Bay News 9
Funding for SunRail's expansion in jeopardy, county leaders say
KISSIMMEE --
SunRail’s much anticipated expansion into Osceola and Volusia Counties is now in jeopardy.
The $84 million needed for the expansion is no longer guaranteed.
“Everybody at the local level is advocating that ‘OK, let’s get this thing back on track and get it done,’” said Kissimmee Mayor Jim Swan.
Swan wrote a letter this week to Congressman Alan Grayson, asking for help in securing the funding for the expansion.
The funding would go to Phase Two of the project, bringing SunRail north of Deland into Volusia County and south of Orange County into Kissimmee, and then Poinciana.
“If the sequester is enacted in January, which is a $90 billion cut, there’s not going to be any money in transportation to expand SunRail. It’s as clear as a bell,” said Senator Bill Nelson.
Kissimmee’s mayor hopes Congress will find a way to deliver, saying the city is counting on SunRail.
The transportation system would bring passengers into Kissimmee, helping businesses.
It would also allow Kissimmee residents to travel for work without having to use Interstate 4.
“It’s going to generate a lot of new jobs. Many of them are temporary for sure, but we also think that will be a major step toward the re-development of our downtown area,” said Swan.
Other elected leaders in Osceola County have already voiced their opinions in Washington, D.C.
While it’s possible the project could be delayed, Kissimmee’s mayor says, until he hears otherwise, he’ll plan for SunRail’s expansion to continue as originally planned.
