A $57.5 million federal grant has been awarded to advance a new multimodal rail station in Cocoa, Brevard County. The project, led by Brightline and its partners, could bring the high-speed rail service to the Space Coast for the first time. The funding was announced August 17, 2026, and includes plans for a station that will connect to local transit, bike paths, and roadways.
The grant comes from the Federal Railroad Administration and is part of a broader effort to expand rail infrastructure in Florida. Brightline has long sought to extend its service to Brevard County, where its bright yellow trains currently stop at Orlando’s Kissimmee and West Palm Beach. The new station in Cocoa would serve as a key link between central Florida and the Space Coast, potentially reducing travel times for commuters and visitors.
Cocoa Mayor David Szymanski said the grant is a major win for the city. "This project will create jobs, improve transportation options, and boost economic development," he said in a statement. The station is expected to include a parking lot, bus lanes, and access to the Cocoa Downtown Improvement District, which has seen recent investments in walkability and mixed-use development.
Brightline officials did not immediately comment on the timeline for construction, but the grant allows the project to move forward with environmental reviews and design work. The station would be located near the intersection of State Road 520 and Highway 46, a corridor already marked by retail and office development. Local business leaders have expressed cautious optimism, noting that the station could attract new residents and visitors to the area.
The grant also includes $5 million for a feasibility study on extending Brightline service to Cape Canaveral and nearby communities. That phase would require additional funding and approvals, but the Cocoa station is the first step in what officials call a "regional transportation network" for Brevard County.