Osprey Release with Audobon Rehab Center

Last month we were part of a rescue with an osprey in Cocoa Beach. The bird had been found in a driveway unable to fly and while we were trying to corral it, the parents were keeping close tabs on it from atop a power pole.

After capturing the bird and transporting it to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey in Maitland, we learned that it was a young-of-the-year bird that had likely fallen out of its nest. Since it hadn't fledged yet, it was unable to fly. Center staff weighed and inspected it. The young osprey was dehydrated and suffered from parasites.

After nearly a month of regular feeding and flight training, Audobon called yesterday and said they were ready to return him. It was part of nearly a half-dozen osprey releases they had going today.

The volunteers removed the box from their vehicle and picked a spot near the river on the property where we had rescued him. They wanted an area that was somewhat open and facing away from the river with natural tree cover that would prevent the bird from heading toward the water. It worked. They opened the cardboard box and our charge took off in a blur.

Very cool and rewarding being part of a rescue and release that keeps these beautiful, wild creatures in the sky. 

Protests Planned for GulfTainer Grand Opening at Port Canaveral

“Our company policy is that usually ignore the garbage that appears about Gulftainer. It just frustrates me at times, I must confess. We weren’t surprised. It comes as almost part and parcel of doing business in the United States nowadays, which is disappointing, but that’s the way the United States is. We feel like we’re walking on glass. We’re so careful about what we do so we don’t offend anybody.”

— Peter Richards, managing director, Gulftainer USA

A group led by conservative Internet radio firebrand Andrea Shea-King plans a three-pronged protest tomorrow, coinciding with Port Canaveral's ceremonies to celebrate GulfTainer's opening of the North Cargo Terminal this Friday.

The opposition to the Canaveral Port Rail Plan is growing. In addition to outdoorsmen, environmentalists and homeowners, Shea-King's group represents a faction concerned with Port Canaveral's secret negotiations with a foreign company they say poses a significant threat to national security.

Shea-King's planned demonstration will occur at three different locations; the first is the SR 528 overpass leading to and from Port Canaveral. The second will be just off SR 401 on the north side of Port Canaveral, leading into GulfTainer's new cargo facility.  The third will be just offshore the north facility docks via boat.

Ed. Note:The security concerns and accusations mentioned below have yet to be substantiated in mainstream media; although arms were allegedly intercepted from a vessel that sailed through the Port of Umm Qasr (operated by GulfTainer), the weapons were supposedly loaded on the ship (not owned by GulfTainer, but another UAE shipping firm, WhiteSeas) prior to arriving in Umm Qasr.

More details in an email from Shea-King here:

We are staging a protest at Port Canaveral in Florida on Friday, June 12, the day Gulftainer GT USA and the Canaveral Port Authority will unveil GT USA's cargo container terminal at Port Canaveral.  We are reaching out to all, including vets who will protest with us, to stand with us for the protection of our national security nexus... Nuclear subs, Trident, our Navy, US Air Force, NASA -- and our quality of life.

Why?  Because in a secret agreement (Project Pelican) after donations to Bill Clinton and the firing of the CEO of Port Canaveral, a new CEO was installed who signed a 35-year lease to the Jafar brothers of the UAE, owners of Crescent Corporation, parent of Gulftainer. Gulftainer was found in Port Umm Qasr, Iraq, to be shipping illegal weapons for Iran to the Badr Brigade in Iraq, according to an official spoken to from a coalition embassy in Iraq.  

Not only must we must protest against a company that shipped weapons to the terrorist that killed our American soldiers, Gulftainer (GT-USA) negotiated a sweetheart deal in secret with the Canaveral Port Authority without asking for input from local residents/taxpaying citizens who will be negatively impacted with a proposed rail line to transport containers out of Port Canaveral.  Residents do NOT want an environmentally sensitive area impacted with a rail yard and trains that will traverse beside their homes over the ecologically sensitive Indian and Banana River lagoons.

Stand with us against leasing Port Canaveral to a foreign company, one who shipped weapons to terrorists and has shown no regard for the local environment and its citizens.

