Timeline

Timeline outlining milestones with Brightline, Martin County and the City of Stuart

Where We Are Now

  • September 9, 2024
    The City of Stuart rescinded 2 of 3 agreements with Brightline and Martin County. 
  • September 10, 2024
    The Board withdrew the agenda items and directed staff to begin conversations with the City of Stuart and Brightline, and, if needed, individual negotiations with Brightline. 
  • September 23, 2024
    The City of Stuart discussed Brightline at their commission meeting with direction to renew negotiations with Martin County and Brightline. 
  • September 24
     The Board held a discussion about Brightline. 
  • Martin County is currently under the 2018 Settlement Agreement with Brightline

2018 Settlement Agreement

Railroad crossing upgrades
Vehicle presence detection, exit gates, sidewalks, pavement markings, signage and quiet zones

$1M toward reimbursement for Martin County to install fencing

Brightline shares Martin County's responsibility for crossing maintenance fees with 14-year cap 

Station on the Treasure Coast
Within 5 years of passenger rail service from West Palm Beach to Orlando

Martin County's contribution not to exceed 50% of station construction cost

Consistent bridge openings and bridge monitor
 

 

Amended Settlement Agreement with Brightline

Brightline will construct an additional 6.6 miles of fening for safety

Removes Brightline's oblication for the 50/50 cost of construction of an aerial pedestrian bridge, but must allow for the future construction of a pedestrian bridge at station site

Martin County's payment of up to $15M (maximum) and coneyance of land satisfies the 2018 agreement requiring Martin to pay up to 50% of the station cost

Upon completion of the station, at leas two northbound and two southbound trains will stop in Stuart

Proposed Interlocal Agreement with City of Stuart

Martin County will convey 2.35 acres to the City of Stuart through an executed agreement

The City of Stuart agrees to provide 545 parking spaces within 1/4 mile of the Martin County Courthouse

Martin County agrees to pay 50% of construction costs of the train station and the City of Stuart agrees to pay for the construction costs of the parking garage

 

Proposed Amended Interlocal Agreement with City of Stuart

Martin County requires a restrictive covenant in the County deed requiring the property is used solely for public purposes

The City of Stuart will lease the property to Brightline to develop a train station and 200 parking spaces

Martin County commits up to $15M and the City of Stuart commits up to $30M for the design and development of a train station

The Tourist Development Council allocated $800K to promote and establish the Stuart Brightline Station with Bed Tax