Streetsblog Capitol Hill

Click on the image to see how sprawl impacts individual communities.

We all know sprawl is costly to local communities. Roads, schools, sewers: It all adds up.

But the total price-tag is hard to determine, and that ambiguity undermines efforts at reform. What qualifies as sprawl? How much additional infrastructure is needed to support it?

That’s why it’s exciting that a group of concerned Florida homeowners has tackled this difficult question. Priceofsprawl.com shows that Florida communities pay dearly for “growth” that is often sold as a win-win. In reality, every dollar generated by new development in Florida costs taxpayers $1.34-$2.45. The more rural the setting, the higher the cost.

This project, presented as an interactive map, allows Floridians to see how sprawling development affects their local taxes and home values. Numbers were determined using existing impact studies and local comprehensive plans.

Just scroll over Lee County and the map will tell you that property values are down 54 percent here since 2006. Thirteen percent of the county’s homes are vacant. In fact, this region of Florida — the Greater Fort Myers area — has been something of a poster child for the foreclosure crisis. “There is arguably no single housing market with a worse long-term outlook than southwest Florida, and the Cape Coral-Fort Myers region is the worst of these,” wrote investment blog 24/7 Wall Street last week.

Despite all this, Lee County authorities have authorized a massive amount of new development. Local zoning laws have reserved enough land for new housing development to allow the building of 1.1 million homes, or 228 percent more than the current 346,000 homes. According to Priceofsprawl.com, building out that plan would cost suffering Lee County $3.12 billion in road construction, or about $10,000 per household, plus another $943 million to build the necessary schools. The oversupply of housing further drags down the value of existing homes.

Read more…

Transit providers in Detroit, Miami, Seattle and Bloomington, Indiana were a few of the many winners in the latest round of Federal Transit Administration capital grants.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood was in Detroit Monday to announce almost $1 billion in transit grants to local agencies across the country. Photo: USDOT

On Monday, FTA awarded almost $1 billion to local transit agencies to purchase buses, construct shelters and plan for the future [PDF].

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced the grants in Detroit Monday alongside Mayor Dave Bing and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder.

Transit agencies throughout the state of Michigan were awarded $46 million, including $2 million for Detroit to study expanding its planned Woodward Avenue light rail line into the suburbs past Eight Mile Road.

The city of Detroit’s Department of Transportation was also awarded $6 million to purchase new buses. Meanwhile, Detroit’s suburban bus system, SMART, received $5 million to update its fleet.

“This is a significant investment in Michigan’s future,” said Snyder. “A modern transportation system is key to a stronger economy and enhanced quality of life in our state.”

Elsewhere around the country, Sound Transit in Seattle will receive $5.4 million to buy hybrid buses, and the South Florida Regional Transit Agency will receive $4.5 million to replace its shuttle buses with vehicles that run on alternative fuel. These vehicles link public transportation centers with the airport, hospitals and universities in the Miami-Dade area, according to Environmental News Service.

In one of the smaller grants, Bloomington, Indiana received almost $30,000 to purchase lockers for cyclists at a new downtown transfer station.

Read more…

On Monday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood will travel to Orlando for the ground-breaking of the SunRail commuter rail project in central Florida. We reported with some pleasure two weeks ago that Gov. Rick Scott had approved the project. But what we didn’t mention was that there’s significant opposition to the project, and it’s not all from the usual suspects of Tea Partiers and deficit hawks and transit haters.

Critics of Florida's new commuter rail program say CSX is the real winner in the deal -- not the taxpayer. Photo by #http://members.cox.net/dbdavies/csx/csx.htm

Many rail supporters say Scott should have approved high-speed rail and killed SunRail, not the other way around. “Governor Scott used all the right arguments to green light the wrong rail project,” said Florida Senate Democratic Leader Pro Tem Arthenia Joyner. “His support had nothing to do with good policy, good logic, or the good of Floridians.”

“Inconsistency, thy name is Rick,” editorialized The Ledger. The Lakeland-area paper speculates that the decision was a raw political calculation designed to broaden his base of support — a strategy that appears to have backfired.

The project is among the least cost-effective that the federal government have approved recently, costing an estimated $24,000 per rider, according to the Transport Politic. Daily ridership estimates all the way out to 2030 are only 7,400.

