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A plan to use state money to build a commuter rail in Central Florida is picking up steam. The CSX SunRail legislation passed its first Senate committee Wednesday.

The legislation was derailed in the senate last year. Supporters and opponents of the plan to build 61 miles of track at a cost of 850 million state dollars showed up in full force. State Senator Arthenia Joyner worries about a provision in the bill that holds the state liable if anyone is hurt on the CSX tracks.

“The people of Florida should not have to indemnify for a multi-million dollar corporation. If you buy it and you make a mistake, and you cause injury, harm or death to people, then you should be responsible for it, not the state of Florida,” said Joyner.

Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty supports the SunRail. Crotty said the commuter rail would create jobs and pump money into the economy.

“It is a major enhancement to our economy. It’s a major enhancement to our transportation alternatives and I think it keeps us ahead of the curve in the economic downturn,” said Crotty.

The SunRail would run from Volusia County though downtown Orlando to Osceola County.