Recent News Articles
We think: Lawmakers need to approve SunRail, now more than ever
Florida's on the cusp of getting its second commuter-rail system. The agreements needed to run trains servicing 17 stations from DeLand to Poinciana are in place -- save one. And the barrier that kept the Legislature last year from signing off on that agreement has been lifted. Gone is the language restricting the ability of lawyers to sue the operators of the SunRail system in case...
Power players push rail project
Some of Florida's most powerful politicians are pressing hard this year for a Central Florida commuter rail line they say will take cars off Interstate 4 and create jobs, but opponents say the plan is too flawed to pass. And even as state lawmakers prepare to take up key legislation for the SunRail in their spring session, state and local administrators responsible for the project are...
SunRail: It may be now or never . .
When Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer led a delegation of commuter-rail supporters to Tallahassee recently, they exuded confidence, almost an air of inevitability. Joined by senators on key legislative committees and Florida's cheerleader-in-chief, Gov. Charlie Crist, they unveiled an economic-impact study showing that the project would generate billions in development and thousands of jobs over...
Put commuter rail on right track
The cities in America most competitive in today's global economy all have one thing in common: commuter rail. That's why the proposal for a 61-mile rail line through greater Orlando, the world's theme park capital, is so promising. This is the most ambitious effort outside South Florida to begin fashioning a rail line to serve major cities. The goal, the route and the timing are right, and...
Lakeland wooed in new CSX/SunRail bill
Expect the controversial CSX/SunRail commuter rail effort to get a strong start tomorrow when the Florida House considers a bill that would allow the 61.5-mile commuter rail system through greater Orlando to move forward. Already, the powerful trial lawyer lobbying group has said it will drop its opposition after the bill was changed to remove state lawsuit limits for...
Right track for jobs, development
Time to seal deal on commuter rail As president and CEO of the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission (EDC), I can attest to the importance of a viable multi-modal transit network to Florida 's economic development. When corporate executives are looking at where to expand or relocate, transportation networks are a top consideration. Companies want easy access to, through...
Stimulus Money To Go Toward Central Fla. Roads
The approval of the economic stimulus package allows more money to flow into Central Florida to build roads, bridges and sidewalks, thus creating more jobs. Downtown Orlando traffic can move smoothly or it can be a mess. The Citrus Bowl Parade and other events can predictably affect traffic, but emergencies don't allow for any pre-planning. One use for stimulus cash in...
We think: Panic, misguided attacks shouldn't stop SunRail
Legislators opposing SunRail because a few contractors recently questioned its costs should have to answer this question: Would they completely abandon plans to do energy upgrades to their homes -- installing more-efficient ductwork, air conditioning, insulation, lighting and plumbing fixtures -- if contractors told them their low-flow shower heads would cost them more than they hoped to...
Mica seeks support for $650M rail project
If Central Florida is going to move forward with its proposed 61-mile commuter rail project, business leaders must weigh in and use their contacts to build support for the $650 million project. That’s the message U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-Fla., delivered to nearly 200 business leaders at the Feb. 6 Orlando Business Journal Power Breakfast. “We need 21 votes in the...
We think: Charlie Crist rightly adds SunRail to his to-do list
Commuter rail's missing piece finally fell into place. Now, the project just might fly. Gov. Charlie Crist's long-in-the-making but unequivocal embrace Wednesday of the project that's slated to run from DeLand through Orlando to Poinciana could give SunRail the final boost it needs. The project doesn't appear to need the governor's help to clear the House, which approved the project...
