Congresswoman Brown delivered the following statement:
“I am glad to see that the Florida state government has decided to be a team player and work with local and federal government to improve our transportation system. The approval of Sun Rail will be crucial in putting the hard working people of Florida back to work and in decreasing the terrible congestion plaguing the entire Central Florida region.
Not since the construction of I-4 has there been a transportation initiative of this magnitude in Central Florida. As more people and cars crowd our region, commuter rail will provide commuters with a cost-effective mass transit alternative to high gas prices and a congested and gridlocked I-4. In addition, economic development around the rail lines is poised to help many of the surrounding communities flourish.
The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has confirmed that the Sun Rail project will have a positive impact on improving Central Florida transportation, employment and future development in our region. In fact, FTA analysis of the project identified 10,800 jobs that will be generated directly by the construction, and an estimated 150,000 future jobs resulting from transit-related corridor development.
Beyond a doubt, Transportation and Infrastructure funding is absolutely critical to economic development, and will serve as a tremendous job creating boost, which the state of Florida desperately needs. Sun Rail will also assist people working in the state’s $60 billion a year tourist industry to travel to and from work.
We have worked with all of the stakeholders in Central Florida, as well as the state and federal government, for many years to provide financial and logistical support for commuter rail. Just to name a few of the players involved, I would like to commend Congressman John Mica, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno, former State Senator Constantine, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, and many, many others, for their steadfast efforts in making Sun Rail a reality. Unlike Governor Scott’s decision on high speed rail, approving Sun Rail was a good decision that will allow Florida residents to enjoy the benefits of reduced highway congestion, improved air quality an alternative way to travel, and tremendous job creation.”