STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF HIGH SPEED RAIL

October 17, 2018

The Tampa Downtown Partnership, a non-profit 501(C)(6) organization, serves as a steward of Downtown Tampa, cultivating public and private collaborations and encouraging Downtown’s physical and economic development.  As a proactive leadership organization representing businesses, residents, and merchants, the Tampa Downtown Partnership urges the Florida Department of Transportation to select a winning bid and finalize a lease agreement by year’s end for the lease of publicly-owned right-of-way for the private investment of passenger rail service between Orlando and Tampa.

A robust intercity passenger rail service between Tampa and Orlando would strengthen and enhance Florida’s position as a global leader in tourism, business investment, and job growth. It would also connect these two major markets and provide seamless integration of employment, entertainment, education and tourism opportunities, as well as provide connectivity to Brightline’s existing and anticipated footprint in South Florida and Orlando.

Tampa Downtown Partnership is particularly encouraged by the opportunities for transit-oriented development that will occur in Tampa and potentially elsewhere along the I-4 corridor resulting from the successful deployment of intercity passenger rail service, further bolstering our regional economies.

Despite our region’s growth, Tampa Bay lacks transit options and regional connectivity. Your commitment to selecting a winning bid and finalizing a lease agreement by end of 2018 will ensure that Tampa Bay is on the fast track towards economic prosperity.

Respectfully Submitted by:

Mickey Jacob, FAIA, NCARB, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Chairman

Linda Remund, Tampa Downtown Partnership, Acting President & CEO