Western cities want to apply for rail money too

That would be great, the Western High Speed Rail Alliance said in a letter to the Senate and House transportation committees, as long as the opportunity is not just extended to cities in Florida. 

“Recently, some governors have rejected federal high speed rail funds,” the organization said in a letter. “It is our understanding that discussions were previously underway to perhaps allow a consortium of political subdivisions to accept funds intended for high speed rail awarded to the state of Florida. Such an action — applied nationwide — would be wholly consistent with our future goals.”

Arizona, Nevada and California have received about $1 million for feasibility studies from the Federal Railroad Administration. The Western High Speed Rail Alliance wants to see seven railways connecting southwestern U.S. cities. The proposed routes include Reno, Nev., to Sacramento, Calif.; Reno to Salt Lake City; Denver to Salt Lake City; Phoenix to Los Angeles; Phoenix to Las Vegas; Palmdale, Calif., to Victorville, Calif.; and Salt Lake City to Las Vegas. 

Applications for the rejected Florida rail money are being accepted until April 4.