FRA to provide large grant for Brightline multimodal station in Florida

The city of Cocoa, Florida, and the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization yesterday announced the Federal Railroad Administration has officially chosen Brightline Florida's multimodal station and rail project in Cocoa to receive a $57 million Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program grant. 

The funds will be used to advance the project's final development, design and construction. The achievement in landing the grant reflects years of collaboration among local, regional, state and federal partners who share a common vision for the future of transportation on the Space Coast, Brightline Florida officials said. 

Brightline Florida currently provides passenger-rail service through the heart of the Space Coast, connecting Orlando International Airport to Miami along Florida East Coast Railway tracks.  

The project involves the construction of a multimodal passenger station featuring family-friendly amenities. On-site circulation and parking facilities will be developed on land already owned by the project partners to optimize resource management. In addition, about four additional miles of double track will be installed. 

As part of the federal award, Brightline Florida will partner with the city to construct the station, and will maintain and operate the facility. 

“From the moment we launched our Orlando expansion, the Space Coast has been an important part of our vision. This grant is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, and we look forward to building, operating, and welcoming passengers to a world-class station that connects Brevard County to the rest of the state," said Brightline Florida CEO Patrick Goddard.