Many of these can be freestanding, but the system will be strongest when operating in it's entirety. Each component supplements the next. Negotiations will proceed to extend Amtrak service to Brunswick with service projected to start in the summer of 2001. The Town of Brunswick, in partnership with Bowdoin College, has purchased the former downtown rail station site to support the extension of passenger rail service. An environmental assessment is underway to support the upgrade of the Rockland Branch to support excursion rail service from Brunswick connecting to the Marine Highway in Rockland.
Construction is planned and funded for intermodal facilities in Wells and Portland.
Planning is complete for the location and upgrade of Marine Highway facilities in Bath, Boothbay Harbor, Rockland, and Bar Harbor. The City of Portland has completed planning which calls for the consolidation of waterfront passenger facilities in the vicinity of the Maine State Pier. The City of Bangor has acquired significant waterfront property and planning is underway for the development and promotion of connections to the Marine Highway. New waterfront development in Eastport will support the extension of the Marine Highway and the promotion of cruise ship visits to Washington County. We are partnering with Acadia National Park to reduce congestion within the Park and bordering communities.