News from America's Progressive Community... Latest
Releases
The press releases posted here have been provided to NewsCenter by the one of the many progressive organizations we have selected to participate. If you would like more information about this press release, you should contact the organization directly. |
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| JANUARY
14, 1999 12:40 PM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: High Speed Ground Transportation Association Anne Chettle 202-789-8107 |
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| Gov. Jeb Bush Kills Florida's High Speed Rail Future, Jobs | ||||
| WASHINGTON
- January 14 - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush will announce plans to eliminate funding for the
Florida Overland Express (FOX) high speed rail project today, according to
the Tallahassee Democrat.
"We are absolutely stunned," said Mark Dysart, High Speed Ground Transportation Association (HSGTA) President. "It seems inconceivable that the governor would stop the Florida Overland Express project at such a mature point in its development. It is contrary to the best interests of Floridians," he added, stating that "High speed ground transportation systems reduce congestion, reduce airborne pollutants from automobiles, reduce dependence on imported oil and increase mobility and job opportunities. How can you be against that?" The future of public-private partnerships is put into doubt by Gov. Bush's last-minute move. The private sector needs to be able to rely on the word of governments. Without the assurance that governments will follow through on commitments, too much downside risk is introduced to the private side of the public-private partnership equation. Principals of the project said that their firms will look long and hard at any future public-private partnerships. "Does this put a damper on our efforts to bring high speed train travel to North America? Of course. Will it stop high speed rail from developing here? Absolutely not! High speed ground transportation makes sense in so many ways; no enlightened, modern society will fail to embrace it," Dysart added. Other states currently pursuing high speed ground transportation
as an
alternative travel mode are New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas,
California, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Missouri,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Michigan. -0- |
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