High speed rail hopes up in Florida

Florida's high-speed rail hopes up with Biden's comments

Vice President Joe Biden met with governors and transportation officials from 23 states on Wednesday to discuss high speed rail. While Gov. Crist was unable to make the meeting, Florida DOT Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos attended.

Biden suggested Wednesday that Florida stands a good chance of securing some of the $8 billion the administration has set aside to develop what it calls a ''world-class'' high-speed passenger rail system.

''Florida is in the mix,'' Biden told reporters on a conference call. "It is still in play.''

Biden outlined two possible Florida routes where high-speed rail could be built and sustained: one from Miami to Tampa via Orlando, the other from Miami to Jacksonville via Orlando. The state faces competition from other states, especially California, which has been trying to get a high speed train from Los Angeles to San Francisco for years. The deadline to apply for the money is June 17, with the first round of money to be awarded late summer.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Sen. Sessions says Sotomayor will be treated fairly during confirmation hearings

ARKANSAS: State joins 45 other states on development of curriculum standards

GEORGIA: Elections panel blasts Secretary of State on citizenship screening

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear says casino-style gambling may be discussed during special session

LOUISIANA: Higher education funding sparks dispute in Senate

MISSISSIPPI: State has lowest rate of Internet access

NORTH CAROLINA: House Democrats expected to unveil stripped-down budget

SOUTH CAROLINA: Few results seen from legislative session this year

TENNESSEE: House overrides guns-in-bars veto

VIRGINIA: State Transportation Secretary says state needs a 'roads and rail' governor

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org