Lisa Broadt ,
lisa.broadt@tcpalm.com
Published 3:26 p.m. ET July 10, 2017
The last of several Treasure Coast legal challenges to Brightline was dropped by Martin County on Friday, a development that could ease All Aboard Florida’s path to Phase 2 of the project.
Martin County had contested validity of the Florida Development Finance Corp. approving $1.75 billion of tax-free bonds for All Aboard Florida's passenger railroad, which is to run between Miami and Orlando, with stops in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
It's to begin limited service, between Miami and West Palm Beach, this fall, with expansion to Orlando still several years away.
From the outset, the project has sparked opposition from the Treasure Coast, but has been greeted warmly along the Space Coast.
Martin County, in its legal challenge, filed in Orange County, argued the Finance Corp. failed to afford the county due process, and that the Finance Corp. decision lacked “competent, substantial evidence."
But on Friday, the county dropped the case.
“Brightline continues progress on its Phase 2 extension to Orlando." We look forward to continuing to work with the communities in the Treasure Coast, especially on partnerships with quiet zones, similar to our efforts in South Florida," the company said in an email. "These are important steps forward as we build a transportation system for Florida’s future.”
Martin and Indian River counties have allocated or spent more than $6 million in their legal fight against All Aboard Florida.
http://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/loc...ped/464248001/
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What a frivolous waste of taxpayer money by Martin & Indian River counties.
Now unto to Orlando !
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