LaHood to attend SunRail groundbreaking

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is scheduled to attend a groundbreaking ceremony next Monday, July 18, in Orlando to initiate construction of central Florida’s SunRail commuter train project.

LaHood also is expected to finalize $178.6 million in federal FFGA (Full Funding Grant Agreement) funds for the project, estimated to cost $357.2 million. The funding commitment follows state approval of the project recently given by Fla. Gov. Rick Scott.

Already, Florida’s Department of Transportation has cleared Boise, Idaho-based MotivePower, Inc. for a $17.5 million contract to produce seven locomotives, with an option for six additional units. Agreement reached earlier with Amtrak and other parties was finalized this week as well. Still to be completed is final agreement with CSX on the sale and future use of the 61-mile route.