Washington D.C. – Congress received today from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) that will move forward completion of SunRail Phase II South. Congress now has, by law, 30 days to review the agreement, paving the way for a ratified document between the U.S. Department of Transportation and local partners by the end of September.
Congressman John L. Mica (FL-07), Congresswoman Corrine Brown (FL-05) and Congressman Alan Grayson (FL-09) released the following statement on FTA’s submission of the agreement to Congress:
Congressman Mica said, “Now that we have received this document, we will act to expedite its approval, so that the Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) can be signed by the end of September. I anticipate no glitches in the approval of the next major leg of our regional commuter rail system. This will greatly expand service for users.
Congresswoman Brown continued, “The completion of the Full Funding Grant Agreement (FFGA) between the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and SunRail is great news for travelers in Central Florida. This agreement will allow Phase II South to move forward, providing more Central Floridians with a new transportation option while easing congestion on area roadways. I will continue to work with all the local, state and federal stakeholders to secure funding for Phase II North.”
Congressman Grayson concluded, “I am pleased that after working so hard to get this project into the President’s Budget several years ago, and then continually meeting with the Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to ensure that a full funding agreement was finally agreed upon, the FTA has announced that it will provide up to $93 million for SunRail Phase II South, funding stops in Orange and Osceola County. This is fantastic news for the residents, commuters, and businesses of Central Florida. This extension will create nearly 67,000 jobs and will reduce congestion on our roads. Fewer cars on our highways means less pollution, faster commutes, and faster response times by emergency vehicles. With the population of the I-4 corridor expected to explode in the next 15 years, this train service will help to continue the high quality of life that we enjoy in the Orlando area. I commend the FTA for their decision and look forward to the completion of this critical project.”
The $189.6 million Phase II South extension, running from the Sand Lake Road Station to the Poinciana Boulevard Station, will add 17 miles of commuter rail service to the currently operating 32 miles.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
U.S. Congressman John L. Mica
Florida’s Seventh District
2187 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C.
(202) 225-4035