TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Governor Rick Scott is facing some criticism Thursday morning after he rejected billions in federal funds and shut down high speed rail in Florida.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer said he has already contacted the Department Of Transportation to ask it not to give the federal money awarded to Florida to another state.
Two states that are in line to receive the federal money that Scott rejected for the high speed rail said they'll take it. New York Senator Chuck Schumer said his state will take the funds, and the jobs. While leaders in California thanked Florida, saying they will gladly accept the money to help them build a bullet train.
Supporters said the high speed rail project could have created thousands of jobs in the state. The governor said he doesn't believe the rail line will be a good investment. The line would run from Orlando to Tampa and the state would be responsible for paying about $300 million.
"I believe our state will be better served spending these funds on projects that will benefit Florida and not turn into a spending boondoggle," said Scott in a statement Wednesday.
Republican representative John Mica said private companies could have made up for the cost Florida had to pay. Walt Disney World and Orlando International Airport would have had stops on the rail line, and said they're committed to the project, but only if the community agrees with the plan.
The governor's decision on high speed rail doesn't affect the SunRail commuter train. The federal government pledged $151 million to it on Tuesday.
WFTV
