STUART (CBS12) — The long-planned Brightline station in downtown Stuart has been delayed again, with county officials now projecting the earliest opening in 2028.

The setback comes after the Federal Railroad Administration did not approve Martin County’s request for $45 million in grant money this year. That funding was expected to cover most of the project’s $60 million cost, with the remaining $15 million to be covered locally.

Instead, the federal grant program was restructured and reissued, expanding the pool of money to more than $5 billion nationwide and resetting the rules, priorities, and deadlines.

Martin County’s application was wiped out, forcing officials to start over and reapply.

The new deadline is Jan. 7, 2026, with funding decisions expected by that summer.

Assistant

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