Despite the fact that the Amtrak Downeaster is set to lose a $7 million federal

Despite the fact that the Amtrak Downeaster is set to lose a $7 million federal subsidy in 2009, there are two major rail projects on the horizon. The first is an inter-city extension of Amtrak Downeaster service from Portland through Yarmouth Junction, and up to Brunswick. Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), says the route could be up and running within two years. It will cost a little more than $30 million and Quinn is trying to line up funds. The second proposal is a commuter-train route that would run along I-295 out of Portland, into Yarmouth and continue to Brunswick. That project will cost more than $61 million and requires a bridge to be built over Back Cove. With a list of high-priority projects that the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation Committee is considering