U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority a grant in the amount of $500,000 for track improvements in the Portland area. The rails are utilized by Amtrak’s Downeaster.
“We are pleased that these funds will be used to replace aging track, improving Maine rail service,” said Senators Snowe and Collins in a joint statement. “With skyrocketing fuel prices, many Mainers in the Portland area will turn to the Downeaster to travel south. It is important that Maine’s rail infrastructure is up to par.”
The project will not only improve the rail quality, but also provide the enhanced ability to turn locomotives and trainsets.