The White House was mum on the itinerary of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Tampa or St. Petersburg on Thursday, but high-speed rail advocates are optimistic that the reason is to announce funding for a Tampa-Orlando route.
"It is likely our efforts to create thousands of new jobs for Floridians have paid off," said U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor, D-Tampa.
"Our state is hurting and in great need of a significant boost from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. I had an encouraging conversation with (Obama adviser) David Axelrod on Tuesday, and I look forward to joining the president and vice president in the Tampa Bay area on Thursday."
The White House has not indicated the president and vice president will visit Orlando, the eastern terminus of the high-speed rail line for which Florida seeks $2.56 billion in federal stimulus money for capital costs.
"All indications I've gotten are we are in a very good position on the high-speed rail front," Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio said.
State Sen. Paula Dockery said Florida's high-speed rail application was strong because Florida long ago had purchased 95 percent of the needed right of way and created a High-Speed Rail Authority in 1999 that conducted necessary environmental studies. "Other states applying have to start the process now. So we're far ahead."
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement