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A number of Orlando officials, including Mayor Rich Crotty were in the state capitol today for the opening of the legislative session. There is a heavy lobbying effort to pass the 61-mile, four county Sun Rail or CSX deal. Lobbyist Fred Leonhardt says he thinks the commuter rail deal could pass early in the session, in part because the project is “shovel ready”.

“It’s ready to go.  The approval is in place. All four counties that are involved with this project have approved it unanimously,” Leonhardt said. “The city of Orlando has approved this unanimously. We’ve had great support from Mayor Dyer and Mayor Crotty, leading the effort. And hopefully it will happen early in session.”

Funding for the SunRail project was approved last year, and a stumbling block over who would be liable if there were an accident has been resolved. The Commuter Rail project has the backing of Governor Charlie Crist as well as both US Senators.