California Ready To Accept Florida High-Speed Rail Funding

Today, Florida Gov. Rick Scott announced that Florida has rejected $2 billion in federal funding for high-speed rail. California Labor Federation Executive-Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski released the following statement in response:

“California stands ready to accept Florida’s funding to continue leading the way in realizing President Obama’s bold vision for a national high-speed rail network. By rejecting high-speed rail today, Florida Gov. Rick Scott shrunk from the President’s challenge to embrace a 21st century infrastructure that will solidify our country’s position on the leading edge of global competiveness.  Florida’s loss is California’s gain.

“A coalition of business, labor and government is working together to make the vision of high-speed rail a reality in the Golden State. The $2 billion Florida rejected could be used immediately in California to break ground on the project and put tens of thousands of people back to work.   With unemployment hovering at 12.5%, high-speed rail is just the economic spark our state needs.

“Californians have displayed deep commitment to high-speed rail because we understand the economic and environmental benefits this project brings to our state. Voters have already approved a measure to devote nearly $10 billion to high-speed rail in coming years, and California’s commitment to the project has been rewarded with more federal funding than any other state.

“California has a reputation as a state of visionaries — for good reason.  When we see a challenge, we rise to the occasion. We stand ready to become the first state in the nation to fully realize high-speed rail’s promise.”

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