Many deride the project as corporate welfare for the freight company CSX, whose profits grew by 35 percent last year. Of the $1.2 billion total cost of the SunRail line, $432 million will go directly to CSX. The money will pay for the purchase of the track that the commuter trains will run on, but also for many unrelated CSX projects, like track improvements, overpasses and transfer stations on completely separate lines that have nothing to do with SunRail.

Besides, the state isn’t really buying the track at all – CSX will still have exclusive use of it on weekends and at night. SunRail service is only projected to run during the day, Monday through Friday, every 30 minutes at rush hour – and every two hours the rest of the day.

Why the huge giveaway to CSX? Speculation has centered around the close relationship between the freight rail giant and Rep. John Mica (R-FL), the chair of the House Transportation Committee, who has been advocating for this line to be built since 1992. CSX is the number 12 lifetime contributor to Mica’s campaigns and causes. The New York Times reports that other SunRail beneficiaries have paid their dues too:
Read more…

Florida Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad has announced that Gov. Rick Scott’s administration will support the development of SunRail commuter rail.

Gov. Rick Scott has given the OK for FDOT to sign the Full Funding Grant Agreement for SunRail. Photo: Joe Burbank, Orlando Sentinel

Acknowledging the strong support of Florida Republican John Mica, chair of the House Transportation Committee, Prasad said that his recent conversations with citizens and stakeholders convinced him that the project was worthwhile and that the state’s financial interests would be protected. The state of Florida is paying to buy the tracks from CSX, but Scott had feared that the state would also be left holding the bag for cost overruns.

“The partners told me they still support the commuter rail system, and they clearly understand that the local governments will participate in covering any cost overruns,” Prasad said in his prepared remarks for today’s press conference [PDF]. “I listened to all sides of this debate, and I must tell you that the overwhelming majority of opinion expressed in each of the meetings I attended was in favor of moving forward.”

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Scott had put the project on hold in January, while he was still in the process of letting the ax fall on plans to build high-speed rail in the state. He froze $235 million worth of SunRail contracts in January without setting a timeline for making a final decision.

There was some question as to whether Gov. Scott even had the legal authority to pull the plug on the project, since the state legislature had approved it overwhelmingly in 2009 under Gov. Charlie Crist. The federal government has approved $357 million to support the project, which rail supporters had pressed the governor to accept, using the argument that Florida is a donor state, getting back only 89 to 90 cents per dollar of gas tax receipts. Private investors including CSX, Tupperware and Disneyland have also pledged their own investments in the rail line.

The 31-mile first phase of SunRail will serve 12 stations, linking DeBary to Orlando. Phase II will serve five additional stations, north to DeLand and south to Poinciana. Service is expected to begin service in late 2013 or early 2014, growing to a projected 61 miles of track.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, “The approval ends the region’s 30-year quest to devise a transportation alternative to cars and buses. Previous attempts ranging from magnetically levitated trains to light rail options have failed.”

Supporters hail the go-ahead as a solution to congestion on Interstate 4 that costs six times less than what it would take to expand I-4 by just one lane in each direction.

The residents of Florida’s 7th Congressional District must contend with some of the most dangerous pedestrian crossings in the country. And it’s beginning to sound like they’re tired of it.

Crossing the road can be a dangerous undertaking in Congressman John Mica's home district in Florida. But his proposal could make less money available to protect pedestrians. Photo: CFnews13

But is their powerful Congressman listening? Rep. John Mica, chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, has put forward a proposal that would eliminate dedicated funding for pedestrian and cycling projects. During tough economic times, Mica has stated, states should have more “flexibility” on how they spend their transportation dollars.

Meanwhile, back in Florida, Mica’s idea has sparked a revolt.

“In his own backyard, and among his own constituents, he is now surrounded by opposition,” said Jake Lynch of the Rails to Trails Conservancy.

It all started in April when Volusia County, in the heart of Mica’s 7th District, unanimously passed a resolution opposing the congressman’s plan. Since then, other communities have piled on, including nearly half a dozen from within Mica’s turf.

