Fast track for federal funds

TAMPA - Florida lawmakers are in a special session this weekend, debating whether to create a high speed commuter rail system.

Florida is one of several states fighting for billions in federal dollars.

"When you call a special session, there is an awful lot of pressure to deliver a product at the end of the day," said State Senator Paula Dockey. "So it's going to be very hard to hold the votes if the people who know this is not a good deal and my guess is you're going to hear a lot of people say it's not a perfect deal, but it moved in the right direction."

Florida wants $2.5 billion in federal funding: one billion towards Orlando's Sun-Rail and $15 million a year for South Florida's troubled Tri-Rail.

The speedy train would go along the beachline and I-4 from Orlando to Tampa, ending near Ybor City.

There's also plans of a second rail towards Pinellas County.

"You could have a trip that would start over in Disney. You would come to Tampa and get on a train that would then take you over to Pinellas County in the beaches, and we think that's critically important for out tourist industry," said Frank Hibbard of the Tampa Bay Area Regional Transportation Authority.

The traditional steel track would go right down the middle of the Interstate and into Tampa Bay.

FOX 13 spoke with many tourists who say the commuter rails system is a good idea.

"It's a lot easier to just get on a train and ride instead of driving your car and worrying about parking and that kind of stuff," said Kaye Wood.

But not everyone is on board. Some lawmakers think the special session is a big waste of taxpayer money. A lack of commitment for the speedy train could derail the project.

The Senate is expected to come to decision by Wednesday.