STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — Brightline says it’s pushing ahead with plans for a passenger station in Stuart, despite objections from Florida East Coast Railway, saying those objections lack merit.
The company says it has reviewed a letter recently sent by FEC to local leaders and told CBS12 News on Thursday that the issues raised don’t pose real regulatory or operational roadblocks. According to Brightline, the proposed station would fully comply with all U.S. Coast Guard rules, including those tied to the railroad bridge over the St. Lucie River.
Stuart Mayor Sean Reed says the letter echoes the opinions of the city commission.
“I think it reiterates what the City Commission majority was pushing for to protect hard earned taxpayers in the city of Stuart,” said Reed.
Martin County is partnering with Brightline to request $69.3 million in Federal-State Partnership funding from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to build a Brightline rail station in Stuart. (Martin County)
FEC, which owns the tracks Brightline operates on, has told city officials it does not support a passenger stop in Stuart. The company warned that stopping trains at a station could keep the railroad bridge down longer than allowed, potentially interfering with boat traffic and federal navigation requirements. FEC also argues Brightline doesn’t have the necessary agreements to build a station on its property and says construction can’t move forward without its approval.
As the fight continues between FEC and Brightline, Reed says the likelihood of a future station worsens.
“I think the goalpost has moved continually. The more research that I do into this agenda item, the more stuff I find out,” Reed said.
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Brightline disagrees. The company says regulatory compliance has been a key part of its planning from the start and points to similar stations around the state that already operate within federal safety and navigation standards. Brightline says its goal is still to expand passenger rail service and deliver what it calls a major benefit for the Treasure Coast.
All of this comes as Brightline and Martin County continue to seek federal funding for the project, while questions about the station’s future remain a topic of debate among local leaders, rail companies, and residents. Brightline says it remains committed to working with Martin County to move the proposal forward and resolve remaining concerns.
One Stuart resident tells CBS12 News that political drama casts a shadow on the need for more public transportation in the city.
“All I know is that I would like there to be better transportation available to the people. We need it. Bottom line,” said Zina Fayache.