Item 6BAGENDA ITEM # 6B
MAY 26, 2009
RESOLUTION NO: 09-08
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF ATLANTIC BEACH, FLORIDA,
REQUESTING THE ASSISTANCE OF GOVERNOR CRIST AND FLORIDA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY KOPELOUSOS TO
PRIORITIZE THE INTERCITY RAIL COMPONENT OF THE FEC CORRIDOR
PROJECT (FROM JACKSONVILLE TO MIAMI) AS PART OF THE FEDERAL
ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA
WHEREAS, the FEC corridor was historically operated as a passenger rail line along Florida's
east coast, traversing or providing rail connections to areas in Duval County; and
WHEREAS, Florida's east coast historically developed around train stations along the FEC
railroad; and
WHEREAS, local governments and the private sector along Florida's east coast are currently
implementing programs to redevelop historic downtowns built around train stations; and
WHEREAS, improved mobility is highly desired in Duval County and throughout the State of
Florida; and
WHEREAS, transit, including rail transit, is a key component of improved mobility, especially
between cities and throughout the Florida's east coast; and
WHEREAS, the 2006 Florida Rail Plan identifies passenger transit along the FEC corridor as a
potential "Coastal Route" for new passenger rail service in the State of Florida; and
WHEREAS, Amtrak is well-suited to provide passenger rail service along Florida's east coast;
and
WHEREAS, the reintroduction of Amtrak service along Florida's east coast would provide
near-term jobs and economic stimulus for Florida's residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Government is seeking appropriate projects for inclusion in the
Federal economic stimulus package to provide immediate and near-term job opportunities for projects;
and
WHEREAS, the Intercity FEC Corridor Project (Jacksonville/Miami) is an appropriate project
for inclusion by the State of Florida in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan; and
WHEREAS, former work by Amtrak and FDOT includes plans for the improvements
necessary to initiate Amtrak service on the FEC corridor;
AGENDA ITEM # 6B
MAY 26, 2009
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the City of Atlantic Beach requests the
assistance of Governor Crist and FDOT Secretary Kopelousos to prioritize the Amtrak/DEC Corridor
Project (from Jacksonville to Miami) as part of the Federal economic stimulus package for the State of
Florida.
The City Commission thereupon declared the Resolution duly passed and adopted this day of
2009.
ATTEST:
DONNA L. BARTLE, CMC
City Clerk
JOHN S. MESERVE
Mayor
Approved as to form and correctness:
ALAN C. JENSEN, ESQUIRE
City Attorney
Resolution No. 09-08 Page 2 of 2