US vows $390 million to build county’s Northeast rail corridor
The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit, part of the Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Plan, moved closer to reality Tuesday with the Federal Transit Administration announcing that it could receive up to $389.5 million in federal grants.
Odds of approval by a Republican-led Congress, however, drops the project into a big "Maybe" box, depending on the outcome of next week's elections.
The total capital cost of the project is estimated at $927.3 million. The $389.5 million federal grant accounts for 42% of the total funding. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has committed $200 million (22%), with the remaining funds provided by the People's Transportation Plan (PTP), completing the local funding commitment.
Over the years the county has taken steps to expand its public transportation network. In 2016, the commission endorsed the SMART Plan as approved by the Transportation Planning Organization, calling for expansion of six rapid transit corridors: Beach Corridor, East-West Corridor, Kendall Corridor, North Corridor, Northeast Corridor and the South Dade Transitway.
In June, Miami Today reported, President Joseph Biden earmarked $263.7 million for the corridor. The rail line is targeted to provide commuter rail 19 hours a day and seven days a week starting in December 2027 over 13.5 miles of the Florida East Coast Railway corridor from downtown's Miami Central Station to Aventura.
This approval advances the project into the New Starts Engineering phase of the FTA Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. Prior to the project's consideration for a full funding grant agreement, Miami-Dade County must submit a revised financial plan and then will need approval from Congress.
"We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for continuing to support this critical project and our SMART Program to offer more affordable transportation options to our community," said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement.
Given the current political climate and the Republican-led Houre of Representatives, the measure is unlikely to be approved by Congress soon, Miami Today reported mid-June. If the Democrats gain a majority in the election, however, it could tip the House scales, currently weighing in today with 218 Republicans, 213 Democrats and four vacancies.
Despite the delay on the federal level, the Northeast Corridor rail line to link downtown and Aventura is on track, at least locally.
"The Northeast Corridor and its local commuter rail service will help reduce traffic and give many residents, especially in underserved areas, more options to access jobs, education and opportunities. This service will be a gamechanger for those who need it most as we continue building the future of transit in Miami-Dade," the mayor said.
The project is a cornerstone of the SMART Program that aims to address regional mobility needs by delivering safer, more efficient rapid transit solutions for residents and visitors through key transit corridors. The project has received strong support throughout the planning phases, achieving a "Medium-High" rating from the FTA based on technical, financial, and legal evaluations.
"This announcement by the FTA marks a commitment to a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive Miami-Dade County," said County Commission Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert III in a written statement.
"Whether it's jobs, housing, or educational opportunities, the federal support for the Northeast Corridor will bring transformative change and make it easier for people to connect with what matters most in their lives," Mr. Gilbert said.
"The Federal Transit Administration's $389 million pledge in Miami-Dade's Northeast Corridor is a tremendous step forward in creating a modern, connected transit system that serves our residents and visitors," said commission transportation committee Chair Eileen Higgins in a statement. "This funding commitment is a testament to our community's vision and reflects the dedication of our federal partners in the Biden-Harris Administration. With stops in vibrant areas such as Wynwood, Little Haiti, and the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, expanding and improving our transit options will reduce traffic congestion, promote a cleaner environment, and provide thousands with better access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities."
"I'm excited to see the Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project advance to the engineering phase," added Commissioner Micky Steinberg, who represents much of the area involved. "This milestone is a big step toward providing our community with more accessible and sustainable transit options for our residents. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the administration, and the FTA as we build a more connected future for Miami-Dade County."
"I am so pleased that Miami-Dade County can receive up to $389.5 million in a federal grant commitment to fund this project. This development both signals the success of our SMART program but also embodies our ongoing commitment to enhancing and democratizing mobility for all residents," said Commissioner Marleine Bastien.
The county's transit department, currently without a director, will continue to work closely with FDOT District 6 and 4, as well as Brightline, FECR [the Florida East Coast Railway, which tracks would be used for the corridor], and Broward County, to finalize engineering design and promptly initiate procurement and pre-construction activities immediately, the release said.
The Northeast Corridor marks the first segment of the 85-mile Coastal Link commuter rail, aimed at connecting Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties. Spanning 13.5 miles, the project aims to leverage the existing rail corridor shared with Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway freight services.
The aim is to integrate the Miami Central and West Aventura stations while adding five new stops, providing direct connections to Wynwood, the Design District, Little Haiti, North Miami, and the FIU North Campus.
Additionally, the project includes enhancements to the existing rail yard and rail vehicle maintenance storage facility in Hialeah owned by the Florida Department of Transportation.
