“Transportation: Florida’s Road Map to Economic Recovery”

The Florida Department of Transportation would like to invite you to attend our 3rd Annual Regional Transportation Forum,hosted by District Five in collaboration with Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise. This year’s theme is:“Transportation: Florida’s Road Map to Economic Recovery” Date: January 30, 2009Time: 9:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.Location: Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise Turnpike Mile Post 263 Florida’s Turnpike Turkey Lake Service Plaza Ocoee, FL 34761 A meeting agenda is attached. Guest speakers include:· Marcos Marchena, Florida Transportation Commission Chairman· Kevin Thibault, Assistant Secretary for Engineering & Operations· Noranne Downs, District Five Secretary· Jim Ely, Turnpike Secretary The support of Congress, State Legislators, County and City Leadership is vital. Communication is the key. The current state of the economy, budget shortfalls and funding issues affect us all, and the way we do business in Central Florida. Yet, it is our belief that addressing transportation issues, in creative and cost-effective ways, will pave the way for eventual economic recovery. District Five Secretary Noranne Downs invites you or your delegate to attend the third annual Regional Transportation Forum hosted by the Florida Department of Transportation, District Five. The need for coordination among our transportation partners has never been greater. The Forum provides the opportunity to exchange ideas, identify opportunities and develop strategies for innovative transportation solutions. Your participation is vital, and valued, as we come together to discuss how transportation will be the “Road Map to Florida’s Economic Recovery.” Please confirm your attendance by January 16 by calling 386-943-5475 or emailing Jennifer.wynn@dot.state.fl.us. Jennifer WynnExecutive AssistantOffice of the District Five Secretary719 S. Woodland Blvd.; DeLand, FL 32720386-943-5475, Fax 386-740-2675"D5 - One Mission, One Team, One Voice"

Winter Haven Residents To Protest At CSX

Winter Haven residents to protest at CSX Jacksonville Business Journal - by Christian Conte Winter Haven homeowners concerned about an intermodal and automotive terminal being built near their neighborhood will conduct a protest outside CSX Corp. headquarters Tuesday. The protestors said they’ve asked to sit down with the Jacksonville-based rail company, the parent company of Evansville Western Railway, which is developing and will operate the terminal, but have not gotten a response. The group plans to demonstrate what an intermodal facility would sound like and show how it would affect their neighborhood. CSX spokesman Gary Sease said the company did communicate with the homeowners until the homeowners filed a lawsuit and communication had to cease. Further, he said the project has already been through all the public hearings and has received all the appropriate approvals necessary for the project to start construction in 2009 and be complete in 2010. The terminal is expected to employ between 900 and 1,100 during construction and 110 when it opens. “We think we’ll be a good neighbor,” Sease said. CSX (NYSE: CSX) acquired the 318-acre property, formerly a waste water treatment plan, in September 2007.

We think: Commuter rail's benefits extend far beyond getting from here to there

Click title for story link. We think: Commuter rail's benefits extend far beyond getting from here to there December 28, 2008 Anyone tracking commuter rail in Central Florida knows how it was waylaid in May by trial lawyers who attacked the limits on lawsuits in case of accidents, the same kind of limits placed on other systems like it.Commuter rail's lead supporters are working with them to reach an accommodation.The other flank of opposition directed at the 61-mile project comes from some lawmakers, led by commuter-rail hater Paula Dockery, who say the state simply can't afford it.

State Budget Crunch May Push Huge CSX Deal Off Track

Click title for story link. By LINDSAY PETERSON The Tampa Tribune Published: December 24, 2008 A multimillion dollar deal with CSX Transportation could face problems in the Legislature in 2009 as lawmakers try to plug a growing budget gap. "When we're scrambling to come up with $2.3 billion in the budget, it may give people some incentive to take a second look at this deal," said state Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, an opponent of the deal during this year's legislative session. The state proposed in 2007 to give CSX railroad about $450 million to buy tracks for a commuter system through Orlando. The deal stalled in the Legislature when lawmakers failed to approve a controversial liability agreement.

