In a strange way, both sides kind of won.
If you wanted a Brightline train station in Stuart, you may get it.
If you didn’t want the city of Stuart to foot millions of dollars towards construction, that’s also now the case.
There were boxes of yellow t-shirts outside Martin County Commission chambers for supporters to wear Tuesday, and signs in favor of Brightline.
“This is an economic engine for the county for decades to come,” said supporter Sherry Lee.
Region Martin County
Back on track? Martin Co. commissioners move forward with Brightline plan
Brooke Chau
The county commission voted unanimously Tuesday to a new agreement with the rail company.
“Its going to be a great addition to the city. It’s for the future, not the past,” said Glenn Kellis.
The deal hinges on a $15 million county commitment, along with securing grants for the rest of the $45 million station project, which would hopefully be in operation by 2028.
“We still have a lot of work to do but we know today was a big milestone in getting a station built here in Martin County,” said Ben Porritt, a senior VP with Brightline.