March 24, 2015 Florida Not All Aboard Director K.C. Ingram-Traylor met with Congressman Patrick Murphy at Congressman Murphy’s congressional office in Washington DC to deliver over 51,000 petition signatures signed by residents along the Treasure Coast and concerned taxpayers opposed to the All Aboard Florida project. K.C. Ingram-Traylor presented the petitions to Congressman Patrick Murphy at a meeting Congressman Murphy held with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Florida Not All Aboard thanks Congressman Murphy for continuing to be a strong leader for the constituents of District 18 and for being their voice in Washington D.C. Congressman Murphy called the meeting with the Federal Railroad Administration, which included acting Director Sarah Feinberg, to discuss citizen concerns with the All Aboard Florida project. Congressman Murphy reiterated concerns of the residents in District 18 which includes safety concerns, taxpayers funding concerns for All Aboard Florida, and concerns over the aging bridges including the lack of third party inspection reports. Congressman Murphy stressed the importance of the FRA validating the structural integrity of these bridges. The FRA acknowledged the amount of public comments they received was “unprecedented” and they intend to address all valid concerns. The release of the final EIS is yet to be determined. The FRA also acknowledged the primary decision criteria for approving the Railroad Rehabilitation & Improvement Financing (RRIF) loan is the credit worthiness of the applicant. The FRA stated the RRIF loan approval process will only be considered for the entire project, not for a partial leg. The FRA also stated that Private Activity Bonds(PAB) are usually granted in conjunction with programs such as TIFIA or RRIF programs and the All Aboard Florida application is unique in that the PAB application was not dependent on the RRIF loan. However, the PABs cannot be allocated until the EIS is complete. Florida Not All Aboard is proud to stand with Congressman Patrick Murphy and to share the concerns of all residents impacted by the All Aboard Florida project. We thank all of the hard working volunteers and over 51,000 supporters for helping Florida NOT All Aboard change the course of All Aboard Florida. Download the press release here: http://www.floridanotallaboard.net/news/fnaa-director-kc-traylor-delivers-over-51000-petitions-to-congressman-murphy/ In other news! 1) Please attend the St. Lucie County Commission Meeting on March 31 at 9:00 a.m. and ask them to pledge funds, like Martin and Indian River Counties, to address issues related to All Aboard Florida. 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida 34982 Go to http://www.stlucieco.gov/BOCC/contact_us.htm to send the Commissioners an email prior to the meeting urging them to do this. Main phone: 772-462-1100 2) Calling all mariners on Sunday March 29 at 11:00 a.m. to participate in a flotilla while President Obama golfs at The Floridian in Palm City. Boaters are encouraged to decorate their boats and motor by The Floridian which is located in the north fork of the St. Lucie River where Bessey Creek flows into the St. Lucie River. For more information please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/805302969505434/permalink/805725116129886/