CSX Intermodal Expands Florida Services

CSX announces it's new shipping option: TRUCKING A great "economic development" plan for CSX and the sad thing is..... we, the taxpayers, paid for it.Weren't they supposed to take trucks off the roads? The company has received virtually all necessary permits to build a modern new terminal at Winter Haven in Central Florida. Hertwig said additional business in Orlando will be seamlessly transitioned to the new Winter Haven terminal once it is constructed. It is expected to be ready in 2010. http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/12-23-2008/0004946332&EDATE=

Rail gets renewed go-ahead

Click title for story link. County revokes bond amendment By JAMES MILLER Staff Writer DELAND -- The proposed Central Florida commuter rail system got a renewed go-ahead from the Volusia County Council on Thursday, when the council revoked a month-old protective amendment opposed by state transportation officials. With a 6-1 vote, the council undid the amendment it adopted Nov. 13 in response to county attorneys' concerns that taxpayers could get stuck with millions of dollars in debt even if the proposed commuter system never begins operations. The county, subsequently, received written assurances meant to alleviate those concerns. While repealing the amendment, the council also affirmed a one-year extension of another agreement with its partners in the proposed 61.5-mile system, which eventually would connect DeLand with metropolitan Orlando.

Orlando commuters may ride Sunrail and no one sees the irony

Click title for story link. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the likely name for the planned Orlando commuter rail is Sunrail. I'm surprised no one's pounced on that one. One of the recurring criticisms of the DOT-CSX deal is that it was done out of public view. Out of the sunshine, as some say. This was legal. The meetings part of the Sunshine Law applies to elected officials, not bureaucrats, a distinction that not everyone understood.

Council wants commuter-rail safety net

Rachael Jackson Sentinel Staff Writer December 18, 2008 VOLUSIA COUNTYWhen the Volusia County Council extended its commuter-rail agreement in November, it added a provision to protect taxpayers from footing the bill if the Legislature did not support the 61-mile rail line from DeLand to Orlando to Poinciana. But the county soon got letters from the Florida Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation pointing out that the project is contingent upon the Legislature's approval and that, therefore, the extra language was unnecessary. The agreement between FDOT, Orlando and Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties has to be extended this year so lawmakers can take it up again in 2009. The council will discuss the agreement at a meeting today. County Chairman Frank Bruno said he expects the original language to be approved.

CSX offers a commitment but will it be enough?

Click title for story link. CSX and partners are making threats again!!! Volusia County officials today received a letter from Jacksonville-based CSX Transportation saying the company will not close on its sale of the 61.5-mile corridor for commuter rail until the state Legislature agrees to provisions that would limit the company's financial liability for accidents involving commuter rail on the line. "Without this agreement on the allocation of liability and insurance coverage, CSXT will not close on the sale of the line," says the letter from Lisa Mancini, the company's vice president for strategic infrastructure.The question is whether it will be enough of a guarantee to keep on track Volusia's involvement in the the proposed Central Florida commuter rail connecting DeLand and Poinciana.

CSX on Lakeland Local

The Lakeland Local site has done a great job at keeping up with the CSX events. Click the title to link to the site and catch up on what you may have missed.

State Road 60 residents weigh in on CSX plan

Click title for story link. By Shelly GodefrinNews Chief staff Published: Friday, December 12, 2008 at 4:01 a.m. Last Modified: Friday, December 12, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. HOMELAND - A rail-truck freight terminal is expected to bring growth to the State Road 60 corridor, but residents there want to maintain their rural lifestyle. About 50 residents and city and county officials attended an informational S.R. 60 meeting Thursday night at Homeland Methodist Church south of Bartow. The purpose of the meeting was to introduce the public to and get feedback about the Gateway Selected Area Study, which is aimed at developing a vision and plan for the future of the area to the north and south of S.R. 60. The plan will look at existing infrastructure, urban services, environmental features, transportation and economic development.

Official: Alternate Route Must Be Good for CSX

Click title for story link. By Tom PalmerTHE LEDGER Published: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 11:20 p.m. LAKELAND Any plan that diverts freight trains from downtown Lakeland won't work unless it makes business sense for CSX, a state transportation official said Wednesday. The meeting Wednesday at The Lakeland Center was to unveil five possible alternative freight rail routes through Polk County as part of a state-funded study to look at the feasibility of a new route.

