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SunRail headed to Crist

Posted Dec 8, 2009 by Catherine Dolinski

Updated Dec 8, 2009 at 05:29 PM

The state Senate has passed the rail bill 27-10. It now heads to Gov. Charlie Crist for his signature.

In a statement, Crist said, “I am grateful today that 111 members of the Florida Legislature have taken a brave and historic step to transform Florida’s future – not only as it relates to transportation in our state, but also for the employment and economic opportunity of our people. Providing jobs for Floridians continues to be to the most important reason to pass this legislation.”

The bill clears away obstacles for construction of SunRail, a $1.2 billion commuter rail project in central Florida, and shores up South Florida’s Tri-Rail with an extra $15 million in annual funding. The bill could also help the state win a $2.5 billion federal grant to link Tampa and Orlando with a high-speed rail line.

The vote came after labor leaders this afternoon reached a compromise on the bill. It swung votes including that of state Sen. Dan Gelber, a Democratic candidate for attorney general.

As yet, there’s no public comment from Republican Sen. Paula Dockery of Lakeland, who led opposition to the measure.

Story here