advertisement

---

Earlier this week, Florida’s ConnectUs launched a campaign to involve residents in the state’s quest to obtain federal stimulus funds for the first leg of a proposed high-speed rail system.

A grassroots organization promoting high-speed rail in Florida, ConnectUs is paying for television ads that urge viewers to text “Jobs” to 24453. That will prompt a reply text that provides a phone number to the White House, which people can call to express their support for Florida high-speed rail.

In October, the state submitted an application to the Federal Railroad Administration seeking $2.5 billion in stimulus funds to build a high-speed line between Tampa and Orlando. The state plans to extend the line to Miami and Jacksonville.

Rail supporters estimate the project will bring 23,000 jobs to Florida during the next four years and create 600 permanent jobs once the line is running.