A federal court judge on Monday rejected each of Indian River County’s legal challenges to All Aboard Florida, throwing out the county’s latest…
A federal court judge on Monday rejected each of Indian River County’s legal challenges to All Aboard Florida, throwing out the county’s latest lawsuit against the passenger railroad, formerly Brightline and now known as Virgin Trains USA.
Dismissal of the lawsuit apparently clears the way for construction of the new rail corridor through the Treasure Coast and Space Coast. Officials of the railroad have said construction would begin early next year, with completion of the $2.1 billion extension from West Palm Beach to Orlando eyed for sometime in 2021.
The entire project — between Miami and Orlando — is expected to cost at least $3.7 billion.
In a 72-page memo supporting dismissal of the case, Judge Christopher Cooper methodically picked apart Indian River County’s two main arguments, siding in each case with The U. S. Department of Transportation and All Aboard Florida, parent company of Brightline and Virgin Trains.
More: Indian River may file new lawsuit over cost of maintaining crossings
More: Martin, Indian River counties have spent more than $7 million fighting Brightline
The county had argued that the Department of Transportation improperly allocated $1.
