ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Sunrail is already in the works, but WFTV found out state transportation officials are about to spend nearly $2 million to study a new train system.
In 2014, a new train system is expected to make its debut in Central Florida. Sixty-one miles of tracks will carry Sunrail trains through the area from DeLand all the way to Poinciana.
Even though that's years away, there's another plan in the works now to possibly bring another Sunrail to Central Florida: an east-west connector.
WFTV's Ryan Hughes found out how much local cities and counties are chipping in for the extra research.
It's a step that will cost a whole lot of money. The Florida Department of Transportation will spend nearly $1.3 million on a study to determine if an east-west rail line is even possible.
"The question now is where are you going to go with east-west, and that's the next step," Florida DOT spokesman Steve Olson said.
In addition, Orange and Osceola counties, Orlando and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority will pitch in $425,000 tax dollars for the study.
"We believe it's a good spending of taxpayer dollars. It could line up federal money or say it's not feasible and should not go forward," Olson said.
Some people WFTV talked to think one rail line is enough.
"My opinion of all those studies is they appear to be extremely outlandish," taxpayer Jeb Bills said. "Always angers me they can spend on studies without accomplishing anything."
"We're spending too much in places in doesn't need to be spent," taxpayer Heidi Halsworth said.
The east-west line would likely run from the tourist corridor past the airport and eventually link up with the Medical City at Lake Nona.
There are existing tracks in that area that could be used, or perhaps new tracks would be put down.
A consulting company is working on the study. It's expected to take at least a year to finish. After that, Florida DOT will decide if the east-west connector is a go.
State transportation officials had hoped to get an $825,000 grant to cover some of the cost for the study. But two weeks ago, they were denied the grant.
WFTV
