Gov. Scott Sets Sights on SunRail, Orders Review of Costs and 'Public Concerns'

Deferring a final decision until July, Gov. Rick Scott says he is reviewing the costs of building the SunRail commuter line in Central Florida.

"This action gives me time to review the costs and public concerns about this project. During the months ahead, I'll complete a review of the financial impact this project could have on Floridas taxpayers," the governor said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

By delaying a final decision until July, the governor effectively blocks any additional funding for the coming year. It also could give him political leverage with key GOP train supporters in the current legislative session.

The overall SunRail project is ticketed to cost $1.2 billion, though critics estimate that the actual price could be at least double that. Scott maintained a freeze on $235 million in train contracts that have been on hold since January.

Scott this month derailed the proposed Orlando-Tampa high-speed rail line when he turned down $2.4 billion in federal stimulus funds earmarked for the project. The governor called it a "boondoggle" that could stick taxpayers with billions of dollars in uncovered operating costs.

Critics have lambasted the multimillion-dollar SunRail project on similar grounds.

"Support for SunRail is diminishing," said Orlando area businessman Matt Falconer, who cited projections that the 61-mile line would carry just 3,500 riders a day.

That's about one-third the ridership of South Florida's Tri-Rail, a system that requires hefty government subsidies to cover its annual operating expenses.

But SunRail, unlike the high-speed rail venture, has the solid support of Central Florida's Republican delegation. By delaying his decision until after the Legislature adjourns, Scott is not-so-subtly raising the political stakes for this session. And that has some SunRail backers steaming mad.

The governor invites Floridians to comment on SunRail here.