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The Miami-Dade Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW) has announced that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has approved its request for funding for the Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project and could receive up to $389.5 million in federal grants.
This approval advances the project into the New Starts Engineering phase of the FTA Capital Investment Grant (CIG) program. Prior to the project’s consideration for a Full Funding Grant Agreement, Miami-Dade County must submit a revised financial plan, and then will need approval from Congress.
“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris administration and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg for continuing to support this critical project and our SMART Program to offer more affordable transportation options to our community,” said Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “The Northeast Corridor and its local commuter rail service will help reduce traffic and give many residents, especially in underserved areas, more options to access jobs, education and opportunities. This service will be a gamechanger for those who need it most as we continue building the future of transit in Miami-Dade.”
The Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project is a cornerstone of Miami-Dade Strategic Miami Area Rapid Transit (SMART) Program, that aims to address regional mobility needs by delivering safer, more efficient rapid transit solutions for residents and visitors through five key transit corridors. The project has received strong support throughout the planning phases, achieving a “Medium-High” rating from the FTA based on rigorous technical, financial, and legal evaluations.
“This announcement by the FTA marks a commitment to a more accessible, resilient, and inclusive Miami-Dade County. Whether it’s jobs, housing, or educational opportunities, the federal support for the Northeast Corridor will bring transformative change and make it easier for people to connect with what matters most in their lives,” said County Commission chair Oliver G. Gilbert III.
“The Federal Transit Administration’s $389 million pledge in Miami-Dade’s Northeast Corridor is a tremendous step forward in creating a modern, connected transit system that serves our residents and visitors,” said Miami-Dade Commissioner Eileen Higgins. “This funding commitment is a testament to our community’s vision and reflects the dedication of our federal partners in the Biden-Harris Administration.
“With stops in vibrant areas such as Wynwood, Little Haiti, and the FIU Biscayne Bay campus, expanding and improving our transit options will reduce traffic congestion, promote a cleaner environment, and provide thousands with better access to jobs, healthcare, and educational opportunities. I am proud to advocate for this vital project alongside our partners and thank DTPW for their commitment to transforming how we move across Miami-Dade,” Commissioner Higgins added.
“I’m excited to see the Northeast Corridor Rapid Transit Project advance to the engineering phase,” added Miami-Dade Commissioner Micky Steinberg. “This milestone is a big step toward providing our community with more accessible and sustainable transit options for our residents. I look forward to working with my colleagues, the administration, and the FTA as we build a more connected future for Miami-Dade County.”
Miami-Dade Commissioner Marleine Bastien said, “I am so pleased that Miami-Dade County can receive up to $389.5 million in a federal grant commitment to fund this project. This development both signals the success of our SMART program but also embodies our ongoing commitment to enhancing and democratizing mobility for all residents.
“This project will provide affordable, accessible, and quicker transportation options, particularly for underserved communities who have historically relied on public transportation. It’s also an incredibly necessary step toward reducing traffic congestion, aiding our efforts to be good environmental stewards, and opening new avenues for employment and education,” Commissioner Bastien added.
DTPW will continue to work closely with FDOT District 6 and 4, as well as Brightline, FECR, and Broward County, to finalize engineering design and promptly initiate procurement and pre-construction activities immediately.
The Northeast Corridor marks the first segment of the 85-mile Coastal Link commuter rail, aimed at connecting Miami-Dade with Broward and Palm Beach counties. Spanning 13.5 miles, the project leverages the existing rail corridor shared with Brightline and Florida East Coast Railway (FECR) freight services. It will integrate the Miami Central and West Aventura stations while adding five new stops, providing direct connections to Wynwood, Design District, Little Haiti, North Miami, and the FIU North Campus. Additionally, the project includes enhancements to the existing rail yard and rail vehicle maintenance storage facility in Hialeah, owned by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
The total capital cost of the project is estimated at $927.3 million. The $389.5 million federal grant accounts for 42 percent of the total funding. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has committed $200 million (22 percent), with the remaining funds provided by the People’s Transportation Plan (PTP), completing the local funding commitment. Together, these contributions ensure the project will move forward without financial obstacles.
“We are thrilled with this development advancing our rapid transit vision for Miami-Dade County,” said Eulois Cleckley, director and CEO of DTPW. “This funding commitment represents a momentous step forward in our efforts to provide much-needed commuter rail service options for the residents and businesses of Northeast Miami-Dade. We thank the FTA and also the Florida Department of Transportation for their collaboration on this critical project.”
This transformative project will revitalize communities along the corridor, delivering enhanced mobility options and new economic opportunities.
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