Rep. Haridopolos Secures $57.48 Million for Cocoa Rail Station
Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Mike Haridopolos (FL-08) secured a $57,481,255 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Railroad Administration’s National Railroad Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program. This project will bring passenger rail service directly to the Space Coast through final design and construction of the Cocoa Multimodal station.
“Brightline already connects Orlando to South Florida, and now we are one major step closer to bringing that connection directly to the Space Coast,” said Congressman Haridopolos. “This $57.48 million investment will make the Cocoa station a reality, giving residents and visitors another way to travel across our state while supporting the continued growth of Brevard County. I am proud that I secured this funding to bring this critical transportation investment home to Florida’s 8th District.”
“This is a transformational moment for the City of Cocoa and the entire Space Coast,” said Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake. “This station in Cocoa will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The Space Coast will no longer be a pass-through for passenger rail. This is an investment in our community’s future and a milestone that will benefit generations to come.”
“Advancing the Cocoa Station into final design and construction is a significant milestone that positions our community for long-term economic growth, expanded mobility, and enhanced regional connectivity,” said Cocoa City Manager Stockton Whitten. “We are proud to help bring this transformative project one step closer to reality.”
“From the very beginning, this has been a true community project, shaped by the voices, needs, and shared vision of our residents,” said Georganna Gillette, Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Executive Director. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure its incredible benefits are felt directly across the entire Space Coast.”
“This project represents a significant step toward expanding transportation options and connecting our community to the future of passenger rail in Florida,” said Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization Governing Board Chair, Mayor Andrew Connors.
“Brightline is thrilled to partner with the City of Cocoa and the SCTPO on this monumental step forward for Florida’s transportation infrastructure,” said Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline Trains Florida. “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.”
“By securing this grant, we are establishing another vital mode choice for our Brevard community, allowing our residents and visitors to effortlessly travel south to Miami, across the state to Orlando, and potentially at some point, straight through to Tampa,” said Brevard County D5 Commissioner, Thad Altman.
Background:
This grant will be used for the following purposes:
- Building a New Cocoa Station: Constructing a new passenger station in Cocoa with parking and family-friendly amenities.
- Improving Rail Infrastructure: Adding approximately four miles of additional track and other rail improvements to support safe and efficient passenger service.
- Supporting Station Construction: Partnering with Brightline and the City of Cocoa to construct the station. Once complete, Brightline will operate and maintain the station.
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