Press Releases Feed

CENTRAL FLORIDA PARTNERSHIP AND TAMPA BAY PARTNERSHIP SUPPORTS SPECIAL LEGISLATIVE SESSION ON STATEWIDE RAIL TRANSIT

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

December 4, 2009 (Orlando and Tampa) – The Central Florida Partnership (CFP) and the Tampa Bay Partnership (TBP) today announced their strong support of the Special Legislative Session on Statewide Rail Transit being held in Tallahassee.

The current legislation not only addresses regional commuter rail, but is forward thinking it its commitment to future rail transit projects across Florida. Issues of contention from the previous session have been addressed, particularly the liability agreement between the State and CSX. One concern is with the labor unions who claim the measure would displace union workers in future bid projects.

“Statewide Rail Transit means jobs, jobs, and more jobs,” said Jacob V. Stuart, President and CEO of the Central Florida Partnership. “To delay this due to union demands does a disservice to the millions who are seeking immediate employment this rail bill will bring to our state. The time is now to support this historic legislation so we may put people back to work.”

This special session indicates an important shift in Florida’s commitment to transit investments which will greatly enhance both the state’s ability to complete regional projects in Central Florida, Tampa Bay and around the state but also enhance the state’s opportunity to compete for $2.5 billion in federal funds for high speed rail.

“Traffic delays, poor air quality, high unemployment, sprawling growth, struggling housing market and record high gas prices are the costs to Central Florida and the State of Florida from a history of doing nothing but talking about infrastructure investment in transit. These are costs we cannot afford,” said Stuart Rogel, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Partnership. “We cannot let our individual differences get in the way of what is best for all of our communities. We need our state elected officials to demonstrate strong leadership and courage to finally move our state one step closer to creating the world-class regional and statewide transportation system that will support the sustainable, inclusive and productive economy that our citizens demand.”

For the latest news and information about the special session, go to www.RightTrackFlorida.org.

The Central Florida Partnership

The Central Florida Partnership is a collaborative of business and civic leaders committed to procuring a better tomorrow for Central Florida's seven counties - Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Polk, Seminole and Volusia. We are thoughtful leaders united by a single, guiding principle - that we have both the power and the responsibility to make change happen. Working together, through four lines of business – Orlando Inc. (Regional Entrepreneurship), BusinessForce (Regional Public Policy Advocacy), myregion.org (Regional Research & Resolves) and Leadership Orlando (Regional Leadership) – the Central Florida Partnership is moving “Ideas to Results.”

The Tampa Bay Partnership

The Tampa Bay Partnership is the regional organization focused on stimulating economic growth and economic development in the Tampa Bay area via corporate relocation and business expansion. Our diverse economy has matured into one of the leading job generators in this country while our enviable quality of life continues to attract wealth and investment. The Tampa Bay Partnership collaborates with seven counties and three metropolitan service areas with several key cities and is recognized as the convener of leaders on regional economic development issues.

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Contact:

Christina Johnson

850.391.5040

christina@on3pr.com

Betty Carlin

813.872.2811 x311

bcarlin@tampabay.org

GOVERNOR CRIST DECLARES RAIL PROJECTS CREATE JOBS FLORIDIANS NEED

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today applauded Senate President Jeff Atwater, House Speaker Larry Cretul and the Florida Legislature for working together to enhance passenger rail transportation in the Sunshine State. The special session beginning today will address SunRail, Tri-Rail and high speed rail, which are considered the building blocks for improving Florida’s statewide transportation network.

“The rail projects now under consideration will reduce congestion on our roads for Floridians travelling to work, for visitors to the Sunshine State’s great attractions and for businesses moving goods and services,” Governor Crist said. “Faster, more efficient travel means people have more time for what matters most – supporting their families and building a better future for the next generation.”

Governor Crist, along with Mark Wilson, president and CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the economic impact the three rail projects will have on Florida’s economy. Also in attendance were Secretary Stephanie Kopelousos of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Director Cynthia R. Lorenzo of the Agency for Workforce Innovation and Dr. Dale Brill, director of the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Florida’s hard working families back to work and create a statewide transportation system that better prepares Florida for the future,” said Mark Wilson.

