Florida makes High Tech Push for High Speed Rail

ConnectUs, a nonprofit group formed to promote Florida's rail bid, has produced a television spot touting the economic impact that supporters say a rail link between Orlando and Tampa would bring.

The media push comes as the Obama Administration prepares to decide which of the 45 regions that have applied for high-speed rail funding will receive money. The requests from 24 states seek a combined $50 billion, but there's only $8 billion available in federal stimulus money.

In addition to the TV spots, the business interests and individuals who formed ConnectUs also launched a high-tech way for Florida residents to appeal directly to the Obama Administration for funding. If mobile phone users text the word "jobs" to the number 24453, they'll get a reply with the phone number for the White House and instructions to "ask the president to provide $2.53 billion to fund construction of High Speed rail between Tampa and Orlando and jobs in Florida."