Regional Affairs

Aviation funds may be diverted to fund the state's proposed high-speed rail project, but not without a fight from AOPA Regional Representative Nelson Rhodes. Gov. Jeb Bush does not support the high-speed rail project, but some legislators are expected to push for an increase in the fuel tax to fund it. "That could be contentious if they attempt to raise aviation fuel taxes to fund a rail project," said Rhodes. While Bush's most recent budget proposal earmarks more than $91 million in airport aid, legislators will have their swipe at that budget starting in March.