The final negotiations between FDOT, Amtrak and Florida East Coast Railway have concluded and the federal grant application for $250 million dollars for Amtrak service has now been submitted. If approved, the funding would pay for eight passenger stations on the FEC, construction of a connecting track between FEC and the existing Tri-Rail/Amtrak line in West Palm Beach, capacity and infrastructure improvements to permit speeds on the FEC up to 90 mph where achievable, and the purchase of locomotives and passenger cars to support two daily frequencies. The service is planned to begin not later than three years after the grant is approved.
More than 160 resolutions from local governments, agencies and organizations along with letters of support from the Governor and Florida legislative delegations were submitted with the application.