Congresswoman Kathy Castor released the following statement today regarding Gov. Scott’s refusal to accept $2.4 billion for high-speed rail and associated jobs:

“Today, Gov. Scott turned his back on Floridians and sent our $2.4 billion in high-speed rail money, and the tens of thousands of jobs associated with it, to other states. We need those jobs here in Florida. We are a state in need of a large investment for economic opportunity, but, disappointingly, Gov. Scott has rejected a real, vital opportunity for our region and our entire state to recover.

“As I have said before, the governor’s decision shows a devastating lack of vision, a lack of understanding of Florida’s economic situation, and an unfortunate devotion to his own rigid ideology.

“Florida business leaders showed their full support for the jobs that would come with high-speed rail. Last week, on the streets of downtown Tampa, business leaders and other Floridians showed their passion at a rally for high-speed rail and related jobs.

“The plan we presented the governor met every test he mentioned. The plan protected taxpayers while giving Floridians a once-in-a-generation opportunity to be at the forefront of a modern transportation system and benefit from the jobs that would come with that initiative. I am disheartened that Gov. Scott is giving another state the money and jobs we worked so hard to bring to our community. The real losers today are the very Florida taxpayers Gov. Scott claims to protect.”