The three rail projects under consideration are as follows:

• Tri-Rail operates 50 trains daily from Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade County. The South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA), which operates Tri-Rail announced in April 2009 that a dedicated funding source is needed to prevent significant service reductions.

• The FDOT is working with the federal government and local officials to advance SunRail, a commuter rail transit project that will run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties.

• Florida has applied to receive $2.6 billion in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 funds for the Tampa-to-Orlando High Speed Rail Program.

“These rail projects will not only create long-term jobs but provide increased economic opportunities as we move people more effectively and efficiently along Florida’s transportation corridors,” said Secretary Kopelousos.

“With a statewide unemployment rate of 11.2 percent and one million Floridians seeking work, job-creation efforts like these rail projects are critically important to our state’s economic recovery,” said Cynthia Lorenzo. “These rail projects will create thousands of high-paying jobs that will directly benefit Floridians in need, their families and their communities.”

For more information about Florida’s use of the federal recovery dollars made available through the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, please visit www.FlaRecovery.com.

December 3, 2009

Contact: GOVERNOR’S PRESS OFFICE
(850) 488-5394

www.FlaRecovery.com

DEMOCRATIC LEADERS CALL ON REPUBLICAN LEADERSHIP TO GET COMMUTER RAIL OPPORTUNITES ON TRACK

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

TALLAHASSEE - House Democratic Leader Franklin Sands today jointly called on the Republican leadership of the Legislature to resolve remaining obstacles hampering Florida’s ability to tap $8 billion in federal economic recovery money for commuter rail. Federal transportation officials have made the financial windfall available for the development of high-speed rail initiatives nationwide, with Florida being one of several states vying for the money and the jobs it would create.

While federal officials are warning that the failure to act quickly will endanger our state’s opportunity to qualify for these critical funds, the clock is ticking and Florida leaders remain at an impasse. Although Senate President Jeff Atwater supports the call for a special session to address Florida’s commuter rail, House Speaker Larry Cretul remains uncommitted. In addition, labor concerns and liability issues must be addressed.

“I share Senate President Jeff Atwater’s sense of urgency on this matter,” said Leader Lawson. “Florida leads the nation in the number of residents unemployed. Washington is offering eight billion ways to put our people back to work. Whatever obstacles still remain in building a legislative consensus, I urge the leadership to resolve them.”

Leader Sands said the job-creation prospects, the ability to revitalize construction and trades industries, and other economic outgrowth by using these federal funds in Florida brings new immediacy to the issue.

“Florida Democrats are committed to job creation,” said Leader Sands. “If commuter rail offers the promise of new economic opportunity and transportation innovation, then Florida’s legislative leaders need not further delay. It is time to stop the political stall tactics. The last thing that out-of-work Floridians want to hear today is nay-saying and excuses from Tallahassee. They want to hear how to get this done.”

Contact:

Mark Hollis

850.488.9622

Statement by Sens. Constantine and Gardiner

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Legislation to Create Jobs and Encourage Economic Development Passes Out of Key Senate Committee

Tallahassee, Fla. – Legislation was today presented in the Senate Transportation and Economic Development Committee that moves the Central Florida SunRail project one step closer to being heard on the Senate floor. Senate Bill 1212, a vital component of the SunRail project, was presented by Senator Lee Constantine (R-Altamonte Springs) and establishes the overall framework for future development of commuter rail in Florida.

“Florida is in critical need of alternative forms of transportation in our state,” said Senator Constantine. “The SunRail project is the product of many years of hard work and local support from many diverse groups. The I-4 corridor is home to flagship universities, bio-tech institutions and world-renown tourism attractions. It is vital that we move forward with SunRail in order to continue growing Florida’s economic center.”

