Critics grow louder about rail cost

Click title for story link Nov. 13, 2008By Isaac Babcock Observer Staff Critics of Winter Park's entry into the commuter rail system argued for a re-examination of the costs of the project at Monday's City Commission meeting, citing that it would be the most expensive system per mile in the country's history. The new angle of attack came as part of a prolonged push from City Commissioner Beth Dillaha and some city residents, who said the city is rushing too quickly into a deal to become part of a proposed commuter rail system before understanding the financial implications. "It is the biggest project we will have ever taken on," Dillaha said. "I think there is always wisdom in re-examining a project." She said the system would cost $10.5 million per mile — a record for U.S. rail systems. "It's the most expensive rail project in the history of the United States," she said.