See What's At Stake page to read the FLORIDA STATE CONFERENCE NAACP letter that opposes the terms and conditions of the state's purchase of 61.5 miles of rail corridor in Central Florida from CSX Transportation Inc.

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I urge you to VOTE NO on SB1212, the CSX/FDOT deal for Central Florida Commuter Rail. With the $641 million for 61.5 miles of track -the highest price per mile ever paid- we should instead fund education and healthcare not CSX.

Initial startup costs now reach $2.6 billion. If SB 1212 is defeated, despite the false claims of proponents of the deal, the millions set aside for CSX will return to general revenue and become available for priorities that are much more urgent.

The NAACP openly opposes this deal and the protective shield of liability it provides for CSX. The NAACP states "this transaction would shift CSX's liability for injuries caused by its own negligent, intentional, and even criminal misconduct from CSX to Florida taxpayers". An overwhelming majority of Floridians agree.

The CSX/FDOT deal passes on to Florida taxpayers the heavy responsibility and the enormous costs for the improvements and continued maintenance of the 61.5-mile infrastructure, which means: the track, the right of way, the signal and road crossing safety equipment now are paid for by the taxpayers. Meanwhile, CSX, a private carrier, who made a record $2.9 billion in 2008, will continue to run freight trains over the same 61.5 miles and earn profits just as it did before the so-called 'sale'--- minus the extensive costs of the infrastructure.

The CSX/FDOT deal, devised in secret, eliminates existing and experienced railroad workers, thereby undermining safety for passengers, motorists, and railroad workers. Up to 200 professional signalmen, who install, test, and maintain safety equipment, could be eliminated by the proposed legislative precedent.

Development of commuter rail is a worthy goal, but this deal is just bad public policy. CSX gets a lavish gift for the 61.5 miles of track, avoids liability, and 'saves' untold millions per year, year in and year out, for infrastructure and labor costs--- this is an unprecedented public subsidy that does not deserve Floridian's support

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
April 09, 2009