FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Seminole Gulf Railway, devastated by Hurricane Ian, is now estimating it will take $28 million to return the 105-mile railroad in southwest Florida to operation.
WBBH-TV reports the railroad hosted government officials on Thursday in an effort to rally support for emergency funding, so the railroad can return to operation and help haul lumber and other supplies needed to rebuild the Fort Myers area after the hurricane.
“This is an unusual circumstance, this is a catastrophic circumstance, and we’re seeking emergency funding immediately to help get the railroad back on track,” Robert Fay, the railroad’s vice president, told the station.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) was among those taking part in Thursday’s visit and told the station, “It’s really now sitting down and trying to diagnose this issue. What are the ways government can be helpful to resolve it?”
Fay told WINK-TV that if they can get the funding support, his family hopes to have the railroad up and running within 90 days.
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