The Coalition has endorsed Florida's request for federal ARRA grant funds for high speed rail.

The endorsement letter was prompted by a request from ConnectUs, a group which is lobbying for high speed rail for Florida, for FCRP's support of the grant request.

Following is the text from a November 14 letter to United States Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood written by FCRP President Steve Sayles and Secretary Jackson McQuigg.

Dear Secretary LaHood:

The Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers, a citizens rail advocacy organization, urges you to award the Florida Department of Transportation’s application for ARRA funds for high speed rail.

Since 1983, the Coalition and its members throughout Florida have encouraged state, local, and federal leaders to retain, improve, and expand rail services throughout the Sunshine State, including Amtrak services and commuter rail programs like Tri-Rail and SunRail.

Today, we see a high speed rail system linking Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and Jacksonville as a key part of a healthy passenger rail system for the Sunshine State.

I trust that you and the Federal Railroad Administration will give serious consideration to awarding Florida’s request for high speed rail funding. We can assure you that the time is right for more passenger rail in our state.

With sincere thanks, we are,

Cordially yours,

Steve Sayles, President

Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers

Jackson McQuigg, Secretary

Florida Coalition of Rail Passengers