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DRAFT Subject to modifications rail corridor can be softened appropriately to better complement downtown redevelopment efforts. (7) Tri -Rail Coastal Link Access Negotiations Since 2004, local governments in Miami -Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties have been working with FDOT and other agencies towards the extension of Tri -Rail commuter service on the FEC rail corridor. Access negotiations between FDOT, FECI, and the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority (SFRTA) began last year. AAF stations in West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami have been designed to accommodate future Tri -Rail service as well. This multi -modal connectivity can extend the benefits of the AAF service to other local governments where additional Tri -Rail stations would be located. To help reduce project impacts and costs to local governments, the following mitigating measure is suggested: • Finalize Reasonable Access Fees and Terms for Tri -Rail Coastal Link Service: FECI, FDOT, and SFRTA should work together to determine reasonable access fees and terms to enable commuter service to be established on the corridor from Jupiter to Miami in conjunction with the development of the AAF project. Conclusion The proposed AAF service represents a unique opportunity to expand the utilization of a private freight corridor for economic benefit and mobility. The FEC rail corridor provides a connection to dozens of historic downtowns, both large and small, that were all once "railroad towns." However, the service as currently proposed does not consider the corridor's development pattern, locating only three stations in southeast Florida, where economic benefit is focused. The balance of the Region is bypassed, which imposes project costs without meaningful benefit. The project's navigational impacts at the Loxahatchee River and St. Lucie River are considerable, and measures to reduce these impacts, including the potential for freight reallocation and regulatory adjustment, remain outstanding. Other potential project benefits, such as broadband access, quiet zones, grade crossing improvements, and commuter rail access, also warrant further evaluation. These significant issues should be raised for consideration in the EIS well in advance of its publication to ensure their thorough evaluation by the FRA and collaborating agencies. Further, given the magnitude of potential impacts from the proposed project, efforts should be taken to arrange a FRA workshop in the Region for local governments and others to fully understand the process and methods by which public comments will be received and evaluated. These issues have also been communicated in correspondence to Governor Scott, the Treasure Coast Legislative Delegation, and the Treasure Coast Congressional Delegation. This correspondence is attached. 8