Press Releases

December 4, 2009 (Orlando and Tampa) – The Central Florida Partnership (CFP) and the Tampa Bay Partnership (TBP) today announced their strong support of the Special Legislative Session on Statewide Rail Transit being held in Tallahassee. 

 

The current legislation not only addresses regional commuter rail, but is forward thinking it its commitment to future rail transit projects across Florida.  Issues of contention from the previous session have been addressed, particularly the liability agreement between the State and CSX.  One concern is with the labor unions who claim the measure would displace union workers in future bid projects.

 

“Statewide Rail Transit means jobs, jobs, and more jobs,” said Jacob V. Stuart, President and CEO of the Central Florida Partnership.  “To delay this due to union demands does a disservice to the millions who are seeking immediate employment this rail bill will bring to our state.  The time is now to support this historic legislation so we may put people back to work.”

 

This special session indicates an important shift in Florida’s commitment to transit investments which will greatly enhance both the state’s ability to complete regional projects in Central Florida, Tampa Bay and around the state but also enhance the state’s opportunity to compete for $2.5 billion in federal funds for high speed rail.

 

“Traffic delays, poor air quality, high unemployment, sprawling growth, struggling housing market and record high gas prices are the costs to Central Florida and the State of Florida from a history of doing nothing but talking about infrastructure investment in transit.  These are costs we cannot afford,” said Stuart Rogel, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership.  “We cannot let our individual differences get in the way of what is best for all of our communities.  We need our state elected officials to demonstrate strong leadership and courage to finally move our state one step closer to creating the world-class regional and statewide transportation system that will support the sustainable, inclusive and productive economy that our citizens demand.” 

 

For the latest news and information about the special session, go to www.RightTrackFlorida.org. 

 

The Central Florida Partnership is a collaborative of business and civic leaders committed to procuring a better tomorrow for Central Florida's seven counties - Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia. We are thoughtful leaders united by a single, guiding principle - that we have both the power and the responsibility to make change happen. Working together, through four lines of business – Orlando Inc. (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Regional Public Policy Advocacy), myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves) and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership) – the Central Florida Partnership is moving “Ideas to Results.”

 

The Tampa Bay Partnership is the regional organization focused on stimulating economic growth and economic development in the Tampa Bay area via corporate relocation and business expansion. Our diverse economy has matured into one of the leading job generators in this country while our enviable quality of life continues to attract wealth and investment. The Tampa Bay Partnership collaborates with seven counties and three metropolitan service areas with several key cities and is recognized as the convener of leaders on regional economic development issues.

 

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Contact:

Christina Johnson

850.391.5040

christina@on3pr.com 

                                                                                               

Betty Carlin

813.872.2811 x311