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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2009		 CONTACT:  David Simon
(202) 225-0123 		 
 
Congresswoman Corrine Brown Op-Ed on SunRail
 
(Washington, DC) - I wholeheartedly support the SunRail commuter project for Central Florida and will continue to fight for full federal funding to complete all phases of the project.  I categorically believe that Sunrail is of utmost importance to Central Florida’s overly burdened highway system and I have been working hard in Washington to ensure that the vision we have for commuter rail becomes reality. 

Not since the construction of I-4 has there been a transportation initiative of this magnitude in Central Florida. As more people and cars crowd our region, commuter rail will provide commuters with a cost-effective mass transit alternative to high gas prices and a congested and gridlocked I-4.  In addition, economic development around the rail lines is poised to help many of the surrounding communities flourish.

Transportation and Infrastructure funding is absolutely critical to the nation, and will serve as a tremendous economic and job creating boost at a time when we desperately need to rebuild our country.  In fact, Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics show that for every $1 billion invested in transportation infrastructure, 38,000 jobs are created, as is $6.2 billion in economic activity.

This investment will also help address the disproportionate effect that the increase in unemployment has had on people of color. In November 2008, the rate of unemployment for African Americans was 11.2 %, nearly twice the rate for whites. The unemployment rate for Hispanic or Latino Americans was 8.5 %, 47 percent more than the rate of whites.   Under existing transportation infrastructure laws, States, cities, and infrastructure financing authorities are required to provide at least 10 percent of amounts made available to Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE’s), including minority- and women- owned businesses.

It is important to note that Federal Transit Administration funds are generated through gas taxes and can not be dedicated to projects or programs not associated directly with transportation.   Moreover, if these funds are not utilized by Florida, they will be used in another state.
 
We have worked with all of the stakeholders in Central Florida, as well as the state and federal government for many years to provide financial and logistical support for commuter rail.   Soon all Floridians will enjoy the benefits of reduced highway congestion, improved air quality and an alternative way to travel.
 
Sincerely,

Corrine Brown
Member of Congress

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