U.S. to rebid $2.4 billion in Florida rail funds

[n2doc]

By John Crawley
and Lisa Lambert

WASHINGTON, Mar. 11, 2011 (Reuters) — The Obama administration will rebid nearly $2.4 billion in high-speed rail grants recently rejected by Florida, one of three states to conclude "bullet train" projects are too expensive in a tough economy.

California and several Northeastern states have expressed interest in the money, much of which came from $8 billion in rail grants from the 2009 U.S. economic stimulus package.

"States across the country have been banging down our door for the opportunity to receive additional high-speed rail dollars," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said on Friday in announcing his agency would rebid the funds initially awarded to Florida but declined by Governor Rick Scott.

Proposals are due on April 4.

A regional rail authority in Florida not affiliated with the state government is also interested in applying for the funds, according to Florida U.S. Senator Bill Nelson.

more

http://www.newsdaily.com/stories/tre72a8ie-us-usa-infrastructure-rail/

[peace frog]

1. We can't catch a break in the benighted state

I'm a native Floridian who has never considered leaving until now. Rick Scott has pushed me to this point, I can't stomach what he has done and plans to do to destroy Florida. And he is cheered on by the teabaggers, ffs. It's beyond sickening.

[drokhole]

2. So goes it here in Wisconsin

The fuckin inmates are running the asylum.

[tosh]

3. No, we've gotta stay and fight this insanity.

I think that people are really waking up now.

I've been catching up on some regional news this morning and I am amazed by the change of tone in the comments sections.

Keep repeating to yourself: "The teabaggery was corporate-funded manipulation." While not merely an illusion, it was greatly magnified by the media.

This too shall pass. We've got to work to speed the process. We've got to make sure it does.

[peace frog]

4. I hope you're right

and I'm staying put for now, can't walk away from a state pension I hope like hell to collect in a few years. That is, if Governor Teabag and his Merry Men in the legislature will permit it. And that's a big fricking IF. I'm rapidly losing hope.