FREEPORT (AP) – Senate President Beth Edmonds on Friday unveiled a $40 million bond proposal that would fund rail improvements to allow the Downeaster passenger train extend its route from Portland to Brunswick.
Under the proposal, the bond would provide $39 million to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and another $1 million to the Maine Department of Transportation for infrastructure improvements.
With an improved track, Amtrak’s Downeaster passenger train – which now runs from Boston to Portland – could continue to Brunswick. Once in Brunswick, travelers could continue by rail to Rockland by connecting to a Maine Eastern Railroad train.
The bond would stimulate tourism and commerce in the midcoast area, Edmonds said at a press conference.
“We want to give communities north of Portland the opportunity to share in the prosperity that passenger rail provides,” she said.
The proposal would have to be approved by two-thirds of the Legislature before being sent to voters.
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