Orlando Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost announced a $500,000 grant to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) last month to help support the proposed Miami-Orlando-Tampa Sunshine Corridor, which would connect parts of South Florida and Central Florida by rail.
The proposed Sunshine Corridor would include tracks for Brightline and SunRail along I-4 to connect Orlando International Airport to the I-Drive area, with Brightline expanding west with a station in Tampa.
According to the Democratic lawmaker, this funding would allow FDOT to develop a scope, schedule, and cost estimate for preparing, completing, or documenting its service development plan.
“The I-4 corridor is one of Florida’s most congested roadways, and federal funding to help expand rail service to this area would be a game-changer for our residents and visitors who want to enjoy all that Central and South Florida have to offer,” said Rep. Maxwell Frost, a Democrat. “Alleviating daily traffic, connecting our coasts to Central Florida, and investing in the future of transportation for our state is a win-win for Florida. This investment is the catalyst for future investments to make this corridor a reality and change the landscape of our car-centric region.”
The funding comes to Florida as part of the Federal Railroad Administration’s Corridor ID program to drive future passenger rail expansion.
