ORLANDO, Fla. — Plans for a high-speed rail from Orlando to Miami are facing new challenges.
During a public meeting Wednesday, officials from the private railroad made their pitch for backing from the state, but encountered stiff opposition.
Poll: Do you support the All Abaord Florida project?
Hundreds of people came from the Treasure Coast to Orlando to fight the train.
They are upset that the train will not stop in their communities, yet they will bear its cost.
Meanwhile, the state is considering whether to back more than $1 billion in bonds to help finish the railroad project.
By the beginning of next year, All Aboard Florida will offer service between Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
About a year later, the train will connect to Orlando International Airport.
The Florida Development Finance Corp. is considering backing $1.75 billion in tax-exempt bonds in order to finance the 235-mile rail service.
The state backing makes the bonds more lucrative and easier to sell for the railroad.
Opponents of the plan, mostly from St. Lucie, Indian River and Martin counties, point out the train will make no stops in their communities, yet they will have to deal with the noise, wear and tear to rail lines and increased risk of accidents.
“Indian River County, Martin County and St. Lucie County will have none of the benefits of the train, only the problems. Chief among them is safety. We are doing something that has never been done before in the history of rail,” said Indian River County resident Phillis Frey.
But supporters of the plan, including some high-ranking elected leaders, said the train will benefit the region and ease traffic congestion.
Related Story: Board votes on whether All Aboard Florida can issue bonds
WFTV
