Mica supports Obama funding for SunRail

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Per Trains NewsWire:

Rep. Mica supports Obama funding for SunRail



WASHINGTON – While U.S. Rep. John Mica, R-FL, is not known for his support for passenger rail, especially Amtrak, the Congressman is happy that President Barack Obama tucked $63 million into his proposed 2015 budget to extend the SunRail commuter rail system south into Osceola County.

The money should keep the project on track to run from south Orange County to Poinciana in Osceola County, possibly by late 2016.

The first phase of SunRail, 31-miles from DeBary through downtown Orlando to south Orange County, will begin operation May 1.

Mica tells the Orlando Sentinel the allocation is "a significant step in moving the next phase of this project forward in Central Florida."

Supporters want $83 million for SunRail, but they say the amount of money put aside is not as important as simply being included in the president's $3.9 trillion spending plan. That development keeps the project on the federal books and eligible for grants now and in the future.

SunRail needs about $236 million from the federal government to extend the system an additional 29 miles. If funding becomes available, the commuter service would run and addition 17.5 miles south to Poinciana and 12 miles north to DeLand.

Being in the Obama budget, Mica says, virtually ensures additional money, even if Congress does not adopt the president's plan.

Nearby Interstate 4 is expected to undergo $2 billion worth of work starting in late 2014 or early 2015 that includes adding four toll lanes along a 21-mile stretch from Kirkman Road in south Orange County to State Highway 434 in Seminole County.

The work is expected to last five to six years, and SunRail is designed to serve motorists fleeing the inevitable backups and congestion caused by the construction.

So far, the federal government has contributed nearly $230 million to the project.