Putnam County, the Lee County Metropolitan Planning Organization and the communities of Palatka, New Symrna Beach, Daytona Beach and Holly Hill [PDF] have all voted unanimously for resolutions that decry Mica’s plan and support dedicated funding for programs like Safe Routes to School, Transportation Enhancements, and the Recreational Trails Program. And more local communities are coming forward with resolutions by the day. The Volusia regional planning agency is preparing a similar resolution for passage, as are the counties of Flagler and St. John’s.

“The people down here are taxing themselves to pay for these amenities,” Pat Northey, vice chair of the Volusia County Council. “This is not just about providing trails and pathways for people to get around in this county – this is about ‘heads in beds.’ This is an economic engine.”

Read more…

I am one of the nearly 800 bike advocates from around the country who went to Washington, D.C. last week for the National Bike Summit. I took away an important lesson: The Republican Congress is good for bicycling.

A Republican Congress forces bicycling advocates to improve their message, it empowers Republicans who bicycle to take a stronger role in the active transportation advocacy movement, and it fills Congress with new people who are also potential champions for bicycling.

Bicycling’s most vocal advocates have been largely “blue” over the last ten years, and their rhetoric has shown it. They’ve made the standard appeals: save us from rising sea levels and Big Oil, consider Amsterdam and Copenhagen as models, direct spending to make bicycling safe. More often than not, they have embraced Democratic Party language to push for support of federal legislation and were frustrated when their Republican representatives didn’t seem to bite. Despite the fact that the Democratic Party on the whole never fully stepped up to “own” the bicycling cause, it was clear that bicycling’s champions were always Democrats – but that’s changing. And there’s no reason why Republicans today can’t make bicycling their own party issue.

Last year, when USDOT Secretary Ray LaHood jumped on a table for bike advocates, he was speaking on behalf of a Democratic administration – but also as a registered Republican.

At last week’s National Bike Summit, the absence of one of the movement’s heroes, the very “D” Jim Oberstar, was strongly felt and loudly lamented – but among the mostly “R” Bike Summit delegates representing my home state of Florida, there was an audible sigh of relief. One of them told me, “This is the best summit because it didn’t make me feel like I had to deny my politics to join others who are ‘pro-bike.’”

Another one was blatantly surprised that there even were so many non-Republicans participating. “Bicycling is about freedom, business and preserving small-town America,” he told me. “Of course I’m Republican.” He is also a successful small business owner – and came to his first Summit clearly skilled at forming and maintaining the kinds of political relationships that bicycling advocates need, with members on both sides of the aisle.

Read more…

Gov. Rick Scott got to say no, yet again, to Florida’s dreams of high-speed rail.

The attorney for the state senators argued in Florida's Supreme Court to save high-speed rail funding.

Florida’s Supreme Court ruled this morning that Gov. Scott doesn’t have to accept federal money to build a high-speed rail line between Tampa and Orlando. Two state senators had filed a lawsuit, claiming Scott had “overstepped his authority” by turning down the money, since the state legislature had voted to authorize the project. (Check out Transportation Nation’s chronology of events.)

Scott put the final nail in the coffin this morning when he formally told Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, for the last time, he was rejecting the federal funds for the project. LaHood had been trying for weeks to assuage Scott’s concerns by assuring him that Florida would not be held responsible for cost overruns and that private investors would assume most of the risk.

A USDOT spokesperson said the department had “addressed every legitimate concern Governor Scott has raised” and “repeatedly and clearly told Governor Scott and his staff that Florida would not bear financial or legal liabilities for the project.” Florida Senator Bill Nelson and Rep. John Mica begged him to change his mind. Still, no dice.

This morning, after talking to Scott, LaHood issued a statement saying, “The Obama Administration’s bold high-speed rail plan will not only create jobs and reinvigorate our manufacturing sector in the near term, it is a crucial and strategic investment in America’s future prosperity. I know that states across America are enthusiastic about receiving additional support to help bring America’s high-speed rail network to life and deliver all its economic benefits to their citizens.”

He’s right about that – politicians from around the country – and especially the Northeast – have been lining up to ask for Florida’s hand-me-downs.

