Sep 10, 2009
SunRail supporters look at Amtrak to get the train moving
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ORLANDO – After twice watching the Florida Legislature reject funding for a local commuter rail system, supporters of the project are turning to the federal stimulus package in the hopes of reviving the SunRail line, only this time they’re taking a different approach. “We’re trying a new model,” said U.S. Rep. Alan Grayson, D-Orlando. Since the state’s agreement with CSX to purchase the tracks died in June, Grayson said Central Florida’s congressional delegation has been pursuing a new idea.
“The Florida legislature essentially vetoed SunRail,” Grayson said of the commuter rail line that would have run from Deland in Volusia County to downtown Orlando, and then ended in Poinciana. “The result of that is the people most involved in this, we are looking to see if we can get Amtrak to pick it up and run with it.”