New England passenger rail plan unveiled
New England's governors are seeking federal stimulus funds to boost the region's high speed rail, according to a press release from Gov. John Baldacci's office.
Baldacci and the other governors yesterday announced the Vision for the New England High Speed and Intercity Rail Network, a coordinated plan that highlights six key projects in the region, including improving infrastructure from Boston to Portland for the Amtrak Downeaster, and extending the train from Portland to Brunswick. Last Friday, each state submitted pre-applications to compete for $8 billion in high speed rail grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The states' transportation heads will meet with the New England Congressional delegation throughout the application process, and the governors plan to reconvene in August, according to the press release.
The goal of the joint plan is to double passenger rail ridership in the Northeast by 2030. For more on efforts to extend the Downeaster to Brunswick, read "Rail rebound?" from the July 13 issue of Mainebiz.
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