http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/may/19/na-hillsborough-panel-backs-high-speed-rail-from-t/news-metro/
By RICH SHOPES
rshopes@tampatrib.com
Published: Tampa Tribune
May 19, 2009
TAMPA - Hillsborough County's Transportation Task Force is backing a high-speed rail plan linking Tampa and Orlando.
The task force approved a motion Monday to formally endorse the
project, one of several across the nation that emerged after the
federal government proposed that $8 billion in stimulus funds go toward
high-speed rail.
The Federal Railroad Administration is holding workshops across the country to gauge support for high-speed rail projects.
The motion by task force members comes as the railroad
administration is set to meet Thursday in Orlando to consider Florida's
plan to connect Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville.
The first leg of that plan, Tampa to Orlando, would cost about $2 billion.
Ray Chiaramonte, executive director of the county's Metropolitan
Planning Organization, said the Tampa-Orlando leg is farther along than
others across the nation and could begin in 18 to 24 months if funding
is in place. About a dozen other states are floating their own
proposals.
"We have an advantage for a short period of time over the other
proposals with the work that has already been accomplished," he said.
In addition, Chiaramonte said the system could complement a future light-rail program in the Tampa area.