We don't got much to prove light rail is on the way, but Louis Miller of the Tampa International Airport is an exception. In fact, it's a pretty loud exception. I've echoed here in the past about TIA's desire and plans for a light rail station at the airport, but take that rather optimistic projection and pretend that in fact, it's all happening now.

Well turns out, you don't really need to pretend at all. Last week the Trib ran a story highlighting TIA's action in securing consultants who will begin work on figuring out how to run a future rail system through the airport. Louis Miller, hero in this saga, is careful to clarify in the report, "through and not just to" the airport.

The press, and maybe the effort itself, seem to be all part of a wham-bam Tampa Bay Partnership mobilization to bring the prospects of urban rail, particularly in the context of regional development, back to the public forefront. The partnership consists of experienced area business leaders who want to see Tampa remain a viable center of commerce, not an urban wasteland in some commercial rear view mirror. The policies of tax-monkey politics threaten livability and profitability, which these folks are gung-ho to prevent. Louis Miller is a member of this partnership.