Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding Gov. Rick Scott’s decision to reject thousands of jobs for Florida tied to high-speed rail:

“Governor Scott’s decision demonstrates a devastating lack of vision for Florida and a lack of understanding of our economic situation. He should immediately reconsider his decision in order to save these jobs and not send the investment dollars to California and other states.

“The governor put his own rigid ideology ahead of the best interests of Florida’s businesses, workers and families. High-speed rail is projected to create thousands and thousands of jobs in our state. The governor’s campaign slogan was ‘let’s get to work,’ but his refusal to accept vital investment dollars eliminates the opportunity to put thousands of Floridians to work in construction, engineering, architecture and most all areas of Florida’s economy.

“This is not a partisan issue. All thoughtful Floridians have pointed out that this initiative may be our sole opportunity to invest in a significant infrastructure project for Florida, with its jobs and economic hope for the future. Turning down these jobs and investment dollars does nothing to reduce the nation’s deficit. Instead, the billions of investment dollars and thousands of jobs will simply go to other states – states whose governors understand the jobs and economic benefits that are at stake rather than bow to rigid ideological forces. Our neighbors in Tampa Bay and Central Florida will be condemned to I-4 traffic jams in the decades ahead with little hope for economic growth, unless the governor reconsiders.

“For years, Florida has fought for its fair share of federal money, often lagging behind other states. Turning your back on Floridians and jobs is absolutely the wrong thing to do.”