Protest to take place Friday morning, JULY 12 at three Port-vicinity locations: 

9:30 - 10:00 

*   Overpass at Cape Canaveral flyover above Port entrance (where SR 528 BEACHLINE  becomes SR A1A)

10:45 - Noon

*   SR 401 and Grouper Road

*   Boats inside harbor in front of Gulftainer Container Terminal (West Turning Basin) for those who have marine craft. It would be impressive to have a parade of boats.

Please bring signs bearing message you want to convey, colorful balloons (red/white/blue?), and American Flags.

Wear sunscreen, parasols or umbrellas (there's no shade in any of these locations), water, food, and any other comfort items you might need.) Let's make it as colorful as possible to gain public and MEDIA attention.

Any questions or comments should be directed to me at the above email address.

Stand with us!

Andrea Shea King

radiopatriot@gmail.com

Cape Canaveral, FL

Red Snapper to Remain Closed in Atlantic

NOAA’s Southeast Regional Office announced Friday afternoon that there would be no red snapper season for commercial and recreational fishermen in 2015 because the total number of red snapper removed from the population in 2014 exceeded the allowable level.

Red snapper fishing remains open year-round in Florida waters, which are upto 3 miles out on the Atlantic side and out to 9 miles on the Gulf Coast.

The move is a contentious one for anglers along the Space Coast, where it is nearly impossible to go bottom fishing without landing multiple fish that would meet Florida’s 20-inch minimum size limit.

In 2013, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council developed and NOAA Fisheries implemented, a standardized process that specifies harvest may only occur in a given year if total removals (landings plus dead discards) in the previous year were less than the number allowed for population rebuilding under The Magnuson–Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. The total removals allowable for 2014 were 106,000 fish. After evaluating landings and discard information for 2014, NOAA Fisheries has determined the estimates of total removals were 205,859 fish; therefore, the fishery remains closed in 2015.

The process will be repeated in 2016 to determine if there will be a season in South Atlantic Federal waters in 2016. The next assessment of the South Atlantic red snapper population is scheduled to be completed in 2016 and allowable harvest may change as a result of the population assessment.

Come One, Come All: GulfTainer Grand Opening

No word on what time yet, but it appears that GulfTainer will be welcoming Port and County commissioners, community leaders and other dignitaries to the grand opening of its new cargo terminal next Friday, June 12.

GulfTainer is the UAE-owned cargo shipping conglomerate that signed a multi-year agreement — negotiated in secrecy under the code name Project Pelican — with the Canaveral Port Authority that guarantees commercial rail access by or about Dec. 1, 2017.

That contract has come under fire from outdoorsmen, environmentalists and home owners over a number of issues. At the crux of the embattled cargo rail plan is the proposal to hew an 11-mile-long rail road — either on a 6,000-foot earthen berm or trestle-based causeway — through the middle of the northern Banana River Lagoon.

In addition to being an Estuary of National Significance, the northern Banana River Lagoon is home to the world's largest rookery of brown pelicans and the highest concentration of endangered West Indian manatees in the world. 

Check back for details on the event. It's unclear whether the ceremony has the same level of secrecy enshrouding it as the original contract negotiations. 

Government In The Sunshine: FOIA Requests

There have been an increasing number of questions from the public about the process that was used to negotiate the Canaveral Port Authorities contract with Gulftainer, which has lead to the initiation of the process to build a commercial rail link between Port Canaveral and the Florida East Coast Railway.

Because the Canaveral Port Authority is a state-formed body, it is bound by Florida's Sunshine Act. But in order to obtain documents, you have to submit requests. This can be done either in person, by mail or via email. 

If you'd like to learn more about Government in the Sunshine and FOIA requests, I recommend visiting the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications Brechner Center for Freedom of Information. It's one of the leading centers for research into open government and media law. 

Below is a sample letter from Brechner that can be cut and pasted, (or downloaded here) then edited for your needs.

