A new Brightline station in Cocoa is one step closer to reality after securing a nearly $58 million federal grant. Congressman Mike Haridopolos, R-Brevard County, announced the funding, which will be used to build the station infrastructure, including four additional miles of double track for the rail, as well as station construction and operations.

Local Impact

The city of Cocoa, Space Coast TPO, and Brevard County Tourism Development Council have also contributed funding to the project. The new station will connect Cocoa to Orlando International Airport and Miami, a development that has been in the works for over a decade. Most of the rail is already in place, with the next steps focusing on building the actual Brightline station.

Despite concerns over Brightline’s financial stability, with Fitch Ratings downgrading the company’s credit rating in July, Rep. Haridopolos expressed confidence in the project’s long-term viability. “The Brightline is a long-term viable program,” he said. “Whoever takes on this debt long-term will keep the train operating.” CEO Nicolas Petrovic also stated that the company looks forward to building, operating, and welcoming customers to a world-class station connecting Brevard County to the rest of the state.

Future Plans

The hope is to open the Cocoa station by 2030. The city of Cocoa praised the announcement, stating that securing such a competitive federal grant requires immense technical preparation, financial commitment, and interagency trust, reflecting years of collaboration among local, regional, state, and federal partners who share a common vision for the future of transportation on the Space Coast.

Original reporting: WESH Orlando — read the source article.