New lawsuit would keep Florida's 'higher-speed' train Brightline from reaching Orlando

By: Gunnar Shuler, Orlando Weekly

A new lawsuit seeks to slow plans to bring All Aboard Florida's "higher speed" train Brightline to Orlando.

According to the Palm Beach Post, the lawsuit was filed by Martin and Indian River Counties, along with Citizens against Rail Expansion in Florida, against the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Railroad Administration for allegedly giving $1.15 billion in private activity bonds to the project before properly considering public safety, environmental impact or traffic problems the project may have.

Private activity bonds are tax-exempt bonds issued by local or state government to finance privately owned projects. According to the IRS's Publication 4078, there are 15 types of projects that qualify for these bonds, including "high-speed intercity rail facilities."...