Teams eager to bid on rail BY JANET ZINK, Times/Herald Tallahassee Bureau TALLAHASSEE As Florida puts the brakes on its high speed rail plan, corporations from around the world are eagerly pressing for bragging rights as builders of the first such line in the United States. The Florida Rail Enterprise has delayed advertising for proposals on a $70 million 'early works' contract to prepare the Interstate 4 median for the line connecting Tampa to Orlando, which would have created about 2,000 jobs starting in March. The advertising date was postponed from Nov. 15 to early next year, as Gov.-elect Rick Scott frets about unforeseen costs to Florida taxpayers. Meanwhile, seven teams from around the world have lined up to bid on construction of the $2.6 billion line between Orlando and Tampa, which will be paid for largely with federal money. In addition to building the connection, the contract would require the teams to do everything from supplying train cars to financing,launch the proposal process,' Brown said. ' procurement, the state will enable the private sector to provide innovative ideas to make this project a success.' State Sen. Paula Dockery, R-Lakeland, a high speed rail advocate, is a member of Gov.-elect Scott's transition team. She expressed frustration Tuesday that the Department of Transportation hadn't yet advertised the early works contract, which paves the way for the larger contract. 'One of the reasons we received so much federal funding is because we're shovel ready,' she said. 'To delay it now is sending the wrong message.' She said she has discussed with Scott the private sector's interest in investing in the project, and criticized state transportation officials for not giving him all the available information. 'It's about job security. They don't want to do anything to make the incoming governor angry. But they're not listening to what he's saying,' she said. 'I don't think Rick Scott is opposed to high speed rail. He's opposed to entering a bad deal that doesn't have a good return on investment.' Dockery said the private companies are talking about putting $300 million to $400 million on the table, which would cover the $200 million for construction not covered by the federal government. She's particularly intrigued, she said, by the possibility of a train car manufacturing plant opening in Florida that could supply high speed rail projects throughout the country. 'So for no investment,' she said. 'We get an incredible return.' Times/Herald staff writer Michael C. Bender contributed to this report. Janet Zink can be reached at jzinksptimes.com or (850) 224-7263. 