DeLAND, Fla. – Volusia County leaders are set to unveil a new $1.7 billion budget proposal Tuesday that includes major investments in public transit, housing, and storm recovery, while holding the line on property taxes.
Among the largest new commitments is $1.2 million in operational support for SunRail, the regional commuter rail line that currently extends into Volusia County. The funding comes as the county prepares to take on more responsibility for the service in the coming years.
Janice, a retiree from Daytona Beach, says she relies on SunRail for day trips and believes the investment is long overdue.
“They took the stress out of travel,” she said while visiting the DeLand station. “You get on the platform, someone’s there to help you through the kiosk. That makes a big difference, especially for older folks like me.”
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The proposed budget also includes nearly $134 million in federal disaster recovery grants, largely tied to ongoing recovery from recent hurricanes. Other allocations include funding for affordable housing, judicial facility upgrades, and infrastructure improvements like beach access and stormwater systems.
Janice says she’s followed Florida’s transportation efforts since moving to the state in 2000 and believes expanding rail options is critical.
“We have a lot of older people in this state. We have no business doing long-distance driving on busy highways,” she said. “Rail connections like SunRail and Brightline are vital, and they bring business to communities like Winter Park.”
She added that expanding public transportation isn’t just convenient, it’s cost-effective.
“It’s worth the money. Less wear on the roads, fewer accidents, it’ll save money in ways expected and unexpected,” she said.
Tuesday’s county council meeting begins at 4 p.m. at the County Administration Building in DeLand. Residents who wish to speak must submit a public participation slip to the deputy clerk before the consent agenda begins. Each speaker will have up to three minutes.