SunRail-CSX deal loses floor vote in Senate, appears finally dead
May 1, 2009 at 6:35 am by Wayne GarciaFor better or for worse (and there are some who say it bodes poorly for efforts to get rail transit here in Tampa Bay), but Orlando’s five-year effort for a light-rail system using CSX freight tracks appears finally dead.
A floor vote in the Senate yesterday that could have helped switch more votes to its side failed. From the pro-SunRail Orlando Sentinel:
SunRail proponents could try to bring up the measure again today – the last day of the regular session – but its chances of success are low because it would take 27 votes to do so.
“It’ll take some maneuvering to get it done. I think the forces of evil have won,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
He was among the dozens of supporters who tried in vain to corral the 21 votes necessary for SunRail to prevail. But he lost two members of the Central Florida delegation: Sens. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando, and Evelyn Lynn, R-Ormond Beach.
And despite the support of Republican Gov. Charlie Crist and numerous Central Florida business leaders, 15 Republicans voted against the measure.
May 1st, 2009 at 9:25 am
Doing what Florida does best:
“navel gazing”.
Thanks for taking the “long view” clowns!
May 1st, 2009 at 9:36 am
The SunRail-TBARTA connection was never any more than a smokescreen. CSX has zero intention of opening the Tampa-Lakeland line for commuter rail. It will take the political pressure of Tampa light rail succeeding first to force CSX into considering commuter rail on their lines… that and another really bad imdemnification deal!
May 1st, 2009 at 11:54 am
Not surprisingly, Wayne, I agree with Mr. X. I think it’s incumbent on the people who think this deal would help rather than hurt Tampa Bay rail efforts to explain why they think that. I’ve yet to hear one.