When the Florida Legislature failed to approve the deal to buy tracks from CSX railroad for a commuter rail system in Central Florida, U.S. Rep. John Mica, a Winter Garden Republican who backs the plan, said it could damage Florida’s chances of getting federal money for future transportation projects.

But despite a series of such warnings from Mica, some subtle and some not so subtle, Republican Sen. Mel Martinez and Democratic Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa both disagree.

Martinez said he was “devastated” by the Legislature’s failure to act on the deal, which he also favors. But asked about Mica’s assertion that it could harm Florida’s transportation funding, he said, “It can’t be true. But on mass transit, it might put you to the back of the list.”

Castor said she thinks Mica’s warnings are hollow. She noted that Democrats control Congress, and said leaders are committed in particular to funding mass transit projects across the country, including Tampa.

“I simply do no believe that one member has that kind of influence,” she said. “I’m sure the delegation is going to fight for Florida’s share of transportation funding.”

In a letter last week to Gov. Charlie Crist and Florida legislative leaders, Mica noted that Congress next year will take up a new infrastructure and transportation plan, and said ending the CSX project “will significantly damage Florida’s credibility and standing on every future project.”

According to an aide to Sen. Mike Fasano, Mica went even farther, threatening to delay Florida transportation funding himself. In a message he took from Mica for Fasano, the aide wrote that Mica said “He is willing to close down all transportation projects down until this issue is dealt with.”

In an Orlando Sentinel story today, Mica noted that he is the ranking Republican on the House Transportation Committee, of which U.S. Rep. Corrine Brown, D-Jacksonville, is also a member.

“I don’t know if you’ve ever gotten on the wrong side of Mr. Mica and Ms. Brown,” Mica said, “But I’m telling you that you don’t want to go there.”

Under the deal, Florida would pay CSX nearly $650 million to take over 61 miles of track in central Florida and help the rail company improve its freight operation statewide. The Legislature balked because some thought the deal was excessively favorable to CSX in the area of legal liability.

Get Weekly Deals | Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe and get two weeks free | Place an Ad