Fla. Gov Wants Special Session On Commuter Rail

BRENT KALLESTAD

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Gov. Charlie Crist is seeking a special legislative session next month in hopes that lawmakers will approve a commuter rail system in central Florida.

Crist has the authority to call a special session, but wants agreement from legislative leaders before doing so. It would likely be scheduled the week of Dec. 7 when legislators are at the Capitol for committee meetings.

"It's important to be able to do it sooner than later," Crist said Thursday.

Senate President Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, also wants to get a bill out to boost Florida's chances of attracting federal dollars to build a high-speed rail system.

"When he was in (Washington) D.C. the feds indicated they would be making their high-speed rail decision this winter and one of the things they said they were looking at was the state showing a commitment to rail transit," said Jaryn Emhoff, spokeswoman for Atwater. "As far as Florida, they specifically cited SunRail and Tri-Rail."

Florida lawmakers have sparred over the project the past couple of sessions and House Speaker Larry Cretul, R-Ocala, is still cautious about getting a plan palatable to his members.