Martin County Sheriff William Snyder Voices Strong Support for Proposed Legislation Increasing Safety Measures for High-Speed Rail

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH, 26, 2017

MARTIN COUNTY SHERIFF WILLIAM SNYDER VOICES STRONG SUPPORT FOR PROPOSED LEGISLATION INCREASING SAFETY MEASURES FOR HIGH-SPEED RAIL

On March 9, 2015, Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, along with two other Treasure Coast Sheriffs, Ken Mascara (St. Lucie County) and Deryl Loar (Indian River County), sent a joint letter to All Aboard Florida President P. Michael Reininger. The Sheriffs collectively expressed their concerns that high-speed rail in their communities would pose clear public safety dangers that can and will delay first responders, and could put lives at risk. In their letter, they stated, “In an emergency response, a delay of seconds could mean the difference between life and death.”

Florida Senate Bill 386 creates the Florida High-Speed Passenger Rail Safety Act.  Today,Sheriff William Snyder is again voicing concerns over citizen safety as this proposed legislation makes its way through Tallahassee.While Florida law does contain definitions relating to a publicly funded passenger rail system and a number of provisions relating to high-speed rail, Florida law currently does not specifically contain a “High-Speed Passenger Rail Safety Act” nor any definitions, Legislative intent, or applicability provisions specific to such an act.  

“Despite overwhelming objection by citizens and first responders, it appears likely that high-speed rail is coming to Martin County,” said Sheriff William Snyder.  “I believe that if the bills proposed by Senator Debbie Mayfield (R-Vero Beach) and Representative MaryLynn Magar (R-Tequesta) are passed by the Florida Legislature, it will make our citizens safer and I support their efforts.”    

Senator Mayfield’s SB 386 has already passed with a bipartisan, unanimous vote through the Senate Committee on Transportation, by members who represent all regions of Florida from the Panhandle to Palm Beach County.  It is co-sponsored by the Transportation Committee Chairman, Senator George Gainer (R-Panama City). 

Rep. Magar’s companion bill, House Bill 269, co-sponsored by Representative Erin Grall (R-Vero Beach), is scheduled to be heard in the House Subcommittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at8:00 a.m in Reed Hall (102 House Office Building).

Attached is the March 9, 2015 letter sent to All Aboard President P. Michael Reininger, as well as the letter containing Mr. Reininger’s response.