What Martin Co. just did to 'salvage' future Brightline station

A Brightline station could be back in the mix for Martin County.

County commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a plan to finalize negotiations with Brightline — or any other interested high-speed rail provider — even if they have to do it without help from the city of Stuart.

The county is offering two sites for a station: one is located behind the Martin County Courthouse in downtown Stuart while the other is at the county fairgrounds about 2 miles south.

"We're all in. We're going to do whatever we can to get a train station for the people of Martin County," County Commission Chairman Harold Jenkins said.

The county said it would still welcome the city of Stuart's participation, even after the city rescinded its agreement with Brightline last month.

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The public comments before Tuesday's vote were a mix of go slow and go now.

"Let’s not rush into anything. I don't think we have to," resident John Dial said.

"Hold off and let the new commission have input on these issues," added resident Roger Lloyd.

"We need this station not only for our tourism-based economy but for the lifestyle of its residents," Steven Vitale, who owns the Old Colorado Inn, said.

"We love rail travel, it's easy for families," Bonnie Moser added.

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Commissioners stressed with a grant deadline approaching in mid-December, time is of the essence to get a deal done.

"Adding this piece to it I think is the most important thing we could do as a county commission," Martin County Commissioner Doug Smith.

County leaders told WPTV that they're looking at what's best for the community in the short and long term by capping the county investment at $15 million and requiring Brightline to build and maintain any safety fencing.

"We have 32 trains a day that come through our community, and we've got to get some benefit out of it," Jenkins said. "We're going to make every effort to salvage our agreement with Brightline and try to acquire a train station in Martin County."

The hope is that at the next commission meeting on Nov. 12 there will be a vote on a new high-speed rail agreement.

Read more of WPTV's Brightline coverage below:

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