Florida Bullet Train

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So What's the Problem? 

Pro Bullet Train Answers

Florida citizen opinion: Supported by the Florida Transportation Association (FTA)

Ask Jeeves?...No Jeb!

This picture was taken from http://www.floridabullettrain.com

(Click the picture above to see more cartoons that describe a bit of the problem.)

Brief History

1976 Florida Transit Corridor Study 

1982 Governor Bob Graham Visits Japan 

1995 FDOT Announces Funding Commitment for HSR

2000 Constitutional Amendment on High Speed Rail Approved by Florida Voters

2001 FDOT Issues Coast to Coast Final Report

2003 Funding Vetoed by Governor Jeb Bush

2004 Constitutional Requirement Is Repealed, but Progress Continues

(Timeline taken from http://www.floridabullettrain.com/. To see the more detailed timeline click picture below.)

This picture was taken from http://www.floridabullettrain.com

        **Note:  Before reading the con argument put forth by ex-Governor Jeb Bush and the Republican Party, please read over a few frequently asked questions with answers provided by the Florida Transportation Association.  It is interesting to see the arguments contradict each other as the FTA specifically claims that the Florida Taxpayers will not subsidize the bullet train project.   

Con Bullet Train Answers

Jeb's Reasoning: Supported by the Republican Party of Florida

(Picture and Quote taken from http://www.siteselection.com/ssinsider/snapshot/sf041108.htm)

"Since the amendment passed we've developed a more realistic view of what the project will do for the state and, most importantly, what it will do to the state," said Gov. Bush (pictured). "Taxpayers will bear the burden, and it will come at the expense of state priorities."

AMENDMENT 6
Repeal of High Speed Rail Amendment

Official Ballot Language: This amendment repeals an amendment in the Florida Constitution that requires the Legislature, the Cabinet and the Governor to proceed with the development and operation of a high speed ground transportation system by the state and/or by a private entity.

Official Sponsor: Derail the Bullet Train (DEBT) (www.derailthebullettrain.com)

Opponents: Florida Transportation Association, Inc. (www.floridabullettrain.com)

Key Points: Governor Bush and Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher, among many Republicans and Democrats across Florida, believe that high-speed rail does not belong in our Constitution. Recent official estimates show that voting "yes" on repeal would save state taxpayers $20-25 billion dollars over 30 years, and up to $51 billion if the system were built statewide, which is equivalent to $4,700-$5,700 for every household. If not repealed, precious resources will likely be diverted from planned road construction, bridges and other transportation projects. It is important to remember that if a voters supports repealing the high speed rail amendment, they should vote "yes".

(To see the Republican Party's stance on this issue and many more, click on the picture below.  Note the bullet train amendment is number six.)

This picture was taken from http://www.rpof.org/agenda/_amendments.php

According to reporters, during the deliberation over whether or not to implement the bullet train, Governor Jeb Bush and his closest advisors stated that the issue with the bullet train was not just about the money.  Their reasoning was also focused on the environment and the uncertain effects a train would have on the everglades.  To read this rationale in more detail, click the link provided below.

http://groups.google.com/group/ba.transportation/browse_thread/thread/f7eb6dff73c1cccb/20e9de7f4582a81a?lnk=st&q=Governor+jeb+Bush+and+the+florida+high+speed+rail&rnum=1&hl=en#20e9de7f4582a81a

Present Day Situation

Bullet Train                      vs.                   Highway

           Approximately $75million                        Approximately $430.5 million

                                 Connects Tampa, Orlando, and Miami                 Expands 30 miles of I-75 between Colonial Blvd.                                                                                                                 in Fort Myers and Golden Gate parkway in Naples.

(The Florida Bullet Train)                                (The News-Press)

Click the links provided above to read the full texts explaining the costs of these projects.

Governor Charlie Crist

This image was take from http://stuckon-stupid.com/images/charliecrist.jpg      

        Overall, many of the facts and figures concerning this issue stop around the year 2004.  The reason this is the case is because it was put to a halt by Jeb Bush and has remained idle since.  However that could all change with the new policies of the current Governor Charlie Crist in this year 2007.  To read what others say and what you can possibly do to help this project continue reading through the remainder of this page. 

                    

Outsider's Opinions

(Click links to read what others have to say.)