Florida to forego high-speed rail project, disappointing Japan

WASHINGTON (KYODO) - Florida Gov. Rick Scott said Wednesday he will reject federal money for a high-speed rail project, likely letting Japan's efforts go down the drain to sell the state the country's shinkansen high-speed railway system.
The expected cancellation of Florida's railway plan not only dealt a blow to the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama but also disappointed the Japanese rail company planning to bid for the project as well as Japanese transport officials who see it as a priority project in selling the country's rail technology.
The announcement by the fiscally conservative governor came after Japan's Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara swung by Florida last month to directly pitch the shinkansen system to Scott as his state's high-speed project was going forward at the fastest pace in the United States.
Central Japan Railway Co. said in a statement, ''We are extremely disappointed because we have steadily proceeded with preparations to bid for this project.'' The railway operator, widely known as JR Tokai, operates Japan's key bullet train service linking Tokyo and Osaka.
JR Tokai was hoping to attain an order based on its shinkansen bullet train technology. The company said it will pay attention to developments in the United States, focusing attention on rail projects linking Los Angeles and Las Vegas or other cities in Texas and the Midwest.
Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki said, ''We never expected such an announcement would come because we thought considerations would be made after much time is spent.''
An official at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism said, ''We cannot give it up. Along with the Foreign Ministry, we would like to urge reconsiderations be made.''
The Japanese government has placed priority on the Florida project that envisaged using track specifications similar to Japan's shinkansen and drew the keen attention of JR Tokai.
''We thought it was the most feasible option as the amount of subsidies from the federal government will be big and risks to the state are small,'' the official said
Scott, who won the gubernatorial election with the backing of the Tea Party movement Jan. 4, has reiterated that the railway plan runs counter to his policy of a small government and would be a drain on taxpayers.
''The truth is that this project would be far too costly to taxpayers and I believe the risk far outweighs the benefits,'' Scott said in a statement, adding, ''President Obama's high-speed rail program is not the answer to Florida's economic recovery.''
Obama has promoted his bid to expand high-speed railway networks in the country as part of its initiatives to revive the economy through infrastructure projects.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood expressed his disappointment about Scott's decision, suggesting the federal government may allocate its funds earmarked for Florida to other states.