The operator of the Amtrak Downeaster is receiving nearly $21 million in stimulus funding for improvements for the train from Boston to Brunswick.
U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree yesterday announced the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority will receive $20.82 million to add track capacity to reduce congestion, improve signaling and restructure crossings. Pingree said the improvements will allow the Downeaster to travel between Boston and Maine more quickly and reliably. The funds come from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
In May, NNEPRA received another nearly $21 million federal grant for track improvements between Boston and Portland, as well as an additional $3.4 million to upgrade tracks from Portland to Brunswick. The Downeaster extension from Portland to Brunswick is expected to be complete by 2012.