If you'd like to request information from the Canaveral Port Authority, requests should be addressed to:
George P. Kistner III
Records Manager
445 Challenger Road, Suite 301
Cape Canaveral, FL 32930

You can also click here or on the image above and it will take you to CPA's electronic submission site, but its still advisable to send an email or hard copy.

Sample FOIA Request Letter

Dear (Records Custodian): 

I am writing to request (be as specific about your request as possible), pursuant to the Public Records Act, Chapter 119 of the Florida Statutes. 

This request includes copies of every document related to the matter, regardless of the format in which the information is stored. (If the information you are looking for is on a computer somewhere, remind the custodian that information stored on a computer is as much a public record as a written page in a book or stored in a filing cabinet.) 

If you refuse to provide this information, Chapter 119 requires you advise me in writing and indicate the applicable exemption to the Public Records Act. Also, please state with particularity the reasons for your decision, as required by Section 119.07(2)(a). If the exemption you are claiming only applies to a portion of the records, please delete that portion and provide photocopies of the remainder of the records, according to Section 119.07(2)(a). 

I agree to pay the actual cost of duplication as defined in Section 119.07(1)(a). However, if you anticipate that in order to satisfy this request, "extensive use" of information technology resources or extensive clerical or supervisory assistance as defined in Section 119.07(1)(b) will be required, please provide a written estimate and justification. 

I request these records be available by (pick a reasonable date). If you have any questions or need more information in order to expedite this request, please call me at (phone number where you or your editor can be reached.) 

Sincerely, 

Your Name 
Your Address

Canaveral Rail Should Be Brought To Public

This is an op-ed piece that was written for the May 30th edition of FLORIDA TODAY, talking about the Canaveral Port Authority's desire to help the Indian and Banana River Lagoons, as well as the secret negotiations that went into Project Pelican, the Port's $100 million deal with Gulftainer, a UAE-based and owned shipping company. 

Just the Facts: Canaveral Rail Resources

As you are probably aware, I've been doing a lot of research on the Canaveral Port Authority and its plan to erect an 11-mile commercial railway through the Banana River Lagoon and Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge. As the discussion heats up and more Space Coast residents are becoming interested I wanted to put together a summary of the information that's out there, and what it contains. Click on the blue links and they'll take you where you want to go. If you have any issues with links not working, please contact me at ted@tedlund.com.

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Canaveral Port Authority

The Port's website is a great resource for what meetings are scheduled, as well as current and future plans for the Port like the projected fourth turning basin that is planned to extend into 50 acres of submerged bay bottom in the northern Banana River No Motor Zone (scroll down to Cruise Master Planning.) You can find all of the Port Commissioner's biographies and email addresses. Their phone numbers are not listed on the website. 

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The GULFTAINER-CPA Contract

This is the contract that was negotiated in secrecy with Gulftainer by the CPA under the name Project Pelican. It was negotiated and executed without any public input and guarantees operational rail by time certain dates (June 1, 2015 for rail-to-barge and Dec. 1, 2017 for direct cargo rail.)

In addition to viewing it above, you may also share it with folks and post it to social media. If you need a PDF of it, I can provide for a nominal fee to help cover hosting costs. Email me for more details.

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GULFTAINERUSA

This is the company that started it all; GULFTAINERUSA, a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAE-owned GULFTAINER negotiated a secret, no-bid contract with the Canaveral Port Authority that guarantees rail by barge on or about June 1, 2015 with direct rail service to follow on or about Dec. 1, 2017. The contract was executed on June 23, 2014. This is the only facility that GULFTAINER operates in North America, and is considered key by them to continue their 12 percent annual growth of cargo capacity.

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The National Surface Transportation Board (STB)

This website was set up by the STB and is important, because this is where the CPA sends people with questions about the Rail Project with the caveat that this is "the most current and update information on file" regarding the project. The STB is a federal board with broad oversight and exemption privileges, and can countermand virtually any government entity when permitting rail projects. It is charged with conducting the Environmental Impact Statement that will identify all of the challenges that the CPA must overcome to build its rail.

