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Commuter Rail Liability Issue Derailed?

Posted by Bob Gernert on April 30, 2008 at 9:38 pm

In a stunning move late Wednesday, Senate Transportation Committee Chair, Carey Baker, R, Eustis, initiated a “strike all amendments” action that effectively shut down consideration of the question of liability protection for CSX Transportation on 61 miles of tracks Florida Department of Transportation intends to purchase for commuter rail in Central Florida. Senate Majority Leader, Daniel Webster, R, Winter Park (a strong advocate of the project) is quoted as saying, “It would have been a tough vote.” You can read the Orlando Sentinel report here.

Winter Haven officials including Mayor Nat Birdsong are in Tallahassee in support of the commuter rail project and future expansion through Polk to the Tampa Bay area. CSX officials have repeatedly stated that work will move forward on the Winter Haven integrated logistics center regardless of the outcome of the liability question.

While two days remain in the current legislative session, prospects have dimmed for resolution of the liability question.

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