FTA makes $178.6 million available for central Florida commuter rail line

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed the $178.6 million grant agreement that gives the green light for construction to begin on the 32-mile Orlando SunRail commuter rail project. He was joined by Federal Transit Administrator Peter Rogoff, Florida Transportation Secretary Ananth Prasad, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica, Rep. Corrine Brown (D-Fla.), Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and other state and local officials at a ceremony held at the future site of the Florida Hospital Station. This grant is the largest federal transit investment in Central Florida and covers half of the projected total cost of $357.2 million. FTA will pay out the Full Funding Grant Agreement through 2013. The line will connect downtown Orlando to Orange, Seminole and Volusia Counties along existing railroad tracks. In addition to having 12 new stations, it will consist of seven locomotives and 14 passenger rail cars. Stops along the line will include Florida Hospital Station, Central Station and Orlando Health/Amtrak Station. The line is considered the first phase of what is projected to be a 61-mile commuter rail line extending further north to Deland and further south to Osceola County, Fla.