You can find the scoping comments and other documents that the STB is currently evaluating in putting a draft EIS together here. It's an interesting place. Here you'll find:

• Illustrations of the CPA's preferred rail alignment. Although they omitted the word "earthen berm" from the illustration, it clearly shows a 6,000-foot proposed causeway that juts out into the Northern Banana River. 
• CPA's initial response to STB questions, dated Oct. 17, 2014 with preliminary designs for the Port’s preferred alignment. You'll also find here a chart that shows the planned train-size from CPA is 70 cars larger than what NASA has stated it would allow.
• STB Second Request for Information, Feb. 5, 2015. This is a second set of specific questions that the STB asked, wanting to know more details as to why every other route (except for the preferred routes that cut through the river) was not feasible.
• Response to STB’s Second Information Request, March 26, 2015, This is the Canaveral Port Authority response to the STB Second Request for Information. 
• NASA Official Response, dated Jan. 9, 2015. This is the response that outlines exactly when, how big and how often the Port can run trains on the KSC rail in NASA's own words. The answer: No more than 3 per week, no more than 100 cars long (400 TEUs per train) and trains will on be permitted from sunset to sunrise. This means a total of 62,400 TEUs maximum volume — a fraction of what is predicted according to GT/CPA numbers.
• Department of the Air Force official response, dated Dec. 12, 2014. The USAF states there are significant obstacles to a rail line running through Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, but that the USAF is not opposed to studying the feasibility to determine if it could work. Unfortunately, such a line would connect with NASA rail, and KSC restrictions would still apply.
• USFWS Merritt Island NWR official response, dated Dec. 18, 2014. 
• US EPA Region 4 NEPA Program Office official response, dated Dec. 18, 2014. This is one of the more interesting documents; in addition to having grave reservations over the environmental impact of the commercial rail project, the EPA also mentions an interesting tidbit about the repatriation of armored vehicles from the Middle East by the Department of Defense, citing that as a reason to work harder towards a CCAF alternative. Many of the vehicles, including M1A1 Abrams tanks exceed the lift capability of existing bridges on SRs 401 and 528.
• EI 20879 - USACE Jacksonville District Cocoa Regulatory Office official response, dated Dec. 19, 2014. This response is interesting, because if you look at page 2, paragraph 3, it mentions including possible impacts to surrounding US waters from expansion activities (proposed fourth turning basin extending into the Banana River on bay bottom deeded to CPA in 1963). If this were included in this EIS, the USACE would not be required to go back to the well for another EIS to begin evaluation and completion of that project.
• You can also find all of the other scoping comments for other agencies and groups here:  State Agencies | Local Agencies | Tribes | Non-Governmental Organizations | Businesses | Private Individuals |Other | Public Scoping Meeting Transcripts

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Former CPA Commissioner Sue Ford's Petition to Stop the Rail

Stop the Canaveral Rail Petition. Former Port Commissioner Sue Ford is no stranger to the spotlight. A firebrand during her time in office, Ford has been one of the most outspoken critics of the CPA in general, most recently regarding the expansion of cargo and rail. 

Independent Journalism an Endangered Species

This is an interesting piece written and presented by Bill Moyers at the  Helen Bernstein Book Awards for Excellence in Journalism. In it, Moyers talks about the threat to independent and investigative journalism in today's era of dwindling newsroom resources. 

It's an all-too-scary, all-too-true look at what is happening as a result of the .com era. It's a good read, and he's far from as Jurassic as he makes himself out be. 

IGNORANCE CHECK: MANATEES ARE NOT INVASIVE

One of the more amusing offshoots of the Canaveral Rail Extension debates springs from the misconception that manatees are somehow invasive to the State of Florida. 

Some in social media have been using this as an excuse to justify the construction of the Canaveral Rail. Somehow they make an argument that, since manatees are "invasive" they are "destroying the river" and "eating aquatic plants by ripping them out at the roots so they don't grow back", they don't deserve protection. 

