Report: Miami-Dade train project gets state funding, but mayor not sold

Why it matters: Building out the Northeast Corridor line — with planned stops in Wynwood, Little Haiti and North Miami — would be a big win for public transit in Miami-Dade County.

• The proposed commuter line — which aims to eventually connect to Broward and Palm Beach counties — would give South Floridians an eastern alternative to the Tri-Rail.

Driving the news: The Florida Department of Transportation added back the funding after it was removed from the state budget last year, WLRN reports.

• The $927 million project, also known as the Coastal Link, would run on existing railroad lines used by Brightline and owned by the Florida East Coast Railway.
• Brightline plans to build the commuter line, with Miami-Dade expected to contribute about $338 million and the federal government $389 million, per WLRN.
• Miami-Dade would also pay operating costs and track-access fees, per the Miami Herald.

Yes, but: Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava is not yet sold that the Brightline proposal is the best deal for taxpayers, the Herald reports.

• A consultant hired by the county produced a report with several concerns about the deal, including the risk of cost overruns and a dispute between Brightline and a cargo train company that also has access to the tracks, according to the newspaper.