Noting the transportation, economic and environmental significance of launching high speed rail in Florida, Congresswoman Kathy Castor joined today with leaders from all over the state to announce the creation of a new, statewide organization to support bringing rail to the Sunshine State. The effort is called ConnectUs, and more information can be found at www.fastrailconnectus.com.

President Obama and Congress set aside $13 billion in federal funds for high speed rail across the country, including $8 billion allocated through the Recovery Act. Vice President Biden has indicated Florida is well-poised to receive a share of the funding.

“Florida is a logical place to invest in high speed rail and create thousands of jobs,” Castor said. “We can connect major economic and tourism centers. Unlike any other state, Florida has secured all of the right of way and permits and is ready to go.”

In Tampa, Castor was joined today by the Tampa Bay Partnership, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Westshore Alliance, the Florida Gulf Coast Building and Construction Trades Council and the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. In a show of unity, a similar announcement was made today in Orlando by Congressman Alan Grayson, and in Lakeland by State Sen. Paula Dockery.

The effort enjoys the support of several other organizations and public officials from across the state, including Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, the Central Florida Partnership, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Business Alliance, Florida Building Trades Council, Audubon and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority. ConnectUs was founded by Ed Turanchik.

In a bipartisan show of support, Castor worked with several members of the Florida Congressional Delegation to send a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood urging an award to Florida for high speed rail. The letter noted that Florida is ahead of the curve in preparing the state for the next generation of transportation. Florida’s high speed rail initiative has obtained the necessary right-of-way and environmental clearances, and has been in the planning stages for 20 years.

Castor also has personally encouraged the Florida Secretary of Transportation to make high speed rail a priority and has worked to improve local transit options that would connect to a high speed rail system.

“We are unified and we are ready to bring high speed rail to Florida,” Castor said. “Now is our opportunity to connect Florida’s major metro areas, bring thousands of jobs to our state and move into the future of rail transportation.”