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U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson’s office said Wednesday that congressional budget negotiators late last night agreed to spend $40 million to help jumpstart a rail system that will serve commuters in Central Florida.

 

The $40 million is for preliminary engineering and final design of the SunRail commuter system around Orlando, as well as construction of its stations.

 

The Florida Department of Transportation is proposing to construct the new commuter rail system along an existing CSX corridor from Volusia through Lake and Seminole counties to Orange County and downtown Orlando.

 

In addition, there’s a smaller amount for planning for light rail in Tampa, $1.7 million; and $4 million for expansion of Metrorail in Miami.

 

A release issued Nelson said the expenditures — approved by budget negotiators for the House and Senate — come hard on the heels of the Florida Legislature’s passage of a major rail bill yesterday.

 

The Florida Senate, following state House approval, wrapped up a special session on Tuesday with passage of train legislation designed to support the Central Florida rail project, bail out South Florida’s Tri-Rail and compete for billions of dollars in federal funding for high-speed rail in the state.

 

The $40 million expenditure for Central Florida is contained in a broader federal transportation, housing and military construction spending bill.

 

All that remains is for the House and Senate to give formal approval to the measure. President Barack Obama, who originally requested the funding for SunRail in his budget, is expected to sign the bill.