It's the kind of assertion that is so preposterously absurd that it could be attributed to our current Governor; completely tone deaf to the environment of Florida and its ensuing natural wonders with no concept whatsoever about our natural treasures or conservation of our dwindling natural resources..

This is simply not true. Manatees are NOT an invasive species. Contrary to what you might Google on the Interwebs, manatees were not imported by Henry Flagler to supplement his crews' diets; yes, they ate them. But manatees were already here and were a natural food source for pioneers in the Sunshine State.

Those found in the Sunshine State are one of two sub-species of the endangered West Indian manatee. The Florida manatee is a significant part of Florida's cultural and biological heritage, and have been protected by the State of Florida since 1893.

The biggest threats to their existence are habitat degradation from construction and development, water quality and humans in boats. 

You'll find an interesting post on the US Fish and Wildlife Service website explaining where the confusion stems from. 

BREAKING NEWS: CPA Determines SR 528 Rail Corridor "Feasible"

In what could end up being a long-term victory for homeowners, environmentalists and anglers in Brevard County, the Canaveral Port Authority on Friday submitted its supplemental feasibility study on using the existing SR 528 transportation corridor for its embattled cargo rail extension.

In the report, which can be found here, the CPA states that the utilization of the SR 528 corridor is “feasible,” but that “additional feasibility issues could arise.” The CPA also stated that they didn’t have an idea on the cost of the project, but that they expected it to be significantly more expensive than any of the Port’s four preferred options.

The SR 528 alignment generally falls within Florida Department of Transportation’s existing right-of-way and would follow the path illustrated in the attached maps.

Generally, the route would travel from the Port’s North Cargo Area to the FEC mainline near the intersection of SR 528 and US 1.

The alignment follows SR 401 as it curves south around the western portion of the West Turning Basin and across the channel at the eastern end of the Canaveral Locks to the intersection of SR 401 and SR 528.

It then follows SR 528 west across the Banana River, Banana River Road, Sykes Creek, Route 3 and the Indian River. Once across the Indian River crossing, the alignment would follow SR 528 until merging with the FEC mainline.

The route would require three water crossings, each of which is proposed to be a bascule (draw)  bridge.

CPA did identify environmental impacts that could be caused by this alignment by having its contractor, Environmental Services, review previously published environmental information. That is a standard practice for Environmental Impact Statements like the one being compiled by the STB where little if any new scientific research is generated.

The contractor determined that an alignment running along SR 528 would involve several environmental and physical effects that could affect any proposed alignment of the new rail connection including protected species, wetlands and sea grasses.

What all of this means remains to be seen, but at face value it could be a good thing.

It would certainly minimize impacts on public access to the water in the Northern Banana River Lagoon. It would also minimize affects to existing neighborhoods and mean that the earlier proposed causeways would not cut through submerged wetlands and critical upland habitats.

So what will be the outcome?

We're not really sure, except that its too soon to say.

But stay tuned and be sure to let your voice be heard.

Conservation Podcast: Canaveral Rail in Our Words

Here's an interview I did recently with Rodney Smith and Mike Conneen from The Conservation Podcast. We talk about the Canaveral Port Authority's embattled plan to hew an 11-mile  commercial rail extension through the northern Banana River No Motor Zone and Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. 

You can also see my Outdoors Column on Rodney and his team in this Sunday's Florida Today. 

CPA: More Proof of the Cart before the horse

So... in light of revelations that the Canaveral Port Authority guaranteed rail-by-barge and a commercial rail line extension to GulfTainer USA (see and download the complete, executed contract here), here's a vintage news piece from WFTV Channel on April 15, 2015 again stating the port is "exploring" these different alternatives.

Let us be clear: The CPA is not exploring barge-to-rail and commercial rail extension as options. They GUARANTEED barge-to-rail on June 23, 2014. Nearly 10 months before WFTV aired this story and any information was openly distributed to the public at its April 30th meeting. That complete meeting:

Fox 35 Coverage of Canaveral Port Rail Discussion

Kristin Delgado from Fox 35 takes a look at yesterday's Port Commission meeting where approximately 150 concerned outdoorsmen, environmentalists and homeowners showed up to voice their opposition to the Canaveral Port Authority's plan to carve an 11-mile-long commercial railway out of the northern Banana River lagoon and critical wetlands on the margins of the lagoon.

