California High-Speed Rail Could Cash In On Florida Decision
SACRAMENTO (KCBS) – A decision by Florida Governor Rick Scott to cancel plans for high-speed rail in the state could spell good news for California's high-speed rail project.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood sharply criticized Scott's decision and noted that other states are enthusiastic about the prospect of getting the $2.4 billion in federal funds that was slated to go to Florida.
KCBS' Barbara Taylor Reports:
California Congressman John Garamendi said that if the state were to receive the funding, it would take the project to a whole new level.
"I would hope that the secretary would make a decision quickly and then California would have the money and use it," he said.
Rachel Wall with the California High-Speed Rail Authority agrees and said the state is well positioned to benefit from Florida's decision.
"I think that California stands in a good position. We have been working on this project for quite awhile," Wall said. "And the federal government has already signaled its confidence in California's project by awarding us the most out of any state in the nation."
Construction on the first leg of the project is set to begin next September. The entire line from Sacramento to San Diego could be up and running by 2020.
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