UPDATE: But the train is facing opposition in Fort Lauderdale among boaters, who are outraged they'll face more waits for bridge openings as the trains crisscross over the New River.
Officials in the Treasure Coast, north of Jupiter, oppose the service because they say they'll have to deal with noise and blocked crossings but will not have any stops.
The plans are under scrutiny by the Federal Rail Administration, which will issue an environmental impact statement soon. The project also will be subject to approvals from the U.S. Coast Guard, because of waterway crossings, including at the New River in Fort Lauderdale and the Loxahatchee River in Jupiter, and from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
This is a developing story.
All Aboard Florida is an intercity passenger rail project being developed by Florida East Coast Industries, LLC (FECI) – owner of Florida’s premier passenger rail corridor – that will connect Miami to Orlando with intermediate stations in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. This rail service will provide Floridians and visitors a viable transportation alternative to congested highways and airport terminals. All Aboard Florida will provide a high‐quality experience for passengers and will be the first privately owned, operated and maintained passenger rail system in the United States.
Freight and passenger rail are operated and managed by two different companies. Florida East Coast Railway has operated freight traffic along its right-of-way for over a century, and its business has mirrored the economic activity in the State at large, which it will continue to do no matter the outcome of the Panana Canal and Florida port improvements. Florida East Coast Industries, is the parent company of All Aboard Florida, a new and exciting venture that is vital to a healthy economy as Florida continues to grow into the nation's third largest economy, and one that is worthy of the substantial investments we are prepared to make. FECR cannot operate any passenger service on its property; and conversely, All Aboard Florida cannot operate freight. Further, the owners and investors of All Aboard Florida will not spend their money for improvements to a business they have nothing to do with, and from which they receive no benefit. Likewise, if FECR desires to expand its infrastructure to accommodate growth, they have the unencumbered right and ability to do so.
The company has been discreetly amassing land in Broward is an indication the project is moving ahead. In the past year the $17 million has been spent in strategic land purchases between Northwest Fifth Avenue to Andrews Avenue, and from Broward Boulevard north to Fourth Street. Several more parcels throughout the city are also under the consideration of the railway company.
The benefits of the railway would seem to outweigh any negative effects. Florida's roads are expected to be relieved of 3 million cars a year. The private business initiative will not be burden the taxpayers and is estimated to create tax revenues of $200 million over six years. Additionally "no significant impact" will be felt by the communities that the train will travel through according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
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