Crist signs rail bill

Gov. Charlie Crist today signed a bill that establishes dedicated funding for Tri-Rail and helps pave the way for a comprehensive rail policy in the state.

In a special session last week, Florida lawmakers passed the bill to show support for Tri-Rail and a proposed rail system in Orlando, and to seek billions of dollars in federal stimulus money for high-speed rail and other rail projects. Federal officials indicated that Florida would be denied stimulus money for other rail projects unless it supported existing rail systems. However, there is no guarantee that Florida will receive the stimulus money now that the bill has been passed.

Tri-Rail will get an estimated $13 million to $15 million a year on top of the about $20 million it already receives. The money will come from an existing fund for transportation initiatives and it will not impact existing road projects. It doesn’t include a controversial surcharge on car rentals, which had been floated as the preferred option.

Jacksonville-based railroad CSX Corp. will receive $432 million from the Florida Legislature for 61 miles of track in the Orlando area to facilitate commuter rail.