Gov. Scott To Make Decision On SunRail

In just 15 days, Governor Rick Scott, is expected to decide SunRail's fate. New numbers from the governor's office show thousands of people on both sides are doing everything they can to win him over.

Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer is one of those leading the charge and he said he hopes a Lynx bus stop in Orlando will become a future SunRail stop.

Lynx officials have a form letter on their website for people to print and mail to Tallahassee.

Local cities and counties are moving forward, as though people will see a commuter train on a local track in two years.

Winter Park city leaders said they've been ready for SunRail and have approved a plan to turn drawings of a SunRail stop into reality. For a million dollars, the city will redesign its Amtrak station to make room for the commuter train. It would run 61 miles from Poinciana to DeLand with 15 stops.

“It's a no brainier to me, but I guess there's smarter people somewhere making decisions,” said Michelle Keen, a Winter Garden resident.

The federal government will pay for half of the $1.2 billion project, while state and local governments split the rest, but Governor Scott, still has a hold on the construction contracts.

On Wednesday, a spokesperson said Governor Scott will make a decision in the next two weeks.

The governor's spokesperson shared new numbers that show a majority of the e-mails, phone calls and letters he has received are from people against SunRail. They are worried taxpayers will have to pay for cost overruns and maintenance, and there are people like Alexandra Iannoe who said she just wouldn't ride it.

“Not that many people are going to be coming from DeLand to Poinciana, so it's kind of a weird idea,” said Iannone

2,300 people are expected to ride daily. Mayor Dyer said that will relieve congestion on I-4. More importantly, Mayor Dyer said this project will create more than 100,000 jobs.

Mayor Dyer said he thinks Governor Scott is listening to the people’s opinions on SunRail.

“I met with him on high speed rail and several times on SunRail and he has a different approach,” said Mayor Dyer.

The head of the Florida Department of Transportation will be in Central Florida just days before Governor Scott is expected to make a decision about SunRail.

Officials said he will spend an hour each with leaders from all cities and counties with a financial stake in SunRail.