Today, Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings and the Board of County Commissioners unanimously voted to approve the petition to formally establish the Shingle Creek Transit and Utility Community Development District (SCTU).

The SCTU Community Development District will advance regional mass transit and public infrastructure improvements, meeting the needs of residents and visitors across Central Florida.

A core focus of this new District is the Sunshine Corridor — an expansion to the existing SunRail commuter line. This new east-west rail line will connect SunRail’s main line to the airport and convention center, all through a single-transfer station.

This plan will provide an easier, less stressful way for more than 125,000 residents to get to their jobs, homes, and the airport. Millions of visitors will also benefit with connectivity to our area’s world-class attractions.

Universal Orlando Resort has pledged 13 acres of land to SunRail that will be used to operate a station at the convention center, which comes at no cost to taxpayers. The District, along with all the Orlando’s Right Rail partners, will also be the guarantor of SunRail ridership on the new east-west line.

This approval brings us closer to realizing the vision of commuter rail connectivity throughout Central Florida and shaping a better future for our community.