TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A bill that would clear the way for commuter and high-speed rail systems is heading to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist's desk.

Final passage came Tuesday in the Florida Senate on a bipartisan 27-10 vote to close out a six-day special legislative session. It easily passed in the House on Monday.

Crist is a strong supporter of the bill (HB 1B) and is expected to sign it into law.

The measure includes a liability provision needed to create the SunRail commuter system in Central Florida and others that might follow elsewhere.

Construction could begin within months, but it could take 18 months before the rails begin to run on the first stretch from DeLand to Poinciana.

Federal official have warned that Florida needs to have a link to commuter lines in order to have any chance of obtaining $2.6 billion in stimulus for a high-speed line between Tampa and Orlando.

The state will pay track owner CSX $430 million to buy and upgrade the existing rail line. Local governments have agreed to pay about $150 million of the construction costs as well as operating costs after seven years.

The commuter rail is expected to have a little over 2,000 people riding it round-trip each day.

Attorney General Bill McCollum issued a statement on the passage of the bill.

"I applaud the Florida Legislature for coming together and passing this legislation, which will mean the creation of jobs and a much-needed boost to Florida's economy. The completion of this project will be a crucial step toward Florida's transportation future," McCollum said.