Officials announced recently that Amtrak funding could be in jeopardy, but thanks to some smart legislators in the U.S. House and Senate, much of the funding has been restored.

In a vote Friday, members of both the House and Senate passed a spending bill to get the federal government through part of December. Amtrak funds were on the chopping block, and while funding for high-speed rail projects was cut, much of the funding remained intact ”“ including funds for New England’s Downeaster line that provides service from Boston to Portland.

Extension projects are currently under construction to bring Downeaster riders to Freeport and Brunswick.

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority is managing the $38 million construction project that includes the rehabilitation of 30 miles of track, installation of signals and upgrades to 36 grade crossings. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2012, according to the Downeaster website.

The Downeaster provides an important service to Maine residents ”“ some of whom commute daily on the train to work in the Boston area.

In addition, the train provides a link for those in Massachusetts and New Hampshire who want to visit Maine and often make the trip on hot, summer days to frequent Maine’s beaches and coastal attractions.

More than half a million people took a ride on the Downeaster last year, according to U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, D-Maine, champion of the Downeaster.

She said in a recent statement that ridership has increased by more than 100 percent since 2005.

In addition to its adverse effect on Maine, the proposed 60 percent cut to Amtrak’s operating budget would have put 1,500 employees out of work, Pingree said.

We’re thankful that legislators like Pingree are fighting for Maine’s economy and that others supported this measure as well. The Downeaster, while subsidized by the government, does help contribute to the Amtrak’s operating budget through ticket fares and sales of food and beverages on the train.

While it would be nice if all of the government-subsidized services ”“ like trains, airports and post offices ”“ could operate privately, it just hasn’t worked out that way. To pull funding for these necessary services ”“ and especially those that continue to show growth ”“ would be short-sighted and have deep implications for all Americans.

The Downeaster has a proven track record of service for Maine residents and tourists, and it is continuing to grow. Investments in rail lines to extend service to Freeport and Brunswick will only increase this line’s popularity by bringing riders to a shopping hub and the beautiful Midcoast region.

We hope the state and federal government will continue to support the Downeaster as will our legislators.

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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.