News & Announcements

2020 Florida State Legislative Board Quadrennial Meeting to take place 9-8-2020 & 9-9-2020

 FLORIDA -BLE&T HAS NEW STATE CHAIRMAN

Brendan Sullivan is the new Chairman for Florida.  

The Florida BLET welcomes brother Sullivan as the new State Chairman. Members should assist Brendan in any way possible to help further our goals of a safe workplace.  I am forever greatful to all of our hard working members for the chance to serve.  The time has come for new ideas.  Brother Brendan is well positioned to take this lead.   Thank you, brothers and sisters!  

Fraternally, Former Chairman-D. Lavery  

NATIONAL TWO PERSON BILL 

https://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=9199

TWO PERSON CREW BILL SIGNED INTO LAW COLORADO

https://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=9198

EASTERN REGIONAL MEETING JULY 22-26, 2019

https://www.ble-t.org/pr/news/newsflash.asp?id=9197

State of Florida Five Year Railroad Budget beginning 2018-2023

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=5cbfcc4e82&attid=0.1&permmsgid=msg-a:s:-2321476602202041699&th=162f41b23e5e2a8e&view=att&disp=safe&realattid=f_jgcnppao0

Enjoying Retirement
Mike Lacey-Former Vice Chairman, BLET Florida State Legislative Board, has contributed to Public Broadcasting Networks in making a Great Scenic Railway Journey video.  Everyone enjoys PBS shows, and now a BLET member, from Winter Springs, can be seen operating an excursion train in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Great Job Mike!            

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SgBOfrKy7jA&feature=youtu.be  

AMTRAK

Trump Budget threatens long distance service for Amtrak.  Call your U.S. Congressman and Senators.

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-budget-cut-rail-services-rural-communities-amtrak-narp-transport-american-passengers-cities-a7672811.html

Gulf Coast-Sunset Limited-threatened by Trump budget cuts evan though a group called "Southern Rail Commission" is determined to bring back the famous Coast to Coast train. 

http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/04/amtrak_close_to_reviving_gulf.html

Florida Commuter Rail Contract-Amtrak makes bid 2017

http://www.politico.com/states/florida/story/2017/01/j-109080 

http://postonpolitics.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/01/31/gov-scotts-budget-would-tighten-state-control-over-tri-rail-money/

Elaine Chao appointed Secretary Department of Transportation  

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/trumps-transportation-secretary-pick-elaine-chao-confirmed-in-senate-with-some-top-democrats-balking/2017/01/31/a15c7604-df42-11e6-ad42-f3375f271c9c_story.html?utm_term=.33d7c39e2ee4​

Federal Railroad Administration-Ronald Batory appointed FRA Administrator

National Transportation Safety Board -Ronald Sumwalt is named NTSB Administrator 

2015 FLORIDA STATE BUDGET INCLUDES:

A state grant of 1.35 million for 9 crossing upgrades for the City of Tampa.  The City will match these state funds to complete quiet zones through the downtown area. 

CSX Term Sheet Funding for Sunrail
Amounts are in millions 
"A" Line Purchase-150
Relocation opf CSX Taft Yard-23
Subtotal=$173
"S" Line Improvements-198
Eliminate roadway rail grade crossings-59
Access road to Integrated Logistics Center-9
Subtotal=$266
Other Freight Improvements-52
Total=491 million
Sources of funding
DOT Strategic Intermodal System-267
DOT District 5-51
Central Florida Plan 23% state, 77% local-173
Total=$491 million
Note: (The figures above have increased since the original draft and final legislation).
For your convenience use the link below to map and monitor the upgrades to the S" Line.
http://78065.inspyred.com/images/S-Line_KeyMap_Descriptions.pdf
2016 Federal Tiger Grant Funding was not allocated for the Northern Section into Deland, Florida.  Southern Section to Poinciana on target. 

All Aboard Florida-Brightline

Florida East Coast Industries, which is a subsidiary to (FEC) Railroad, wants to operate a 240 mile passenger railroad between Miami and Orlando.  The passenger system would average 100 miles per hour and travel from Miami to Cocoa Beach using existing FEC rail lines before branching across state to Orlando on new tracks.  Stops along the way will include; Ft. Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. This project has a one billion dollar price tag thus far and is expected to increase over time.  The original plan is to lease space next to the existing FDOT highway route 528 for the 40 mile section of new track.  FECI is doing their best to keep this a privately funded project.  Currently, Amtrak or FEC rail employees are not expected to operate the system.  This project is still being planned and (FECI) All Aboard Florida still has several glitches and funding issues to work through.  The project is a favorite of Congressman John Mica.

http://www.allaboardflorida.com/

Florida East Coast Railroad changes corporate hands

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/business/article141301728.html

Florida Senate budget for Rail Developments-4 year plan:2013 Legislative Session through 2017  

Transportation, Tourism & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee
If this bill is signed this session, the FDOT will administer these funds for the following projects around the State.
 
http://78065.inspyred.com/images/Rail%20Development%20Grants.pdf
 
 
BLET High Speed Rail Position Paper

http://www.ble-t.org/pr/pdf/RAIL_BLETProposal_2C.pdf

Governor Rick Scott sends 2.4 Billion back to Washington!
Rejecting High Speed Rail Remains a Huge Fiasco-Sun Sentinal

Article By Anthony Orlando
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/fl-aocol-scott-oped0322-20130322,0,4037866.story