How much will it cost to build the HSR system, and who will pay for it?
As these systems connect cities over larger distances, they require significant investments to build. Phase I of the Florida system from Tampa to Orlando is estimated to cost approximately $2.6 billion and be built in five years. The majority of this expenditure will occur after the construction hits stride in 2011. The first year budget should be approximately $100-$200 million. The cost/mile for construction will be in the $30 million range. The Tampa-Orlando project has won a federal grant of $1.25 billion without requirement of a state match. The balance of the cost of this project ($1.35 billion) could be achieved through other federal resources but will require a 20 percent match by the state of Florida (this is using the funding in the Florida Rail Act that was passed in December 2009). Unless another specific program like ARRA is passed by Congress, future expansions of the system also are anticipated to require a 20 percent state match for construction. The ridership risk for
