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 awarded the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority $2.8 million on June 9, 2026, under the Federal Transit Formula Grants program (CFDA 20.507) to fund 5307-eligible operating expenses, administrative costs, and planning for the Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail service.

The award funds administrative and operating expenses necessary to operate the Downeaster service, a regional passenger rail corridor connecting Brunswick, Maine to Boston, Massachusetts via Portland. The funding supports reduced congestion along the I-95 and I-295 corridor and benefits Downeaster passengers as well as families, students, workers, residents, and visitors in station communities served by this regional transportation option.

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, a public transit authority headquartered in Portland, Maine, is the recipient. The award carries a period of performance through June 30, 2028, with place of performance in Maine. No subrecipient activities are included on this grant.

Activities

Activities include the funding of administrative and operating expenses that are 5307 eligible and necessary to operate the downeaster passenger rail service.

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.