Provide funding to offset the additional funding required for the 5307 eligible operating expenses administrative expenses and planning for the downeaster service

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) awarded the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority $2.65 million through the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) on September 8, 2025, with a completion date of March 30, 2028. This formula grant funds eligible administrative expenses, operating costs, and planning activities associated with the Downeaster regional passenger rail service, which operates along the I-95 and I-295 corridor between Brunswick, Maine and Boston, Massachusetts. The award directly supports NNEPRA's capacity to maintain and operate this intercity passenger rail service without subrecipient involvement.

The services delivered through this funding support regional transportation infrastructure that benefits Downeaster passengers and residents, workers, students, and visitors in station communities throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. By offsetting operating and administrative expenses for the 5307-eligible Downeaster service, the grant enables continued reliable passenger rail transportation that reduces highway congestion and provides an alternative transportation option for the northeastern region. The funding supports NNEPRA's core mission of providing efficient and sustainable intercity rail connectivity across the region.

Activities

Activities include the funding of administrative and operating expenses that are 5307 eligible.

Expected outcomes

Expected outcomes included reduced congestion along the i-95 and i-295 corridor between brunswick me and boston MA.

Intended beneficiaries

Intended beneficiaries include passengers of the downeaster as well as the families students workers residents and visitors who live in work in and visit station communities which economically and socially benefit from access to this regional transportation option.

Subrecipient activities

There are no subrecipient activities on this grant.