The Downeaster rail line will receive nearly $21 million of work to improve its performance and reliability thanks to funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced on Sept. 20 the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority would receive $20.82 million to conduct work on the line, which runs from Boston to Brunswick, Maine, with Seacoast stops in Dover, Durham and Exeter. The funds will be used to add track capacity, reduce congestion, improve signaling, and restructure grade crossings to improve on-time reliability.

Pingree also announced deep cuts to high-speed rail projects proposed in the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations budget. Those cuts will not affect the Downeaster funds, but Pingree said she was frustrated by the proposal, which could “hamper funding for the Downeaster in the future.”