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July 18, 2011

Sites for Downeaster facility eyed

The operator of the Amtrak Downeaster is mulling three sites in Brunswick for a new train layover facility it plans to build as part of its expansion to that town.

Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority originally proposed building the 40,000-square-foot facility on an 8-acre parcel close to its Brunswick station, but residents' opposition to its potential noise and pollution has led the group to look at alternative locations, according to The Times Record. Officials from the Maine Department of Transportation and NNEPRA last week held a forum to gauge residents' feelings on the two other sites under consideration. The facility, now proposed as closer to 60,000 square feet, would allow NNEPRA to perform maintenance and refueling work on passenger trains.

The NNEPRA board of directors will select a site on Aug. 22, and another public forum is expected to be held in advance of that vote. The Downeaster is expected to begin servicing Brunswick next year.

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