Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2017

Saying that testimony before his committee convinced him that inadequate time was set aside to decide what is now a controversial $511 million contract award, state Sen. Jeff Brandes Thursday called for an investigation of Tri-Rail. Brandes asked Interim Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Rachel Cone to have the department’s investigator general look into how the […]

Scott PowersFebruary 16, 2017

The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority took its best shot Thursday at defending its decisions to throw out five proposals and accept the remaining one for a $511 million contract, a move that has drawn stern criticism from several state leaders including Gov. Rick Scott. Among the biggest critics has been state Sen. Jeff Brandes, […]

Scott PowersJanuary 31, 2017

Gov. Rick Scott is proposing cutting $156 million in state funding for Tri-Rail development unless the South Florida Regional Transit Authority reverses its decision to award a controversial half-billion contract to a lone qualified bidder. Scott’s proposed 2017 state budget now includes an item calling for “no funding” until the authority withdraws, cancels or otherwise […]

Scott PowersJanuary 27, 2017

Blowback erupted from another direction for the South Florida Regional Transit Authority late Friday over its big and controversial Tri-Rail operations contract when Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold questioned the agency’s accountability and threatened to cut off its state money. Boxold sent the transit authority’s Executive Director Jack Stephens a letter late Friday questioning the SFRTA’s […]

Scott PowersJanuary 27, 2017

The South Florida Regional Transit Authority voted Friday afternoon to award a long-term management contract worth up to a half-billion dollars amidst concerns that it did so after tossing five of six bids, and powerful state Sen. Jeff Brandes reacted with “deep concern.” The SFRTA Board of Directors voted 6-2 Friday to award an operations […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

Saying he is concerned “it just doesn’t look right,” state Sen. Jeff Brandes, who chairs a key committee, said late Thursday he hopes the South Florida Regional Transit Authority does not award a controversial operations contract Friday that could be worth $511 million over ten years. Brandes said he’s asking the staff of the Senate Appropriations […]

Scott PowersJanuary 26, 2017

On Friday, the South Florida Regional Transit Authority will consider awarding a deal to run the state’s largest public commuter railroad, Tri-Rail — worth up to $511 million — after tossing all competing bids, including some asking far less money. The SFRTA’s board of trustees is being asked Friday to award Tri-Rail’s operations and maintenance contract, […]

Tag: South Florida Regional Transit Authority

Jeff Brandes calls for investigation of Tri-Rail contract

Tri-Rail defends its $500M contract before Senate committee

Rick Scott budget proposing cutting $156 million from Tri-Rail over contract

Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold threatens to pull Tri-Rail’s state money

Tri-Rail awards controversial contract, Brandes lashes out

Jeff Brandes urges Tri-Rail to hold off on controversial half-billion dollar contract, seeks inquiry

Tri-Rail’s half-billion dollar, single-proposal deal raises questions