Update, 5:00 PM Friday: Rick Scott’s office just issued a statement with the subject line “Rick Scott: My position remains the same on High Speed Rail.” Rather than saying he asked for more time to consider his options, he refers to LaHood’s decision to extend the deadline and says:

I believe High Speed Rail is a federal boondoggle, as I said more than a week ago.  This morning I communicated to Secretary LaHood that as long as Florida remains on the hook for cost overruns, operating costs and paybacks in the case of default, I will vigorously oppose this project.

Since that time, Secretary LaHood has extended his own deadline for coming up with a way to alleviate Florida’s risk on High Speed Rail.  While I appreciate his continued efforts to keep the project alive in Florida, it is important to note that I have yet to see any proposal that accomplishes my goal of eliminating risk to Florida’s taxpayers.

From earlier this afternoon:

Will Rick Scott reconsider his decision to forego high-speed rail in Florida? Photo: Orlando Sentinel

Florida Gov. Rick Scott has asked the Department of Transportation for additional time to reconsider his decision to return $2.4 billion in federal funding for high-speed rail in the state.

Scott was given an extension last week by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, while the two parties worked on ways to minimize the risk involved for the state of Florida. The governor had been given one week to reconsider his decision, one that was criticized by fellow Florida Republican John Mica, chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

According to reports from a local newspaper, state transportation officials have floated the idea of making Amtrak or a private company responsible for any potential cost over-runs, one of the concerns cited by Gov. Scott in his refusal last week.

LaHood made the following statement this afternoon on the situation:

Read more…

Somehow, every time a governor makes a really bad decision that denies appropriate transportation options to his constituents, he gets chance after chance to take it back. And somehow, they never do.

Florida Gov. Rick Scott is expected to kill high-speed rail, again. Photo: Tampa Bay Online

Take Chris Christie of New Jersey. How many times did he say no to the ARC Tunnel before it was finally over? And now Rick Scott of Florida has killed the Florida high-speed rail project deader than dead.

He announced a week ago that he was rejecting $2.4 billion in federal stimulus money for a high-speed line to run from Orlando to Tampa. Everyone from DOT Secretary Ray LaHood to Rep. John Mica to Sen. Bill Nelson and countless Floridians have tried to change his mind. They tried to allay his fears about the state’s financial exposure. They promised that private investors would take over the risk and local governments would manage the project. Mica proposed scaling back to a 21-mile line from the Orlando Airport to the Convention Center and Disney World.

But Rick Scott won’t budge.

Scott’s press office won’t say when he’s expected to make the announcement, but local Florida papers are already announcing, based on anonymous tips, that it’s all over.

Even without an official announcement, Twitter lit up with frustration over Scott’s decision.

“Rick Scott Throws Florida Under The Train.”

“Scott is tone-deaf. Disastrous for Florida.”

“This was a political move not a business decision.”

“Can’t believe he turned down the money for the rails. That would have brought jobs to fl and would have helped!”

“#Floridians officially embarrassed! California, you’re welcome!”

“Enjoy the money and the jobs, California and New York. Signed: Rick Scott”

Sen. Bill Nelson said, “A wise man’s quote favored by President Kennedy was that ‘an error does not become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.’ Well, today, Rick Scott made one heck-of-a mistake.”

Florida Governor Rick Scott announced today he would forfeit $2 billion in federal grants to build a high-speed rail line between Orlando and Tampa.

Florida Governor Rick Scott: hot on road spending, cool on rail. Photo: Joe My God

The announcement ended months of speculation about whether Scott would join fellow Republican Governors John Kasich (Ohio) and Scott Walker (Wisconsin) in turning down federal funds for expanding passenger rail in the U.S. — an important initiative of the Obama administration.

In his announcement, Scott included a lengthy indictment of President Obama’s policies and recently-released 2012 budget.

“We cannot expect individuals to build businesses in America if our taxes are higher than other countries,” he said. “Let us never forget, whether it is Washington or Tallahassee, government has no resources of its own. Government can only give to us what it has previously taken from us.”

But, like his counterparts in the Midwest, Scott does not seem to favor an equally austere approach for the state’s highways.

“Rather than investing in a high-risk rail project, we should be focusing on improving our ports, rail and highway infrastructure to be in a position to attract the increased shipping that will result when the Panama Canal is expanded,” he said.

Read more…