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