Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding reports of Gov. Rick Scott’s refusal to accept $2.4 billion for high-speed rail to create thousands of jobs for Floridians:

“I am devastated that Florida will lose thousands and thousands of new jobs to other states. We need those jobs and economic opportunities here.  The governor's decision sends a terrible message to businesses that are looking at Florida for investment and hiring opportunities. 

“Our local small businesses would have benefited greatly and the long-term economic hopes for the Tampa Bay area have been dealt a serious setback. The plan we presented the governor, which he reportedly rejected today, met every test he mentioned and would have been a viable way to make high-speed rail and associated jobs a reality in Florida.”