The Federal Transit Administration will pay 50 percent of the project’s cost, equaling $308 million, while local governments and the state will split the remaining difference. Florida’s funding is through transportation dollars allocated for infrastructure projects. The goal of SunRail is to provide mobility options to commuters, seniors, disabled citizens, students and visitors.

“The key to Florida’s economy is moving people and moving goods efficiently throughout our state,” said Senator Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando), a co-sponsor of the legislation and a member of the Committee on Transportation and Economic Development. “The long-term benefit of SunRail will ultimately lead to rapid job growth and economic development in Central Florida, which will positively impact the rest of the state. Additionally, SunRail lays the groundwork for commuter rail lines in other critical areas throughout Florida.”

Experts believe SunRail will create an estimated $8.5 billion in long-term stimulus and will increase local property values by over $150 million. From development related to construction at transit centers, 113,000 job are expected to be created and close to 140,000 permanent jobs will be created to support new commercial centers and for the operation and maintenance of the rail system.

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CONTACT
Abby Souders (850) 487-5050
Stacy Vancamp-Garcia (850) 487-5047

Mica Commends President’s Support for High-Speed Rail

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

NEWS RELEASE

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Congressman John L. Mica, Ranking Republican

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement regarding today’s high-speed passenger rail announcement by the Obama Administration.

“I commend the President for recognizing the importance of developing high-speed passenger rail transportation in the United States,” Mica said.

“High-speed rail, long ignored in this country, can provide Americans with an efficient, effective and environmentally friendly transportation alternative, as it does in other nations around the world,” Mica said.

The President today announced further plans for the $8 billion in stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act identified for high-speed rail development and passenger rail improvements.

Mica authored an initiative to open high-speed rail development in the United States to private sector participation, which was included in the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008 and became law in October 2008.

This initiative has generated a tremendous response. So far, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has received over 100 expressions of interest from parties interested in the development, finance, construction, operation and maintenance of U.S. high-speed rail service. Interested parties include state departments of transportation, finance companies, transportation consultants, rail service providers, major international conglomerates, train manufacturers, and architectural, engineering and construction firms.

“I look forward to working with the Administration, Members of Congress and others to help the United States realize the potential of high-speed rail and develop this critical component of a modern multi-modal transportation system,” Mica concluded.

Link to more information on Rep. Mica’s high-speed rail initiative

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Contact:

Justin Harclerode

(202) 226-8767

2163 Rayburn H.O.B.

Washington, D.C. 20515

202.225.9446

republicans.transportation.house.gov

Commuter Rail Receives Record Federal Support

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

U.S. Representatives John Mica (FL-7th District) and Corrine Brown (FL-3rd District) announced a record level of federal funding for Central Florida’s Commuter Rail project.

Central Florida Commuter Rail and other transit projects that will complement the rail system received more than $26 million in federal funds from an appropriations agreement reached this week.

This funding bill has been stalled in Congress since October of last year and is not part of the recently enacted stimulus package.

Key Commuter Rail funds include $13 million that will be provided for construction grants as a result of the joint request made by Congressman Mica and Congresswoman Brown in the overdue appropriations measure.

Congressman Mica said, “The record amount of transportation appropriations for Central Florida Commuter Rail reconfirms that the federal government is ready to aid our region with a 21st century transposition system.” Representative Brown added, “This funding once again shows the strong federal commitment to this project, and will greatly assist to expedite commuter rail for CentralFlorida.”

Congressman Mica also received federal appropriations in the 2009 bill for construction and improvements to the Winter Park Amtrak Station for Central Florida Commuter Rail service in the amount of $950,000. This is in addition to $3 million previously obtained by the Congressman. Rep. Mica received another $1.425 million for the construction of bus and rail terminals to service the commuter rail system in the cities of Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood and Altamonte Springs.

Additionally, Senators Martinez and Nelson and Congresswoman Brown requested and will receive over $11 million for LYNX and the Downtown Orlando East-West Circulator System. These projects will not only complement Central Florida Commuter Rail but will also greatly improve public transit alternatives in our community.

