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Okaloosa Commissioners advocate for passenger railroad expansion in North Florida

Okaloosa County commissioners approved a letter Tuesday requesting Governor Ron DeSantis and state legislative leaders to join the Southern Rail Commission, aiming to explore passenger rail service through the Florida Panhandle.

Jared Williams

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The Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to send a letter to top Florida officials, urging the state to join the Southern Rail Commission (SRC) and explore the restoration of passenger rail service through the Florida Panhandle.

The letter, addressed to Governor Ron DeSantis, Senate President-Designate Ben Albritton, and House Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez, outlines potential benefits of passenger rail development in North Florida.

These include economic growth, enhanced regional connectivity, traffic relief, and improved quality of life for residents.

Paul Mixon, chairman of the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners, signed the letter, which emphasizes the SRC’s role in promoting “the safe, reliable, and efficient movement of people and goods to enhance economic development along rail corridors.”

The SRC, formed in 1982 through an Interstate Rail Compact, currently consists of Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Florida, as a contiguous state, is eligible for membership.

The letter highlights a recent Federal Railroad Administration proposal for a passenger rail route from Dallas to Miami, with stops in eight Florida cities. Commissioners argue that SRC membership could help Florida secure federal funding for such projects.

The board’s decision comes as the SRC has shown success in obtaining federal grants for passenger rail initiatives. In September 2023, the commission helped secure $178 million for a new route between New Orleans and Mobile.

County officials stated they are ready to collaborate with state leaders, the Florida Department of Transportation, and other stakeholders to advance this initiative.

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