The Central Florida Tourism Oversight District Board of Supervisors is set to meet next Friday, and the agenda lists an item to support the proposed “Sunshine Corridor” train project that would connect the Orlando International Airport (MCO), Disney Springs, and beyond. Here’s the latest.
Disney Oversight District to Support Train from MCO to Disney Springs
The agenda item is listed as “Approve authorizing the District Administrator to negotiate the terms of and execute an agreement with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) providing $500,000 in District support for the Sunshine Corridor PD&E Study”.
The project development and environmental (PD&E) study is a necessary step needed before the project can obtain state or federal funding for the project. Last month, Universal Orlando Resort committed $2 million to the study. According to a report from local news station WKMG, the Central Florida Commuter Rail Commission is seeking about $6 million for the study.
Universal’s announcement last month was to match a $2 million commitment from the Florida Department of Transportation. The $500,000 from the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District is technically money outside of Walt Disney World, but it is money that is mostly possible thanks to taxes paid by Walt Disney World to the district. More details about the $500,000 from the CFTOD are expected next week ahead of the Board of Supervisors meeting.
In terms of other contributions toward the $6 million study target, Seminole County and the City of Orlando have already contributed $500,000 each, which brings the total funds raised to roughly $5.5 million with the CFTOD contribution.
As you can see in the graphics below, the proposed Sunshine Corridor route would provide train service from MCO towards the new Universal Epic Universe theme park, and then south toward a Disney Springs station.
Once funded, the PD&E study could take up to 2 years, with the actual train operation still many years away after that. Construction of the rail line could take 4 or 5 years once it receives the green light.
As always, keep checking back with us here at BlogMickey.com as we continue to bring you the latest news, photos, and info from around the Disney Parks!