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EMBARGOED UNTIL PASSAGE OF H.R. 1105,

THE OMNIBUS APPROPRIATIONS ACT

Contact: Brian Waldrip

Wednesday February 25, 2009

(202) 225-4035

SUNRAIL PROJECT ON TRACK TO MOVE THROUGH HOUSE

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

TALLAHASSEE, FL- Legislation expanding commuter rail in Central Florida won approval from the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Council today. House PCB 09-01, sponsored by Representative Gary Aubuchon (R- Cape Coral), authorizes the Florida Department of Transportation to move forward with the Central Florida Commuter Rail Project, also known as SunRail.

“Commuter rail and the use of alternative transportation modes will help meet the growing transportation needs of our state, reduce highway congestion, increase protection for the environment, enhance transportation capacity and, perhaps most important, stimulate economic development,” said Representative Aubuchon. “Given present economic challenges, it is imperative that we explore all possibilities to revitalize our economy and provide jobs for Florida’s workforce and SunRail provides that opportunity. I appreciate the strong support of my colleagues and stakeholders in advancing this important effort.”

“The future of Florida’s transportation needs and goals is perhaps the most important policy discussion we will have this year,” said Representative Dave Murzin (R- Pensacola), Chairman of the House Economic Development and Community Affairs Council. “The passage of this legislation is the first step in producing an overall framework by which commuter rail and its accompanying jobs will be developed in Florida.”

SunRail is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation and local governments in Central Florida to provide commuter rail service in the greater Orlando area. When completed, it will consist of 61 miles along existing freight tracks, connecting four Central Florida counties. This project is a joint federal-state-local partnership that will help get Florida’s economy moving and be part of a catalyst to help create over 164,000 jobs for Floridians over the next two decades.

SunRail has strong bipartisan support including Governor Crist, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, numerous local officials from cities and counties in Central Florida, the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, the Florida Transportation Commission and the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce.

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House Majority Office

Joseph Agostini

(850) 488-1993

Mica & Brown: Stimulus a Boost to Commuter Rail

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Washington, DC – Funding for transit projects in the stimulus package could accelerate the Central Florida Commuter Rail project, according to Congressman John L. Mica (FL-07), the Republican Leader of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL-03), the Chairwoman of the Railroads, Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Subcommittee.

“The total appropriation for transit systems includes $750 million for the New Starts program,” Mica said. “Nationally, the Central Florida Commuter Rail project is next in line for final approval and federal funding from the Federal Transit Administration.

“The timing couldn’t be better. All the project needs is the State Legislature’s approval of the CSX-Florida Department of Transportation liability agreement,” Mica said.

“Providing additional funds to this popular program will increase the availability of federal funds for the Commuter Rail project and may speed up the contract terms,” said Brown.

“This action has the potential to provide Central Florida with a quicker, cost-effective transportation alternative and some relief to the region’s growing highway congestion,” Brown added.

The Federal Transit Administration’s New Starts program is the federal program which funds new transit projects or extensions to existing systems.

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David Simon (Rep. Brown) (202) 225-0123

Justin Harclerode (Rep. Mica) (202) 226-8767

Governor Crist Highlights Economic, Environmental Benefits of Central Florida Commuter Rail

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to strengthening Florida’s economy and preserving Florida’s natural resources, today highlighted the economic and environmental benefits of commuter rail in Central Florida. He joined Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and Central Florida lawmakers in urging legislative support for SunRail, the 61-mile commuter rail system that would serve Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties.

Watch a recap of today's press conference. (Requires Real Player)

“Our future economic success depends on a strong infrastructure that accommodates growth and the needs of our businesses while protecting our environment,” said Governor Crist. “SunRail is just the kind of transportation project that Florida needs to create thousands of jobs and generate millions in additional revenue for Central Florida and all of Florida.”