Centtal Florida Folks Huddle On Commuter Rail

Central Florida folks huddle on commuter rail posted by Aaron Deslatte on Dec 11, 2008 3:42:13 PMDiscuss This: Comments (0) TrackBack (0) Linking Blogs Add to del.icio.us Digg itOrlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, state Rep. Dean Cannon, R-Winter Park, and state, local and regional chamber folks huddled for about an hour Thursday at City Hall with editors, reporters, editorial writers and columnists for the Orlando Sentinel to air out plans for winning legislative approval of the Central Florida commuter rail project in the 2009 session.The meeting between news side and editorial Sentinel folks, and city, state and regional backers was an "informational" briefing to hash over what sank the deal in the spring legislative session and the chances of passage in the coming year."Last year, we went into the session not anticipating the level of opposition," Dyer said.Dyer called Cannon "our champion in the House," and the region was "very fortunate" to have Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, tapped as Senate Judiciary chairman and Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, as Transportation chair -- the two substantive committees the insurance arrangement will go through on the Senate side. Dyer also called Sen. Mike Fasano, the New Port Richey Republican who chairs the transportation and economic development budget committee, a "supporter." He wasn't exactly a strong backer last spring, so this is noteworthy.The message from the meeting was that backers have rallied their troops and need to re-market the project. In January, Dyer's office will be leading a large group of lawmakers and folks involved with the project up to Charlotte, N.C., to put them on a commuter rail line, backers said.In the last week, a few influental folks like Senate Majority Leader Alex Diaz de la Portilla, R-Miami, Gov. Charlie Crist, and the Florida Association of Counties have come out early in favor of the insurance liability agreement the region needs before CSX Corp. will sell its 61 miles of rail to the state for the project. Dyer and Cannon both said it was big to have the governor out front in support of the plan, and Dyer noted in the meeting that "other newspapers around the state have not been very kind to the project."Central Florida rail backers through MetroPlan Orlando have met privately with their counterparts in Jacksonville, Tampa Bay and South Florida over the last six months to get all four regions on the same page behind Central Florida's plan.For starters, expect backers to launch a new marketing campaign for the project dropping the Central from Central Florida Commuter Rail and calling it something other than commuter rail."All four markets understand the importance of this, not just to us here in Central Florida, but to all of them," Harry Barley, executive director of MetroPlan Orlando, told the group. He called a Nov. 6 meeting with all four regions a "home run," with all agreeing to back a list of priorities including protecting transortation trust fund dollars and commuter-rail.A few Sentinel folks in the room wanted to know how backers planned to appease the trial lawyers who successfully roadblocked last spring with the help of unions and Lakeland Sen. Paula Dockery.The trial bar last session had heartburn with extending government immunity from injury lawsuits to third-party companies that would be hired to run the rail line. Dyer said without the immunity language, the project would cost more for insurance."If we don't get this done, this will be our biggest failure," Dyer said. "Light-rail was a failure, but we have a second swing at the bat."

Rendell Promotes National Rail System

It seems more states are buying in to what CSX is selling. Click title for story link. Gov. Ed Rendell Friday visited the CSX Chambersburg Intermodal Facility to promote the CSX's National Gateway project to build a rail corridor from North Carolina to Ohio, crossing through southwest Pennsylvania. At a cost of $724 million, CSX, the federal government and six states propose to fund the effort which supporters say will generate around 2,500 jobs in the region and provide a more environmentally friendly method for freight transport. Mr. Rendell has long championed expansion of rails for both passenger travel and shipping and has tripled funding for rail freight since taking office in 2003.

Future Land Use Study Planned for State Road

Public Meeting Notice Future Land Use Study Planned for State Road 60 Area The Polk County Long Range Planning Division is partnering with the City of Winter Haven to conduct a future land use study for the State Road 60 area. The purpose of the study is to develop a vision and plan for the future. The plan will protect natural and community resources and create a blueprint for growth. The study will help to guide future growth associated with the CSX Intermodal Logistics Center. The study goals include: =201. protecting existing environmentally sensitive areas, 2. preserving the countryside, farming, and historical character of the area, and 3. promoting additional economic growth The proposed study area is bordered by Eloise Loop/Thompson Nursery Road on the north; US Highway 27 on the east; Alturas Babson Park Cut Off Road on the south; and 80 Foot Road/Bartow City Limits /Gerber Dairy Road on the west. The Polk County Long Range Planning Division and the City of Winter Haven's Planning Division will be seeking comments and suggestions from residents in the surrounding cities. Local landowners, community and environmental groups, interested governmental agencies, and other public and private stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the vision planning through a series of Community and Focus Group Meetings. A Focus Group, consisting of local residents and business owners in the area will be used to help guide the study efforts. The purpose of the study, as well as a brief overview is available by visiting the Polk County Government website at www.polk-county.net/projects. Once on the Projects page, scroll down until you see the title Gateway Selected Area Study. For additional information contact planneroncall@polk-county.net or call 863-534-6084. Residents are invited to attend one or both of the following Community Meetings: The 1st Community Meeting will be on: December 9th, 2008 Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Location: Chain O' Lakes Complex Poolside Room210 Cypress Gardens Blvd.Winter Haven, FL The 2nd Community Meeting will be on: Date: December 11th, 2008 Time: 6:00 p.m. Location: Homeland Heritage ParkOld Homeland Methodist Church249 Church Ave. Homeland, FL

Pelham to Recommend DCA Approval for CSX ILC

Click title for full story link. In a conversation held this morning (December 4, 2008) Senator J. D. Alexander has learned from Secretary Thomas G. Pelham that he will recommend Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approval of the Winter Haven inter-modal rail terminal planned by Evansville Western Railroad (EWR). EWR is a subsidiary of CSX Transportation. The 318 acre project is a state-of-the art facility designed to facilitate transfer of containerized consumer goods via rail and truck.

