Gov. Scott cancels Florida high-speed rail plan

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida’s Gov. Rick Scott is canceling plans for high-speed rail between Orlando and Tampa promoted by President Barack Obama, rejecting more than $2 billion from the federal government.

The Republican governor said today the proposal is too costly and could put the state’s taxpayers on the hook for roughly $3 billion.

Scott said he believes that ridership and revenue projections tend to be too optimistic and would likely require ongoing state government subsidies.

Scott also said if the project failed, Florida would be required to refund the federal government’s investment in the project.

Scott said he informed U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood of his decision.

Republican governors in Ohio and Wisconsin have also rejected high-speed rail plans.