Floridians win thousands of new jobs as the result of a major high-speed rail announcement today that will boost economic recovery in the Tampa Bay area in the short term, while providing Florida with a foundation for long-term business growth and innovation.  In one of the largest investments for Florida under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Florida is receiving $1.25 billion to fund a high-speed rail line that will connect Tampa and Orlando.  Congresswoman Kathy Castor joined President Obama and Vice President Biden for the announcement today at the University of Tampa. The Florida grant is included as part of $8 billion in high-speed rail grants awarded nationwide today.

“The Recovery Act is about creating jobs, and that’s what we will do for Florida families and businesses thanks to this monumental award,” Castor said. “We are going to put thousands and thousands of Floridians to work on a transportation and jobs initiative that will benefit Florida residents and tourists alike. This jobs announcement will uplift our economy and be a huge boost to our region.

“I am proud President Obama and Vice President Biden made today’s announcement at the University of Tampa built by Henry B. Plant in the 1880s.  Plant pioneered a system of railroads on the West Coast of Florida. Now, more than a century later, we are bringing a modern rail system to the state, and all the thousands of jobs that come with that investment.”

Through the past year, Castor has been an outspoken advocate on behalf of Florida’s high-speed rail application and the thousands of jobs tied to it.

Castor also has pressed White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel and Senior Adviser David Axelrod since last spring about the need for a jobs boost in Florida. Castor talked with Axelrod last week and again this week regarding the economic benefits a high-speed rail award would have in the state.

In June, in a bipartisan show of support, Castor spearheaded a letter from the Florida Congressional Delegation to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, urging an award to Florida. In January, Castor wrote to President Obama and Vice President Biden, detailing Florida’s economic situation and encouraging a high-speed rail award to the state as a way to create jobs.