HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-123RESOLUTION NO. 09-123
A RESOI.UTION OF THE ST. LUCIE COUNTY BOARD OF
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS REQUESTING THE
ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNOR CRIST AND FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY
KOPELOV505 TO PRIORITIZE THE INTERCITY RAIL
COMPONENT OF THE FLORIDA EAST COAST CORRIDOR
PROJECT (FROM JACKSONVILLE TO MIAMI) AS PART OF
THE FEDERAL ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR THE
STATE OF FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the F~orida East Coast (FEC) corridor was historicaily operated as a
passenger rail line along Florida's east coast, traversing or providing rail connections to urban
areas like St. Lucie County; and
WHEREAS, Florida's east coast historically developed around train stations along the
FEC railroad; and
WHEREAS, local governments and the private sector along Florida's east coast are
currently implementing programs to redevelop historic down towns built around train stations;
and
WHEREAS, improved mobility is highly desired in St. Lucie County and throughout the
State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, transit, including rail transit, is a key component of improved mobility,
especially between cities and throughout the Florida's east coast; and
WHEREAS, the' 2006 Florida~IRail Plan identifies passenger transit along the FEC
corridor as a potential Coastal Route for new passenger rail service in the State of Florida;
and
WHEREAS, Amtrak is well-suited to provide passenger rail servicealong Florida's east
coast; and
WHEREAS, the reintroduction of Amtrak service along Florida's east coast would
provide near-term jobs and economic stimulus for Florida's residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government is seeking appropriate pro jects for inclusion in
the Federal economic stimulus package to provide immediate and near-term job opportunities
for pro jects; and
WHEREAS, the Intercity FEC Corridor Pro ject (Jacksonville/Miami) is an appropriate
pro ject for inclusion by the State of Florida in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Ptan;
and
WHEREAS, former work by Amtrak and Florida Department of Transportation
includes plans for the improvements necessary to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners request the assistance of
Governor Crist and Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Kopelousos to prioritize
the Amtrak/FEC Corridor Project (from Jacksonville to Miami) as part of the Federal
economic stimulus package for the State of Florida.
2, The County Administrator is hereby directed to forward a copy of this
resolution to Governor Charlie Crist, Florida Department of Transportation Secretary
Stephanie Kopelousos, and Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council Executive ~irector
Michael J. Busha.
After motion and second the vote on this resolution was as follows:
Chair Paula A. Lewis AYE
Vice-Chair Charles 6rande AyE
Commissioner poug Coward AYE
Commissioner Chris ~zadovsky AYE
Commissioner Chris Craft AyE
APPROVED AS TO LEGAL FORM AND