Council wants commuter-rail safety net

Rachael Jackson Sentinel Staff Writer December 18, 2008 VOLUSIA COUNTYWhen the Volusia County Council extended its commuter-rail agreement in November, it added a provision to protect taxpayers from footing the bill if the Legislature did not support the 61-mile rail line from DeLand to Orlando to Poinciana. But the county soon got letters from the Florida Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation pointing out that the project is contingent upon the Legislature's approval and that, therefore, the extra language was unnecessary. The agreement between FDOT, Orlando and Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties has to be extended this year so lawmakers can take it up again in 2009. The council will discuss the agreement at a meeting today. County Chairman Frank Bruno said he expects the original language to be approved.