Brightline receives $15.9 million federal grant for Orlando to Tampa route

High-speed rail operator Brightline has received an approximately $15.9 million federal grant to go toward required engineering and environmental studies for its future Orlando to Tampa route.

The funding from the United States Department of Transportation Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements grant will be matched by up to $15.9 million from Brightline.

Construction of the route linking Orlando International Airport and Tampa is several years away. Brightline plans to build the railway down the median right-of-way of Interstate 4 and other existing transportation corridors.
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Chris Curry has been a writer for the 83 Degrees Media team since 2017. Chris also served as the development editor for a time before assuming the role of managing editor in May 2022. Chris lives in Clearwater. His professional career includes more than 15 years as a newspaper reporter, primarily in Ocala and Gainesville, before moving back home to the Tampa Bay Area. He enjoys the local music scene, the warm winters and Tampa Bay's abundance of outdoor festivals and events. When he's not working or spending time with family, he can frequently be found hoofing the trails at one of Pinellas County's nature parks.