Commissioner Welcomes Orlando Mayor for Transportation Talks

	Commissioner Koons introduces Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, following a day of talks with South Florida business and transportation leaders. « Previous | Next »

County Commission Chairman Jeff Koons welcomed Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer on September 9 to drum up support for regional public transportation programs. The two spent the day meeting with South Florida business leaders and lawmakers. Commissioner Koons, who chairs the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority board and serves on the Metropolitan Planning Organization, has been lobbying state lawmakers for a dedicated funding source for Tri-Rail, such as a $2 surcharge on vehicle rentals.

Dyer is looking for similar funding to establish SunRail, a 60-mile commuter rail system similar to Tri-Rail, slated to begin serving Central Florida in 2011. Combining their lobbying efforts and resources will make for a stronger voice in Tallahassee, Commissioner Koons said. The two spoke to reporters at the new intermodal center in downtown West Palm Beach, after riding Tri-Rail from Pompano Beach.