BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – The plan of bringing a Brightline train station to the Space Coast is one step closer to becoming reality.
In a 3 to 2 vote Tuesday, Brevard County Commissioners approved using $5 million in tourist tax money for the project.
“Tonight, opportunity is knocking at our door. I think of ‘Field of Dreams.’ I think of this, ‘build it and they will come,’” Jason Steele Brevard County Commission Chair said.
Officials with Brightline though said in order to move forward with the project, the company would need to secure a federal grant.
Ben Porritt, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Brightline, said without a federal grant, the project would likely be reevaluated.
While the project is still a few years out, plans are to open the new station near Clearlake Road just south of State Road 528 in Cocoa.
“There’s a great train track rolling down the roads with beautiful new trains and we have the ultimate location in the entire state of Florida,” Steele said.
The city of Cocoa already authorized $5 million for the new station with Brightline donating land for the project as well as taking care of the station’s operating costs.
“I was sweating bullets but as you can see now I’m trying to be cool as a cucumber,” Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake said. “Proper collaboration and communication gave us positive results. I’m happy to say that this will enhance the City of Cocoa. We’re now the focal point of Brevard County again.”
This comes as Orlando’s Brightline station making changes to monthly discount passes.
According to Brightline’s website, their “smart” plan from Miami to West Palm Beach currently costs $399 for one month, which includes 40 trips. After June 1, a similar plan costs $350 for only 10 trips.
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