ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando International Airport will become a first-of-its-kind transportation hub after Governor Rick Scott announced Monday that a train station will be added to the airport.
"It's another great news day in Orlando," Scott said at his press conference.
Surrounded by local and state officials, Scott proudly announced he's pledging about $215 million in state tax dollars to Orlando International Airport. The money will go to building a plane, train and ground transportation hub at the airport.
"Think how it's going to continue building this region," Scott said.
The project will cost $680 million and is expected to generate billions for the local economy through tourism and the creation of jobs.
"I think it's going to be positive and beneficial," Scott said.
The hub would serve as the central station for All Aboard Florida's train service. But before trains can get to OIA, an additional 40 miles of rail has to be added to the 200 miles already in place.
An Orlando-to-Miami train is slated to operate along the I-95 corridor in 2015.
"The airport's growing, the region's growing and this is part of that expansion," Scott said.
The governor said he wants to spend the money on the transportation hub to help Florida's continued economic recovery.
WFTV
