TIA Likes Some Rail

There have been questions if the Tampa International Airport would allow light to go to the airport. The good news is TIA has agreed to allow stations at the airport.

"High-speed rail is a non-issue," said board member Steve Burton. Board member Joseph Diaco concurred, as did Al Austin, who more than two years ago announced his advocacy of light rail.

The comments followed a similar sentiment by Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, who was outspoken in backing light rail connections between the airport and the proposed downtown high-speed rail terminal. Iorio has made the issue a cornerstone of her mayoral tenure.

"The federal government would never fund a high-speed station at the airport," Iorio said.

The statements actually makes the light rail at TIA more murky. Why wouldn't the federal government want light rail at the airport. TBO.com reports TIA plans to have light rail stations at the airport. The flip side is the Hillsborough County Aviation Authority board have made it clear a high-speed rail station is not a "suitable option." That likely translates to a rail station built by the
Area Regional Transit Authority will be allowed. The Orlando to Tampa line will most likely not go to TIA.

Iorio got the local light rail line to go to TIA. The state will have to deal with getting the Tampa to Orlando line onto TIA property.