FOX 35 News Orlando

Couple of things to take note of, again the CPA being somewhat opaque in its responses via Jim Dubea, deputy director:

1. The STB is not conducting an environmental impact study. They are compiling an Environmental Impact Statement. Little if any new science will be included in the statement; rather, its a compendium of existing research conducted over the years.

2. Although Dubea says the port is looking at several alternatives, in its latest response to the Surface Transportation Board, dated March 26, the port narrowed its preferred proposals down to two (each with two options). Both cut across the Banana River, and both contain either a 6,000-foot earthen-berm causeway or an entire trestle configuration. Other suggested alternatives were explained away as too expensive or infeasible.

It's also important to note that the Canaveral Port Authority entered into a binding contract with GulfTainerUSA on June 23, 2014 guaranteeing barge-to-rail and commercial rail extension services by time certain dates without soliciting public opinion or approval. 

CPA Contract Guarantees Operational Rail to GTUSA in 2017

On June 23, 2014 — with the stroke of a pen — the Canaveral Port Authority inked a contract with UAE-owned GulfTainer USA guaranteeing barge-by-rail (Phase 2) service by June 1, 2015 and direct cargo rail service (Phase 3) by Dec. 1, 2017. Click here to view and download a complete copy of the contract.

There's just one problem.

To date, according to an email received from Dennis Watson of the Surface Transportation Board on May 7, the CPA hasn't even started the formal permitting process.

The CPA executed this contract — guaranteeing operating Phase 2 and Phase 3 cargo rail — fully 10 months prior to any sort of public meeting to discuss the idea. Scoping meetings held late last year were not sponsored by the CPA; rather a requirement for the Environmental Impact Statement process set by the STB.

The first — and to date only — meeting sponsored by the CPA on April 30, quickly devolved into a train wreck for port CEO John Walsh as he addressed an angry crowd of 300 fishermen, outdoorsmen, environmentalist and home owners.

Although Walsh and the CPA seem to be getting a lot of coverage in the mainstream media about “exploring” these barge-to-rail and commercial rail projects, the contract tells a different story.

CPA entered into a binding agreement with GTUSA guaranteeing completed barge to rail and commercial rail — prior to even asking for an environmental impact statement from the STB.

According to the contract, it is not a question of if CPA can hew a commercial railway through the Banana River, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and nearly 100 acres of submerged and critical wetlands but how quickly they can get it done.

Without transparency.

Without public input.

Without even attempting to gauge public support.

At this time, it is unclear what penalties would be incurred by the CPA if commercial rail were shut down (and in turn the taxpaying public they represent). While there appear to be no specific penalties addressing a failure to complete the Phase 2 and Phase 3 rail projects, there is a litigation clause that would allow GulfTainer to sue the Canaveral Port Authority for not holding up its end of the lease agreement for damages as well as legal fees.

The contract also indicates that in addition to operating any rail lines, Port Canaveral would also provide trucking services to the FEC railway at rates competitive to those found in competing ports like Jacksonville and Miami.

So all of this leaves us with a couple of questions pertaining to the port’s embattled commercial rail plan.

1. Why did CEO John Walsh wait 10 months after signing an agreement guaranteeing rail would be in place to finally start talking to the public?  

2. In the agreement Walsh also started laying the groundwork so that if and when CPA fills the submerged acreage to the north of the cargo facility, GTUSA gets first shot at it.

3. How did the CPA determine that the voting public in its five districts supported this plan?

4. What happens if the public does not agree with this proposal for rail across the river and the proposal gets shot down?

5. Doesn’t an existing contract — in place with time-certain assurances — indicate that this is a done deal without any public input or approval?

6. How could the CPA and CEO John Walsh enter into an agreement that would completely change the landscape of our rivers, wetlands and a National Wildlife Refuge without first asking for public approval?  

