Federal Transportation Officials Approve SunRail
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
By: Tom Parkinson

May 3, 2011 | WMFE - Central Florida's commuter rail project took another step forward Monday. The U.S. Department of Transportation finished its review of the proposed rail line and indicated that it is ready to enter into a multi-year funding agreement with the state.

The $1.2 billion dollar SunRail commuter rail line would link stops in Seminole and Volusia counties with downtown Orlando and continue into Osceola County.

Federal officials said the rail line construction will bring nearly 11,000 jobs to the area and as many as 150,000 new jobs would be generated by development around the rail stations.  

Congress now has 60 days to review the Department of Transportation agreement.

U.S. Rep. John Mica, a Republican from Winter Park, is Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Mica said the funding agreement “confirms that this project will have a positive impact on improving Central Florida transportation, employment and future development in our region." Mica said he has been consulting with Gov. Scott during the process.

If the project is approved by Congress, Scott will make the final decision on whether to move forward with construction. Gov. Scott froze $235 million dollars in SunRail contracts in January saying he wanted to conduct a complete financial review of the project. Local leaders had expected to break ground this spring but Gov. Scott says he won't make a decision until July.