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is working with the federal government and local officials in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties and the city of Orlando, to advance SunRail, a commuter rail transit project that will run along a 61-mile stretch of existing rail freight tracks in Orange, Seminole, Volusia and Osceola counties. The first phase of SunRail, 31-miles, would serve 12 stations linking DeBary to Orlando. The second phase, 30 miles, would serve 5 additional stations running north to DeLand and south to Poinciana. Service is expected to begin in 2011, when the FDOT is expected to start a major I-4 reconstruction project through Central Florida.

Governor Crist today joined Mayor Dyer, Representative Dean Cannon and Senators Lee Constantine and Andy Gardiner to officially release the findings of an economic impact study of SunRail. The study concluded the project will bring significant economic benefits to Central Florida and the entire Sunshine State, immediately and in the long term.

“This study clearly re-emphasizes what we have said all along -- that while SunRail is critical to Central Florida’s future, it’s also just as important to the future of our state as a whole,” said Mayor Dyer.

The study found the commuter rail project’s construction and operation will bring:

An infusion of more than $1 billion over the next 30 years into Florida’s economy.
The creation of more than 13,000 construction and operations jobs, most of them created almost immediately, generating more than $350 million in household earnings.

The economic impact study also examined the commuter rail’s impact on the surrounding area. The study concluded that SunRail will generate:

More than 113,000 construction jobs within one-half mile of station stops.
$4.6 billion dollars in earnings for the construction sector over the next 20 years.
An increase of almost nine times their current value for property values within one-half mile of station stops.
Secondary economic impacts of more than $2.5 billion dollars from workers living and spending within the area.

About SunRail
SunRail, the Central Florida Commuter Rail project, is a partnership between the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and local governments in Central Florida to provide commuter rail service in the greater Orlando area. When completed, it will consist of 61 miles along existing freight tracks, connecting four Central Florida counties. SunRail represents a regional partnership between the City of Orlando and Orange, Seminole, Osceola and Volusia counties. The project has the full support of both of Florida’s U.S. Senators, and the Central Florida Congressional delegation. Additionally, major Florida employers and civic groups from Tampa to Jacksonville have voiced support.

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Rep. Mica announces entry into Final Design

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Office of Congressman John Mica

Lake Buena Vista, FL – The Central Florida Commuter Rail project made an important leap forward today when federal officials announced the project is approved to enter the Final Design phase.

“This is a major milestone for Central Florida Commuter Rail, with federal green light approval to proceed to Final Design,” said U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (FL-07), the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republican Leader in the U.S. House of Representatives at a press conference today with Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Stephanie C. Kopelousos.

“This announcement brings Central Florida within grasp of a cost-effective alternative to crippling gasoline costs and growing highway congestion along I-4. The Commuter Rail project now joins an elite group of only five other major New Starts transit projects in Final Design around the country.”

Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approval to enter Final Design marks federal recognition that all environmental work has been completed and approved, and the project sponsor can begin expenditure of federal funds for right of way acquisition, equipment and other project requirements.

“Now that we are in the Final Design phase, FDOT can enter into a contract with a design-build firm and move forward to 100 percent design, including design for the 12 stations between Fort Florida Road in DeBary and Sand Lake Road in Orlando,” Mica said. “In addition, Final Design means that Commuter Rail will get its own dedicated funding request in the next president’s budget, instead of simply being eligible to compete for a portion of an unspecified sum of money.”

Once the Florida Legislature approves a liability agreement to allow rail operations along the 61-mile route, FDOT will be able to immediately negotiate a Full Funding Grant Agreement with FTA – the final step in the federal process.

“Once we have a Full Funding Grant Agreement in place, actual construction can begin and Central Florida will have a more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly transportation alternative that will take thousands of cars off our roads every day,” Mica added.

The project is scheduled to open for revenue service in 2011.

A message from Florida Department of Transportation District 5 Secretary Noranne Downs

Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Office of FDOT District 5 Secretary Noranne Downs

Albert Einstein once said that “in the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.”

With regard to the Central Florida Commuter Rail project, truer words perhaps were never spoken. As this year’s legislative session drew to a close, there was much debate about whether lawmakers should approve liability insurance required to operate commuter rail on an existing, active freight line.

