Haridopolos: No State Money for High-Speed Rail

Citing concerns over the state's $3.5 billion budget deficit,Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island, stated Wednesday that he does not support using state funds for Florida's high-speed rail project, which would connect Tampa to Orlando.

"It's something the people would like to have, it's just something we can't afford using state dollars," Haridopolos said.

Florida has already secured $2.4 billion in federal funds for the project, leaving the state to fund the remaining $280 million. Legislators have expressed hope that private firms will put up the necessary capital to pay Florida's share.

"The last 10 percent will be picked up by the private sector if they think it'll be a profitable enterprise. And $300 million is a lot of money. In my opinion, it shouldn't be used given the shortfall we face," Haridopolos said.

Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, called the project a "no-brainer" on Tuesday, citing Florida Department of Transportation statistics indicating the project would directly and indirectly create more than 48,000 jobs during construction.

A report released last week by one of Gov. Scott's transportation advisers, however, heaped skepticism on the project's estimated capital costs and ridership estimates, saying the high-speed rail line could cost $3 billion more than expected.