CSX gets a favorable draw in Senate committee assignments

click title for story link State Senate President Jeff Atwater named two Central Florida lawmakers who are stong backers of the region's commuter rail dreams to key committee chairmanships Wednesday. Sen. Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, was tapped to lead the Senate Transportation Committee and Sen. Lee Constantine, R-Altamonte Springs, was chosen to lead the Senate Judiciary Committee. Last spring, you might recall, the complex insurance liability agreement CSX Corp. wanted before signing off on Central Florida's $1 billion-plus commuter rail deal got stalled on the tracks when then-Judiciary Chairman Alex Villalobos, R-Miami, demanded the bill go through his committee since it dealt with granting state-sponsored immunity from lawsuits to private companies working on the tracks. Now it is a whole lot more likely to get a hearing in the Senate. In fact, seven of the nine senators appointed Wednesday to the Transportation panel that would also likely hear the bill are from Central Florida: Gardiner; Sen. Gary Siplin, D-Orlando; Constantine; Sen. Thad Altman, R-Viera; Sen. Carey Baker, R-Eustis; Sen. Mike Haridopolos, R-Indialantic; and -- drum roll -- Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, the fiercest critic of the CSX deal last spring.

Mass Transit 'Critical' For Bay Area

Click title for story. By LINDSAY PETERSON lpeterson@tampatrib.com Published: November 26, 2008 TAMPA - U.S. Rep. John Mica said he came to Tampa on Tuesday to encourage local officials to get in line for transportation money that soon will flow from Washington. He also had a warning. The Tampa area is years behind other cities in developing mass transit, he said. "It's critical that Tampa Bay is also in this game. ... It's almost embarrassing to have parts of Florida without a modern transportation system." Mica, R-Winter Park, is minority party leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He said he didn't mean to criticize, but his comments still put a few people on defense. "Hillsborough County is moving forward," Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio told Mica at the gathering at Stetson University College of Law's Tampa Law Center. "We're very serious" about mass transit, she said. She said that local transportation officials plan to ask Hillsborough County voters to approve a 1-cent sales tax in 2010 for a commuter rail system. "With local support, we will be in a greater position to make the case to the federal government" for funding, Iorio said.

Meeting on Possible Alternative Rail Set

Click title for story link. By Tom PalmerTHE LEDGER Published: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. Last Modified: Saturday, November 29, 2008 at 11:19 p.m. LAKELAND Updated information on the state study examining alternative rail routes in the area will be the topic of a public meeting on Dec. 10. The meeting will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Lake Hollingsworth Room at The Lakeland Center, 701 W. Lime St. It will be the second public meeting on the project. The first occurred last summer. The $723,398 study, which was proposed by Department of Transportation officials last December, is an outgrowth of concerns expressed by Lakeland business and civic leaders. The concern is that projected increases in freight traffic caused by the construction of a proposed rail freight terminal in Winter Haven by CSX, and the rerouting of freight traffic related to plans for commuter rail in the Orlando area, could set back downtown redevelopment efforts by making the area unattractive to developers. The rail freight terminal was approved in October. Plans for commuter rail in Orlando have still not received final approval. The study conducted by Jacobs Engineering is examining how increases in freight traffic would affect local roads, how rerouting train traffic would affect local traffic as well as CSX and its customers, what alternate routes are available and whether the alternatives are financially feasible. In addition, the study is looking at potential for increasing passenger rail in relation to projected demand, the availability of infrastructure and cost. That study would focus on various routes between and through Polk County and the Orlando and Tampa areas. More information is available at the study's Web site: http://www.fdotrailtrafficevaluation.com/ [Tom Palmer can be reached at tom.palmer@theledger.com or 863-802-7535. ]

Exhaust From Railroad Diesel Linked to Lung Ailments

Click title for story link. TUESDAY, Nov. 25 (HealthDay News) -- Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust fumes may increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes lung conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema. U.S. researchers studied the job and health records of more than 30,000 railway workers and found that those who worked on diesel trains (engineers, brakemen, conductors) were more likely to die of COPD than those who worked in ticketing, signaling, maintenance, or administration.