Congressman John L. Mica, former Chairman of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, welcomes President Barack Obama to Florida two days ago as he visits the Port of Miami to roll out infrastructure proposals.
“President Obama can see firsthand the success of Republican Governor Rick Scott’s work at focusing state, local and private resources at improving not only the Miami facility but all of Florida’s key ports, ” Mica said. “ While I welcome proposals to expand public private partnerships and expand financial instruments for infrastructure projects, President Obama’s call for a federal Infrastructure Bank is beating a dead horse, ” continued Mica.
Even Democrats gagged at the estimated quarter billion dollar cost to set one up, not counting staffing and hassles confirming board members, processing delays and unwelcome federal red tape.
“ Sure, he would enjoy more federal control, but in fact 32 States already have their own infrastructure banks. What they do not have is money, ” Mica said. While Obama may be at a Florida Port today, he missed the Boat on transportation reforms when Mica successfully passed a two year bill during the last session of Congress.
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Press Release, April 1, 2013