AUGUSTA – A Maine legislative committee is examining oversight and cost issues through its ongoing review of the rail authority that runs Amtrak Downeaster’s train service from Boston to Brunswick.
Last year, the state Government Oversight committee voted to review the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority following transparency and operations concerns brought by Democratic Sen. Stan Gerzofsky of Brunswick.
Committee staff on Thursday said their preliminary research hasn’t revealed any big issues with the authority’s operations, and suggested many concerns stem from the debate about the value of passenger rail service in Maine.
Committee members voted to continue its review and discussed holding a fall public hearing.
The authority’s expenditures total $123 million since 2011, and it annually receives up to $1.8 million from Maine and $7.5 million from federal funds.
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