Mayor of Stuart says Brightline station will cost about this much

The plans to stop the Brightline train in Stuart are causing a lot of noise.

“I hope they deny everything because it’s a private company and we shouldn’t be paying for it,” said Martin County resident Bob Smith.

“Yes, it will cost money, but to get back and forth and to get to the places you want to go without taking the car, I guess you have to pay the price,” added Camille Braud, a visitor from Martin County.

Camille Braud discusses the positives and negatives of a Brightline station... — Camille Braud discusses the positives and negatives of a Brightline station in Stuart.

The biggest question for residents and the Stuart City Commission was the price.

This week, newly elected City Commissioner Sean Reed asked for the Brightline agreement to be reviewed at the next commission meeting.

“The biggest problem was cost,” Reed said. “Cost was the biggest concern.”

The original $60 million plan was to be funded with $15 million from Brightline, $15 million from Martin County and up to $30 million from Stuart.

City Commissioner Sean Reed speaks to WPTV about the cost of building a Brightline station... — City Commissioner Sean Reed speaks to WPTV about the cost of building a Brightline station in Stuart.

However, the lease agreement already signed by the City of Stuart provides for up to $30 million in city funds and $15 million in Martin County funds to build a station. But Stuart Mayor Campbell Rich told WPTV reporter Cassandra Garcia that he expects the price to be much lower.

“About $13 (million),” Rich said. “It will be the smallest station on the line.”

Stuart Mayor Campbell Rich explains why he believes the cost of a Brightline station is not... — Stuart Mayor Campbell Rich explains why he believes the cost of a Brightline station will not be as high as estimated.

The mayor said the cost will be split between the city and Martin County, with each contributing $6.5 million. Ultimately, he is confident that much of the cost will not have to be passed on to taxpayers at all.

“I’m very confident the grants will be awarded,” Rich said. “The city has no interest in wasting taxpayers’ money.”

Local residents hope this is true.

Read more about WPTV’s coverage of Brightline below: