Just learned that Governor Rick Scott is refusing the high speed rail $$ for Florida.
http://www.kgmi.com/pages/9214426.php?contentType=4&contentId=7674012
http://www.kgmi.com/pages/9214426.php?contentType=4&contentId=7674012
Well, first the Repubs will try to rescind it, and possibly get knocked down by a Presidential veto and then whatever is to happen will happen I suppose.This is almost unbelievable. How much federal funding was involved here, something like $2.3 billion of a $2.6 billion project? Suppose this funding will be redistributed in the same manner that the approx $1.2 billion from OH & WI was redistributed?
As a "Floridian", you are welcome.........Cal. needs some more debt to add to their gazzillions.As a Californian, I'd like to thank Governor Scott for his decision, and would like to invite Floridians to come ride our shiny new HSR system in a decade or so.
Now, put this money on the BFD-Palmdale segment!
When I read Sh!# like that, it just makes me wanna go postal.Just learned that Governor Rick Scott is refusing the high speed rail $ for Florida.
http://www.kgmi.com/...ntentId=7674012
What debt? These are grants, not loans. CA's on the hook for $9bn in bonds from Prop 1A (at relatively low interest), and that's it- the law actually bans the state from providing operating subsidy. Not that they would- HSR systems the world over make an operating profit.As a "Floridian", you are welcome.........Cal. needs some more debt to add to their gazzillions.As a Californian, I'd like to thank Governor Scott for his decision, and would like to invite Floridians to come ride our shiny new HSR system in a decade or so.
Now, put this money on the BFD-Palmdale segment!
When I read Sh!# like that, it just makes me wanna go postal.Just learned that Governor Rick Scott is refusing the high speed rail $ for Florida.
http://www.kgmi.com/...ntentId=7674012
What if all the Governors told Dwight D. the same thing 50 years ago? We'd still be driving coast-to-coast on two lane roads I guess.
The U.S.A. is destined to staying a 3rd-world country when it comes to HSR I guess. It just blows my mind.
We are afraid to "do" big projects anymore, like the Interstate System, or the Apollo project. Content to sit on the sidelines, and watch our world-side competitive advantages just disappear, and watch China and others pass us by. So sad.
That actually sounds fairly plausible. Might we see another quick reallocation of the funds, to various other unfunded (or not fully-funded) proposals already submitted.It is possible that the good Governor of Florida waited this long to make sure that the Repus got a chance to try to rescind it before the president can reallocate. I sure do hope this lands up on the NEC for a change.
Then why was the Governor of FL worried about having to pay it back?What debt? These are grants, not loans.
Says the genius who couldn't figure out a simple rail pass to save his life. :lol:Yes, Gov. Scott as much as told Obama to take the 2.4 billion and stick it where the sun don't shine. Reasons: Cost over-runs would cost state taxpayers and additional 3 billion dollars, the projected ridership estimates are grossly over stated, and if things didn't work out-----the state taxpayers would have to refund the 2.4 billion to the feds. Just looking out for taxpayers in Florida I guess.
I'm not a huge fan of the Democratic party myself, but I am curious what exactly you would have preferred they have done differently that would not have incurred the wrath of the GOP?To my chagrin Democrats and Republicans have done a very good job making HSR a very partisan issue when it did not have to be.
From what I'm reading Florida HSR has died. It may be a purely political death but the result will be the same. California HSR is by no means a foregone conclusion either. California HSR will continue to depend on federal funding and that's going to become more and more difficult to provide as we continue to lower tax rates and slash funding for tax fraud recovery efforts.I hope this is simply posturing and that with some negotiations and improvements (the Florida plan did leave a lot to be desired) It can be implemented. If not California will be left as the only example of true HSR in this country.
By accepting the money, he commits the state to operate the train for 20 years. That commitment includes covering any operating losses. If he or any future Governor, or the legislature for that matter, fails to cover the operating costs and instead decides to shut the operation down within that 20 year period, then the State of Florida is obligated to repay the Fed for the grants.Then why was the Governor of FL worried about having to pay it back?What debt? These are grants, not loans.
LOOK MR BRIGHT GUY WHO GOES BY DAXOMNI: You are great at name calling are you?? I have noticed that....my statement was not mine but THE GOV"s>>>>>I have no "dog" in this fight (discussion)...please stop with the name calling......of course I am not a genius, and don't pretend to be.....but because I had some difficulties with figuring how Rail Passes work, I guess all rookies should stay away from you.Says the genius who couldn't figure out a simple rail pass to save his life. :lol:Yes, Gov. Scott as much as told Obama to take the 2.4 billion and stick it where the sun don't shine. Reasons: Cost over-runs would cost state taxpayers and additional 3 billion dollars, the projected ridership estimates are grossly over stated, and if things didn't work out-----the state taxpayers would have to refund the 2.4 billion to the feds. Just looking out for taxpayers in Florida I guess.
I'm not a huge fan of the Democratic party myself, but I am curious what exactly you would have preferred they have done differently that would not have incurred the wrath of the GOP?To my chagrin Democrats and Republicans have done a very good job making HSR a very partisan issue when it did not have to be.
From what I'm reading Florida HSR has died. It may be a purely political death but the result will be the same. California HSR is by no means a foregone conclusion either. California HSR will continue to depend on federal funding and that's going to become more and more difficult to provide as we continue to lower tax rates and slash funding for tax fraud recovery efforts.I hope this is simply posturing and that with some negotiations and improvements (the Florida plan did leave a lot to be desired) It can be implemented. If not California will be left as the only example of true HSR in this country.
I'll give you the benefit of doubt, on this one; but I thought it in poor taste. I viewed it as a shot, too. Very demeaning and singled out the poster. Not at all funny, either.Lighten up, Francis. The man was making a joke, as helpfully indicated by the :lol: right next to it.
While these are the reasons the governor gave, they do have the drawback that the first two are false, and the third is irrelevant.Yes, Gov. Scott as much as told Obama to take the 2.4 billion and stick it where the sun don't shine. Reasons: Cost over-runs would cost state taxpayers and additional 3 billion dollars, the projected ridership estimates are grossly over stated, and if things didn't work out-----the state taxpayers would have to refund the 2.4 billion to the feds. Just looking out for taxpayers in Florida I guess.
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