When the final gavel fell, our legislators were unable to reach agreement.

Difficult? Absolutely.

But in concert with our local and federal funding partners, the Florida Department of Transportation remains committed to working through these challenges to bring this critical transportation project home.

Why? Because opportunity abounds.

Certainly, the project will provide Central Floridians with an important alternative to Interstate 4, as we prepare to reconstruct that major transportation artery. It will provide new jobs, help communities plan better for future growth and leverage more than $300 million in federal funds that we’ve paid for years in federal gas taxes to build transit systems elsewhere in the nation. Commuter rail will offer new economic development opportunities for businesses in our region and stimulate the economy.

Perhaps most importantly, it will serve as a mass transit spine upon which we can build in the future, ultimately providing rail connections throughout the state.

If we turn our backs on this rare opportunity, it will be years – if not decades – before the state again will be able to leverage federal funds for any mass transit project in Florida. And given Florida’s projected growth in the next few decades, that is an unacceptable option – not just for Central Florida, but for the entire state.

Fortunately, we have strong, committed partners in this process – from local government officials who unanimously agreed to pay for one-quarter of the project’s $615 million cost, to CSX Transportation, which has agreed to continue negotiations in pursuit of Commuter Rail, to stalwart federal champions such as U.S. Reps. Corrine Brown and John Mica, who hold key positions on the House Infrastructure and Transportation Committee.

We are just as committed to working with state lawmakers to address some of the concerns raised in the just-completed legislative session. To buy 61.5-miles of track in Central Florida and introduce passenger rail service on an active freight line, the Legislature must approve the purchase of liability insurance to protect both passengers and our investment in the project.

These agreements are nothing new. Approved by state lawmakers years ago, Tri-Rail in South Florida carries similar protections. So, too, does Amtrak. Indeed, similar agreements are in place for nearly every passenger rail system in the nation that operates alongside freight trains. And here’s why: But for the introduction of passenger rail into an active freight corridor, freight haulers wouldn’t have any liability at all. So it makes sense.

When the Florida Department of Transportation began the quest for Commuter Rail in Central Florida six years ago, we knew it would be difficult. Projects of this magnitude and complexity always are. But Commuter Rail is good for South Florida. It will be great for Central Florida. And it will provide tremendous new transportation opportunities for all of Florida.

Final Federal Hurdle Cleared for Commuter Rail

Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release

Office of Congressman John Mica

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), the Republican Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, announced today that the last federal hurdles to approval of the Central Florida Commuter Rail project have been cleared.

Yesterday, the House passed H.R. 1195, making technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: a Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the 2005 federal highway, transit and highway safety authorization and funding act. The technical corrections bill is now on its way to the President for signature.

A provision in the bill waives a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) administrative policy that could have subjected the Central Florida Commuter Rail project to regulatory evaluations designed for traditional light and heavy rail cost effectiveness standards. The proposed Central Florida Commuter Rail Project would use a highly efficient low emissions Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) technology rather than the traditional heavy Diesel Locomotive Engines pulling commuter rail trainsets. This waiver will allow FTA to enter into a full funding grant agreement providing federal funds for the commuter rail project.

In addition, FTA has received and is finalizing agency approval of the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) project impact report. This report was recently required by FTA to examine noise, vibration, and rail crossing safety impacts along CSX Railroad’s S-Line that runs through the center of the state. Several residents along this alignment had expressed concerns about the impacts of additional freight traffic through the corridor, which CSX estimates will be an additional four trains per day. FDOT’s report found the impacts of the additional freight traffic will be negligible, which are the most highly favorable results the report could offer.

It is expected that the Central Florida Commuter Rail project will be approved into Final Design by FTA this summer, and negotiations will immediately begin on a full funding grant agreement for federal transit funding.

The Florida Legislature is currently debating a transportation bill which will give final approval for the project. The federal government is committed to paying for 50% of the cost while the remaining half will be split between the State and local governments.