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CSX Deal Will Benefit Entire Tampa Bay Area
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Published: April 30, 2008
As any business executive will tell you, investing in the future is smart business, even during challenging economic times.
This is especially true of state infrastructure improvements, such as transportation projects, which take years to complete. Delays in approval can mean even bigger delays before projects come online and our state benefits from the improvement.
As any Florida resident or visitor can attest, we are woefully in need of transportation improvements - the kind that require ongoing investment. And as vice chairman of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority, I want to reinforce their concern. Traffic congestion, lack of commuter rail, aging bridges - numerous transportation matters need attention sooner rather than later, perhaps none so critical as mass transit.
The cost of fuel is rising to unheard-of levels. Traffic congestion has never been worse. And Tampa Bay residents are crying out for commuter rail. That's why I support efforts that will bring commuter rail to Central Florida. The Central Florida commuter rail project is the furthest along of any similar new project in the state. With legislative approval of an agreement with CSX Railroad, it can become a reality by 2010.
Even better, the project could qualify for future federal funding. In February, Gov. Charlie Crist and other governors urged the federal government to support efforts to repair aging roads, rail lines and transportation infrastructure with federal funds. If Florida commits to the project now, it will signal the federal government and Congress that Florida is moving in the right direction and puts us in the queue for earlier federal funding.
How does this benefit the Tampa Bay area? Once Central Florida's project is in motion, the next step is a commuter rail project in our own region, the long-awaited connection of the I-4 corridor. A project this significant, that both residents and visitors benefit from, would serve as a model for the rest of the state.
There are other compelling reasons in support of rail, as well. Whether it's more rail freight or commuter rail, mass transit options significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, something that's critical to our region's quality of life.
I understand the need for the state to make tough budget decisions. At the same time, we must continue to invest in the transportation infrastructure that is one of the backbones of the Florida economy. Too many important benefits are associated with the CSX agreement to let it fail this session.
We've had enough talk about commuter rail in Central and West Central Florida. It's time for action. I urge the Legislature to approve the agreement with CSX that will bring commuter rail to this part of Florida.
Ronnie Duncan is a Pinellas County commissioner and vice chairman of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority.
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