Rhode Island to apply for rejected Florida rail money

Rhode Island will submit an application for $2.4 billion in high-speed rail money that was rejected by Florida Gov. Rick Scott (R).
 
Scott's counterpart in Rhode Island, former Sen. Lincoln Chafee (I), has no qualms about accepting the federal money, the Providence Journal said in a Friday report.
 
“The state is encouraged by this funding opportunity," a spokeswoman for Chafee told the paper. "The state is currently examining potential projects and will be working closely with its New England partners to evaluate the potential benefits of a regional approach.”

Current Rhode Island Sens. Jack Reed (D) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D) have already written to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood expressing interest in the money. The Department of Transportation recently reversed a previous decision and designated the North a "federal rail corridor," making it easier for transportation funds to be directed there.
 
Ten senators from Northeastern states have come out publicly in favor of receiving the money.
 
Earlier Friday, Florida Sen. Bill Nelson (D) said cities in his state would not be able to partner together to accept the money without Scott’s approval because a deal could not be worked out with Amtrak quickly enough. Following Scott's rejection, LaHood said cities could apply for the money directly, but only if they partnered with an existing transportation authority.
 
Applications for the funding are due April 4.