CSX commuter train crashes

Click title for article link. April 30, 2008 CSX commuter train crashes Dan Webster, the Senate's chief advocate for a controversial CSX commuter rail project, put a fork in the project's success this session after Sen. Carey Baker announced he was stripping the project from a major transportation bill this evening. A growing number of lawmakers objected to a no-fault liability plan for CSX, which would sell 61.5 miles or rail line for $150 million. The state is supposed to poney up another $500 million for freight improvements benefitting CSX's freight lines. But lawmakers have to approve the liability deal, which the House did. In the Senate, however, chief opponent Paula Dockery said she entered the day with 27 votes to strike the liability deal, more than she'd need. "I think the liability issue's dead," said Webster, the Senate majority leader. UPDATE: CSX and central Florida lobbyists say all is not over, echoing Baker that the provisions could come up in another bill before session closes Friday. "I think you'll see it come up again," said lobbyist John Thrasher for Orlando. Posted by David DeCamp at 6:27:45 PM on April 30, 2008 in Florida Senate Permalink