Martin County‘s plan to build a Brightline station in Stuart faces a significant delay after the federal government rescinded the original grant opportunity, requiring the county to reapply for funding. The Brightline grant delay has pushed back the timeline for the proposed $60 million station, as officials now prepare a revised application for the newly rebranded National Railroad Partnership Program. The uncertainty comes amid ongoing county and city disputes over the Brightline project in Stuart, highlighting the region’s divided stance on the future of passenger rail service.
Brightline Grant Delay Forces Martin County to Reapply
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, no funds were awarded in the previous grant cycle for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program. On September 22, 2024, federal officials announced that all applicants, including Martin County, must submit new applications with updated data requested by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
The new deadline to reapply for the National Railroad Partnership Program is January 7, 2026. According to FRA spokesperson Warren Flatau, recipients of the grant could be notified in the first or second quarter of 2026. This Brightline grant delay is expected to postpone the Stuart station project by at least nine months.
Funding Structure and Local Commitment for Brightline Station
Martin County is seeking $45 million in federal funds to support the Brightline station at 500 Southeast Flagler Avenue in Stuart. The county has committed up to $15 million of its own money toward the project, according to county spokesperson Martha Ann Kneiss.
If the grant is not awarded by June 30, 2027, both Brightline and Martin County have the option to withdraw from the agreement made in November 2024. Assistant County Administrator George Stokus noted that this option could be renegotiated if needed.
National Railroad Partnership Program: $5 Billion Available
The U.S. Department of Transportation has made more than $5 billion available nationwide for eligible projects under the National Railroad Partnership Program. According to FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley, the funding will help advance the agency’s top priority of making railroads safer, with a focus on grade crossing improvements and passenger rail reliability. Recent financial reports show that Brightline’s revenue has continued to grow even as ridership numbers fluctuate, demonstrating the company’s ongoing financial commitment to expanding service.
Martin County’s revised application will include new data requested by the FRA, as part of the reapplication process. The county hopes to secure the necessary funds to move the Brightline station forward, but the outcome will not be known until at least 2026.
Local Political and Community Tensions Over Brightline Station
The Brightline grant delay has intensified existing tensions between Martin County and the City of Stuart. In September 2024, Stuart city commissioners voted to oppose the station project, rescinding key agreements with Brightline and the county. City officials cited concerns about taxpayer liability and the lack of direct financial contribution from Brightline.
Despite the city’s opposition, Martin County commissioners have proceeded with their agreement with Brightline. County Commission Vice Chair Ed Ciampi stated that the potential loss of $40 or $50 million in federal funding is not insurmountable, given the larger pool of available funds.
Brightline Safety Concerns Along the Treasure Coast
The Federal Railroad Administration has also announced over $42 million for safety improvements along the Brightline corridor from Miami to Cocoa. These funds will be used for fencing, upgraded rail crossings, and a trespassing alert system.
Since September 28, 2023, there have been 19 incidents involving Brightline trains on the Treasure Coast, resulting in eight deaths and seven injuries, according to federal data. A TCPalm analysis in 2023 found that Brightline tracks were previously the most dangerous in the United States, with the highest fatality rate per mile for any U.S. railroad in 2022. One tragic Brightline train crash in Fort Pierce left a lasting impact on the community and has further fueled calls for enhanced safety measures along the corridor.
Federal Priorities and Safety Grants
FRA Acting Administrator Drew Feeley stated, “These funds will significantly enhance and strengthen grade crossing safety, along with other eligible uses related to passenger rail capacity and reliability.” According to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, safety grants have been delayed for years, placing Brightline’s three million annual passengers and Florida communities at risk.
Timeline and Next Steps for Martin County’s Brightline Station
If Martin County’s revised grant application is successful, the Brightline station in Stuart could open as early as 2028. However, the Brightline grant delay means that construction and planning will remain on hold until federal funding decisions are announced in 2026.
Summary Table: Martin County Brightline Station Grant Situation
- Project Cost: $60 million
- County Contribution: Up to $15 million
- Federal Grant Sought: $45 million (National Railroad Partnership Program)
- Grant Status: Previous cycle rescinded; reapplication required by Jan 7, 2026
- Decision Timeline: Recipients notified Q1 or Q2 2026
- Local Politics: City of Stuart rescinded support; county proceeding independently
- Safety Concerns: FRA prioritizing safety; Brightline has high incident rate
- Projected Opening: 2028 (if funding secured)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brightline Grant Delay
What caused the Brightline grant delay for Martin County?
The U.S. Department of Transportation rescinded the original grant opportunity, requiring all applicants to reapply with updated data. No funds were awarded in the previous cycle, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.
How much federal funding is Martin County seeking for the Brightline station?
Martin County is seeking $45 million in federal grants to help fund the $60 million Brightline station project in Stuart.
When will Martin County know if it receives the Brightline grant?
Grant recipients could be notified in the first or second quarter of 2026, after the new application deadline of January 7, 2026.
Are there safety improvements planned along the Brightline corridor?
Yes, the Federal Railroad Administration is making over $42 million available for safety upgrades, including fencing, improved crossings, and a trespassing alert system along the Brightline route from Miami to Cocoa.
Can Martin County and Brightline withdraw from the agreement if funding is not secured?
Yes, both parties have the option to back out of the deal if the grant is not awarded by June 30, 2027. This condition helps minimize local financial risk.
Port St Lucie Talks