There are a number of different resources to help you get informed and involved in this project.

For the most up-to-date information (Port Canaveral's claim, not mine), visit the STB-sponsored website, www.portcanaveralraileis.com. To read and sign former Port Commissioner Sue Ford’s petition, visit www.stopportcanaveralrailextension.com. You can also join and follow No Fill, No Kill, Capt. Alex Gorichky’s grassroots opposition movement on Facebook.

And of course, visit here for frequent updates.

A New Plan

Capt. Alex Gorichky, leader of the No Fill, No Kill movement, ran out of time and wasn't able to prevent the group's alternative rail alignment, but here's a picture of it. Save it, share it, send it around. Let folks know there is another way, and the Canaveral Port Authority can share in the thrill of trains and railroads. I mean, who doesn't love trains?

Still waiting...

We've had about 8 or 9 people talk in public comment... and I'm still waiting for somebody that is in favor of the rail plan to speak...

CPA Moves up Public Comment Period

In anticipation of a number of folks wanting to talk about its embattled plan to carve a commercial container railway out of the northern Banana River Lagoon, the Canveral Port Authority has moved public comment up to 11:05 this morning, with assurances that anybody showing up towards the end of the meeting would have the opportunity to speak. 

"Come and stay and enjoy our nature and wildlife..."

That was a quote just now from Port Authority CEO John Walsh, talking about a proposal to use TDC dollars as a marketing incentive for cruise passengers, promoting "cruise and stay here" tourism that would benefit the communities adjacent to Port Canaveral. 

That doesn't seem to be compatible with building a 6,000-foot earthen-berm causeway through a pristine brackish estuary (not to mention federally-managed wildlife sanctuary)... But then again, I guess people love trains.

New Cruise Terminal Renovation Estimate $22M

Port Commissioners just heard an estimate of $22 million to renovate Cruise Terminal 5. Although it sounds good, they're talking about bond issues. The CPA hasn't levied an ad velorum tax in 29 years. Will they come back to the public to help fund this expansion and the commercial rail cargo expansion? I guess the question with regards to cargo is, if they don't have to ask the public for money for what John Walsh has said is a 
"billion-dollar expansion" including its barge to rail and inland port project... if the public doesn't fund it, where is the money coming from?

Live... from Port Canaveral.... It's the CPA

Despite being moved from the Canaveral Port Authority's normal meeting space and being scheduled during normal business hours, it looks like a good turnout has made its way to Cruise Terminal 1. There are quite a few suits here, as it is the annual budget meeting for CPA. But there are also quite a few yellow shirts and casually dressed residents on hand to help voice their opinion on the CPA's embattled plan to build a 6,000-foot earthen-berm causeway across a National Wildlife Refuge and federally-managed manatee refuge.

First takeaway: The movement of the meeting was intended to minimize the presence of concerned citizens and opponents of the rail plan; the meeting facility at Cruise Terminal 1 is large enough to hold a small trade show and is reminiscent of those massive no-man's land hallways in some of Vegas' larger casinos.

Capt. Alex Gorichky, founder of the No Fill, No Kill movement is expected to introduce an alternative rail plan for Port Canaveral, one that he says is a "common sense approach" that allows the CPA and its elected commissioners to enjoy in the experience of commercial cargo rail coming to Brevard.

We're here at the meeting, wading through mounds of numbers and stale Power Point presentations. Interestingly, there was a shortfall in cargo revenue this year of nearly $3 million dollars. Apparently that sector isn't thriving as they thought it would. This shortfall would seem to dovetail well with the CPA's plan. I can see that they would like to make the point that without rail, cargo will never take off here.

It's also interesting that cruise passengers — a continuing burgeoning source of revenue for the port — made up for that shortfall. Perhaps they should focus more on cruise operations and that would be money better spent than "investing in America" and hewing a commercial railway through environmentally sensitive wetlands and federally-managed sanctuaries.

Stay tuned. We'll bring you more as this story unfolds.