MDOT unveils draft rail plan
The Maine Department of Transportation has released a draft of its statewide rail plan with some unexpected recommendations.
The Maine State Rail Plan, unveiled Monday at a presentation in South Portland, includes perennial projects like a $39 million extension of the Amtrak Downeaster from Portland to Brunswick, as well as $53 million in upgrades for high speed rail from Portland to Boston, according to The Forecaster. Those at the presentation, however, were surprised to see a recommendation for building a train platform in downtown Portland as part of plans to establish commuter service from Portland to northern communities. The draft plan also includes a $28 million restoration of the Mountain Division Line between Portland and Fryeburg, a 51-mile rail corridor that could be used for passenger and freight service. The DOT recently submitted a grant application for stimulus funding for that project.
The plan will be competing for $8 billion in grants from the federal government, and is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, according to the paper. A final version is slated for completion early next year.
Go to the article from The Forecaster >>
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