With the Florida Dept. of Transportation poised to start an estimated $170 million in civil construction work with the first of more than $2 billion in federal dollars for America�s first high-speed rail system, the agency�s High-Speed Rail Industry Forum Nov. 8-9 in Orlando drew more than 1,500 attendees, many of whom were interested in winning future contracts. The purpose of the two-day forum was to inform interested parties about the contracts to be let, the bidding schedule and requirements.
However, as U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D.) said, “a cloud of uncertainty” hovered over the conference, with Governor-elect Rick Scott having voiced opposition to the rail line if any state funding was involved.