Hundreds of Central Floridians, elected representatives, federal, state and local transit officials and the private sector turned out on Friday to celebrate SunRail’s groundbreaking at the future home of the Altamonte Springs station.
SunRail, Central Florida’s first-ever 61.5 mile commuter rail line, with its 17 station stops will be constructed in two phases – a 31-mile first phase with 12 stations that will link DeBary to Sand Lake Road, south of Orlando. The second phase will serve five additional stations, north to Deland and south to Poinciana.
“Today’s event marks not just the beginning of the construction, but the beginning of a new chapter in the transportation of Orlando and Central Florida,” said Secretary Ananth Prasad, Florida Department of Transportation. The next big challenge is to ensure SunRail’s success by getting people to use the commuter system, he added.
Speaking to Central Florida’s high jobless rate, U.S. Congressman John Mica said, it is estimated that SunRail will create 10,000 to 15,000 jobs annually over the next four years, generating income and employment for the many that are hurting.
Mica also recognized the many stakeholders involved in bringing SunRail to fruition, including the local governments – Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola county, City of Orlando, transit entities and as well, the private sector. He joked too, about the “odd fellow relationship” with U.S. Congresswoman Corrine Brown, saying that their interests are the same.
“This is just the beginning of a regional and state transportation system,” he said to thunderous applause. “We want to go far beyond today…everybody working together, like we have done. If we can do it, darn everybody can do it.”
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer also underscored the significance of the partnership and collaboration that made SunRail possible.
“If we are together, nothing is impossible,” he said, drawing on Winston Churchill. “We would not be here today, but for the collaboration and partnership of so many people. This is the dawn of a new era in transportation and smart growth and job creation in our community.” I am really happy and proud for all of Central Florida, he added.
Dyer expressed his confidence in the success of the rail system, but added it will be important to make the rail system easy for people to use and have it run on time. Connectivity from SunRail stations to various locations is also an imperative, he said, and referenced the recent steps Orlando has undertaken to expand the LYMMO system.
“Once people get on and get out of that I-4 traffic and see that they can use their lap top or they can drink coffee leisurely and have a nice ride to work, they are going to use SunRail,” he said.
Almost three decades in the making, SunRail faced many bumps along the way, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said. She reminded that, private sector support was central to SunRail getting the green light from Gov. Rick Scott and praised the leadership of, Florida Hospital and Orlando Magic, in particular.
“When the governor asked the tough questions, it was the private sector that made the difference,” she said. Jacobs expressed her appreciation for Scott keeping an open mind on the commuter rail line and undertaking his due diligence.
SunRail comes with a price tag of $1.2 billion; trains are expected to begin rolling in May 2014.
Today’s groundbreaking concluded with a presentation of commemorative rail spikes and the symbolic gesture of driving them to inaugurate construction.
