-REP. JOHN L. MICA E-NEWSLETTER-

Dear Friends:

I wanted to take a moment to update you on an important matter to our state regarding today's approval by Governor Rick Scott for the SunRail passenger rail project. This announcement signals jobs and improved transportation for Florida’s future.

I commend the Governor for moving forward and joining with local and federal partners in approving this transportation milestone. This is as significant for the state as when Henry Flagler brought the railroad to Florida and when President Eisenhower initiated the Interstate. This transportation alternative offers the only real cost-effective, near-term solution for our region’s highway congestion, and will have tremendous benefits for employment.

Thousands of jobs will be directly created by the construction of SunRail, and even more employment will be generated by responsible corridor development.

With the governor’s approval, the Florida Department of Transportation, the five local governments and the Federal Transit Administration can now execute the funding agreement that finances the project.

The governor’s clearance also allows for the official transfer of ownership of the 61-mile corridor to the state and freight rail relocation to the center of the state.

SunRail service is scheduled to begin in 2014.

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Rep. Mica is the Chairman of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and Represents Florida's Seventh Congressional District