FDOT threatens to build SunRail $74M extension to DeLand despite commission’s vote against it

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates has learned the Florida Department of Transportation is threatening to extend SunRail to DeLand as originally planned even after the board that oversees SunRail’s spending voted against adding the northbound leg.

The Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission voted in May not to extend the route into DeLand and instead hold $34 million in federal money for other projects. But in a letter sent in late July, FDOT leaders told the board that, unless other capital projects are identified quickly, they will build the track anyway.

The discussion to stop at Debary started months ago based on estimated ridership numbers and the desire to reduce costs. The total cost for adding 12 miles to the northbound stretch of SunRail is $74 million, with $20 million coming from FDOT and $20 million from Volusia County.

READ: All aboard: SunRail ridership starts uphill chug

“We have a great working relationship with DOT, and it gets a little frustrating,” CFCRC Chair Bob Dallari said. “It’s almost like, who moved the cheese?”

Dallari is also a Seminole County commissioner. That board learned about the about-face from FDOT on Tuesday.

“So basically, we’ve been given an ultimatum after there was an agreement that we were going to try to work through this with all the partners, and now FDOT has said, ‘We love you and we want to work with you, but we’re going to build the train tracks,’” County Commission Chair Jay Zembower said.

READ: SunRail to offer free rides to students, employees at downtown Orlando campuses

Any change to the train’s route could impact the funding structure for all local partners, which includes Volusia, Seminole, Orange and Osceola counties, as well as the city of Orlando. Those governments are set to take over the cost of SunRail next year.

Dallari admits he’s the only one on the rail commission who believes going to DeLand is the best use of the federal $34 million at stake. In any event, he said identifying other capital projects and their long-term impacts by October is too tight.

“We can come up with projects, but it’s also the financial issues that we’re going to be looking at long-term,” Dallari said. “Not just capital projects, it’s what’s happening with SunRail? We need at least a year to two years to look at that.”

Seminole County leaders are drafting a letter in response to FDOT’s letter. As of now, the next CFCRC meeting is set for right before the October deadline to identify new projects. Dallari said he may call another special meeting in September to make sure everyone is up to speed.

Video: Rail leaders weigh financial benefits to having SunRail stop in DeLand It’s a $34 million decision: Should SunRail go to DeLand, as originally planned, or should rail leaders use federal funding that would be freed up by eliminating that stop for other things?

Top Stories:

1. Tracking Laura: Expected to be Category 3 hurricane when it makes landfall

2. Man suspected of pushing 75-year-old to the ground outside of Publix after he asked woman to socially distance identified, police say

3. 150 people in quarantine from 9 Seminole County schools after possible COVID-19 exposure since school started, district says