Regional planning projects eyed

The Press Herald reports on how $50 million in regional planning money may be spent.

A regional planning committee has drafted a list of 10 projects, with the goal of winnowing the list down to two or three projects to send to the federal government in 2009. Some of the top projects include adding additional lanes on I-295 in Portland and replacing the Veterans Bridge

This is the first time that the Portland Area Comprehensive Transportation Committee – which represents 15 municipalities between Biddeford and Freeport – has gone after these kind of funds, which are earmarks in the federal government’s five-year transportation spending plan.

The Downeaster turns 6

AP:  The Downeaster, Amtrak’s Portland to Boston train, is in its 6th year.

After the first year, ridership dipped before growing along with improvements, including reduced travel time, schedule adjustments and an additional daily round trip.

Through November of this year, 347,586 people had ridden the Downeaster, compared with 291,794 in 2002, the first full year of operation.

“When we started off, it was an attraction,” Quinn said. “Now people are riding the train to get from point A to B because it’s pleasant, it’s economical and it’s efficient.”

Deputy Transportation Commissioner Greg Nadeau said the Downeaster provides a vital economic link between Portland and Boston, and an important transportation alternative at a time of rising energy prices, highway congestion and pollution.