Parties reach pact on SunRail
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefAmtrak, the state of Florida, and federal officials Wednesday reached broad agreement on the sale of CSX right-of-way to Florida as part of the planned SunRail commuter rail service, intended to serve Orlando and central Florida.
Amtrak agreed to drop its objections to a deal for the sale of the tracks, based on concerns over liability. Sale of 61 miles of right-of-way is expected before year’s end.
Florida and Amtrak have yet to resolve some details of the agreement, but “I’m just happy that we’re moving ahead,” said Volusia County Chairman Frank Bruno, who serves on the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission.
House Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) said the agreement allows SunRail to receive federal funds, “the final step in bringing commuter rail, a vital transportation alternative, to Central Florida.”
SunRail’s first phase would link De Bary, Fla., northeast of Orlando, with Sand Lake Road in South Orlando. Trains would begin running by 2013, with construction scheduled to start next year. Federal funds of about $600 million would cover half the anticipated $1.2 billion construction cost, with the state contributing about $300 million and local governments supplying the remainder.
