( CNN ) -- The Florida Supreme Court ruled Friday that Gov . Rick Scott can reject $ 2.4 billion in federal money that would have funded a proposed high-speed rail system in the state . The governor had made clear that he would reject the money , but two state senators -- a Democrat and Republican -- took him to court over that decision . They argued that he would overstep his executive authority and violate Florida 's constitution if he did not accept the money , but the state 's high court disagreed . The court decision clears the way for Scott 's administration to focus on projects other than high-speed rail , the governor 's spokesman , Brian Burgess said . `` The governor is gratified that the court provided a clear and unanimous decision , '' Burgess said . `` He is now focused on moving forward with infrastructure projects that create long-term jobs and turn Florida 's economy around . '' Scott had consistently opposed plans for an 84-mile-long high-speed rail line that would link Tampa and Orlando . After meeting with Scott last week , U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood had set Friday as the deadline for accepting the federal dollars to help pay for the project . Otherwise , the money would be redirected to other states . The loss of the Florida project is seen by some as a direct blow to President Barack Obama 's vision for a national high-speed rail network . `` I know that states across America are enthusiastic about receiving additional support to help bring America 's high-speed rail network to life and deliver all its economic benefits to their citizens , '' LaHood said after speaking with Scott on Friday . In 2009 , the legislature created and funded the Florida Rail Enterprise to oversee the high-speed rail line . But in oral arguments before the court on Thursday , an attorney for the governor said no laws were violated . The governor had stuck to his guns in recent weeks when questioned about his reasons for derailing the project . `` Our taxpayers are n't going to take the risk of the cost overrun of building it , '' according to Scott , who said the tab for the project could total $ 3 billion . He had also expressed concerns about long-term operating costs . `` We already have a train that goes from Palm Beach to Miami , '' Scott said Sunday during in an interview with Candy Crowley on CNN 's `` State of the Union . '' `` Only one-sixth the cost of operations is covered by the fares . '' But leaders in several of Florida 's cities say they 've eliminated all risk to taxpayers . `` We have addressed all of the governor 's concerns , '' said Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio . `` We have structured this so that if there were cost overruns the private sector would take care if it . '' Iorio , along with the mayors of Orlando , Lakeland and Miami , signed an agreement that calls for local authorities to take over the project with the help of the private sector . They presented their plain to Scott Wednesday . `` If there are operational short falls -- private sector . This is a true public-private partnership , '' Iorio said . `` This is what governors all across the country want and we had structured this in such a way that there would not be risk to the Florida taxpayers . '' Scott 's office did not respond to CNN 's request for a comment on the agreement . Scott has said that he believes there would be a greater long-term benefit to the state if the money were used for other infrastructure projects . `` I want the money for our ports , '' he said , noting the expansion project now underway at the Panama Canal and the growth of economies in Central and South America . `` Put that money into the Florida ports . That 's where we want that money spent . '' But LaHood said the funds were specifically allocated for high-speed rail and ca n't be switched to other projects . Proponents of high-speed rail said they believed that Florida was the ideal location for an inter-city system . The Tampa to Orlando project would be the first leg in a line that advocates hope to extend to Miami and eventually Jacksonville in the north of the state . `` Here we have the most viable high-speed rail project in the country , '' said Petra Todorovich with The Regional Plan Association , a transportation and public policy think tank in New York . `` It has over 90 percent federal funding to get started . It has a team of private investors who are interested in covering the remaining capital costs and assuming the risks on ridership . '' In theory , local municipalities could continue with the project regardless of whether the governor supported it , but that 's not considered likely . Iorio said they ca n't get it done without the expertise of the state 's transportation department -- an agency the governor could order not to get involved . CNN Radio 's Steve Kastenbaum contributed to this report .
Florida Supreme Court rules that Gov . Rick Scott can reject federal funding . U.S. Transportation Secretary said he knows other states want the extra funds . Florida 's governor says the $ 2.4 billion could be better used for other projects . Comment: Rick Scott says cost overruns are a major concern , along with operating costs .