CITY OF COCOA, SPACE COAST TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ORGANIZATION ANNOUNCE HISTORIC FEDERAL GRANT AWARD FOR COCOA MULTIMODAL RAIL STATION

Brevard, FL (August 11, 2026) — Today, the City of Cocoa and the Space Coast Transportation Planning Organization (SCTPO) proudly announce a monumental milestone for regional transportation. The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has officially selected the Cocoa Multimodal Station and Rail Project for the highly competitive National Railroad Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program, awarding approximately $57.5 million to help bring passenger rail service directly to the Space Coast through final design and construction of the Cocoa Multimodal station. 

 

Securing a highly competitive federal grant of this magnitude requires immense technical preparation, financial commitment, and inter-agency trust. This achievement reflects years of collaboration among local, regional, state, and federal partners who share a common vision for the future of transportation on the Space Coast.

 

“Brightline already connects Orlando to South Florida, and now we are one major step closer to bringing that connection directly to the Space Coast,” said Congressman Mike Haridopolos. “This $57.5 million investment will make the Cocoa Multimodal Station a reality, giving residents and visitors another way to travel across our state while supporting the continued growth of Brevard County. I am proud that I secured this funding to bring this critical transportation investment home to Florida’s 8th District.”

 

This milestone marks the culmination of a decade-long shared vision to bring high-speed passenger rail directly to Brevard County. Brightline Trains currently operates its premier passenger rail service right through the heart of the Space Coast, connecting Orlando International Airport to Miami along the Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) tracks. These tracks run parallel to US 1 through Brevard County, beginning at SR 528 (Beachline) and running south. While residents have watched these trains pass by, today’s joint grant success ensures the project will seamlessly move forward into its Final Design and Construction phases, connecting the Space Coast directly to destinations throughout Florida.

 

The City of Cocoa and SCTPO have a long, dedicated history of supporting the relaunch of passenger rail in Florida. In 2016, in response to Brightline’s private endeavor to provide higher-speed rail service, the SCTPO conducted an initial Station Location Analysis. 

 

That benchmark study identified the Cocoa location near US 1/SR 528 and SR 501 (Clearlake Road) as the preferred location for a train station to support the region’s economy, bolster tourism, and advance the public transportation vision described in the region's Long Range Transportation Plan.

 

Building on that foundation, the SCTPO completed a formal Intermodal Feasibility Station Study in October 2024. The study zeroed in on intermodal connectivity, estimated travel demand, prepared station area concept plans, and conducted a “Shape Your Station” survey, which reinforced strong community support for passenger rail in the Space Coast region. 

 

This historic federal grant award secures the vital investment required to advance the project into its final development stages, design and construction.

 

For the City of Cocoa, the lead applicant on the grant, this award represents an economic catalyst that will reshape local mobility and facilitate easier access to nationally renowned destinations like Kennedy Space Center (17 miles away) and Port Canaveral (10 miles away). 

 

"This is a transformational moment for the City of Cocoa and the entire Space Coast," said Cocoa Mayor Michael C. Blake. "This station in Cocoa will serve as a catalyst for economic growth, increased tourism, and expanded transportation options for residents and visitors alike. The Space Coast will no longer be a pass-through for passenger rail. This is an investment in our community’s future and a milestone that will benefit generations to come.

 

The complex multi-agency coordination required to build this world-class multimodal hub has been a multi-year administrative focus for city staff. 

 

"Advancing the Cocoa Station into final design and construction is a significant milestone that positions our community for long-term economic growth, expanded mobility, and enhanced regional connectivity," said Cocoa City Manager Stockton Whitten. "We are proud to help bring this transformative project one step closer to reality.

 

“From the very beginning, this has been a true community project, shaped by the voices, needs, and shared vision of our residents," said Georganna Gillette, SCTPO Executive Director. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure its incredible benefits are felt directly across the entire Space Coast.”

 

Echoing the importance of this grant award, SCTPO Governing Board Chair, Mayor Andrew Connors, stated “This project represents a significant step toward expanding transportation options and connecting our community to the future of passenger rail in Florida.”

 

Project Scope & Corridor Allocation

The total combined capital investment will be directly utilized to build out the following infrastructure components:

• Station Infrastructure: Final design and construction of a brand-new, in-line passenger station featuring family-friendly amenities. On-site circulation and parking facilities will be developed on land already owned by the project partners to optimize resource management.
• Track and Rail Optimization: Laying approximately four additional miles of double track and installing all necessary rail infrastructure within the existing corridor to ensure smooth, efficient passenger operations.
• Station Construction and Operations: As part of the federal award, Brightline Trains will partner with the City of Cocoa to construct the station. Brightline will maintain and operate the new Cocoa station.

“Brightline is thrilled to partner with the City of Cocoa and the SCTPO on this monumental step forward for Florida’s transportation infrastructure,” said Patrick Goddard, CEO of Brightline Trains Florida. “From the moment we launched our Orlando expansion, the Space Coast has been an important part of our vision. This grant is a testament to the power of public-private collaboration, and we look forward to building, operating, and welcoming passengers to a world-class station that connects Brevard County to the rest of the state.”

The City of Cocoa and SCTPO extend their sincere appreciation to the Federal Railroad Administration for recognizing the immense economic power and community value, as well as our local and congressional champions who have continuously advocated for our region's infrastructure needs. 

 

“By securing this grant, we are establishing another vital mode choice for our Brevard community, allowing our residents and visitors to effortlessly travel south to Miami, across the state to Orlando, and potentially at some point, straight through to Tampa,” stated Brevard County D5 Commissioner, Thad Altman.

 

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ABOUT BRIGHTLINE

Brightline seamlessly connects travelers to top destinations and major events between Central and South Florida with stations in Miami, Aventura, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. The company offers a hospitality-centric experience designed to reinvent train travel at a comparable price to driving or flying. Brightline is recognized as one of TIME100’s Most Influential Companies, one of the World’s 50 Most Innovative by Fast Company and one of the fastest-growing private companies in the Southeast by Inc. The company focuses on city pairs that are too close to fly and too long to drive. Construction is currently underway to connect Las Vegas to Southern California. For more information, visit  www.gobrightline.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

 

MEDIA CONTACTS

Ashley Blasewitz, Brightline, ashley.blasewitz@gobrightline.com

Michael Hicks, Brightline, mhicks@bltrain.com