INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Board of County Commissioners unanimously agreed to seek the assistance of an attorney knowledgeable of the environmental impact studies (EIS) process in preparation of the upcoming public comment period for the EIS regarding All Aboard Florida.
All Aboard Florida and its parent company, Florida East Coast Industries, originally presented plans to build tracks designated for a passenger rail between Orlando and Miami as a completely private project without any State or Federal assistance.
Since their original plans, the companies have applied for a federal loan, and as a result, will have to wait as an EIS is performed. The EIS will give local government more time to gather information and organize a strategy on how to handle the controversial All Aboard Florida project going forward.
Commissioner Bob Solari suggested the Board authorize up to $100,000 to find a knowledgeable attorney that would make the most out of this public comment time for Indian River County.
“We need to do all we can now to make sure the results are as optimal as possible,” Solari said.
The Board also unanimously approved Solari’s suggestion to rescind its original letter of support for the All Aboard Florida project, taking a more neutral stance until more information is provided and questions answered.
