PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 9, 2026
In August, the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which operates the Downeaster, received $48 million in federal funding to relocate the train service’s Portland station to the authority’s preferred spot. City staff say the rail authority’s preferred site goes against nearly every zoning and long-term planning document in place, and that its chosen location is heavily weighted toward rail operations. The three options the council will consider are to recommend the train station be left where it is; that the city’s preferred site be further explored; or that the rail authority’s preferred site move forward, with stipulations around other enhancements in the area.