The town will look into funneling federal transportation money through the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to help make passenger rail service a reality in Wareham.

The money could be used for equipment, tree and brush cutting along the rail line, test runs, and crew training. The trains could be operating before summer if funding is secured, Massachusetts Coastal Railroad General Manager John Pearson said at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Tuesday.

Pearson said Mass Coastal was hoping to start the service in March but, after meeting with MassDOT, determined that it will not be possible to have the service running by then.

The Board of Selectmen expressed concerns with Mass Coastal's estimate that 187 designated parking spaces would be needed for rail passengers. Selectman John Cronan said it's often difficult to find parking spaces downtown even during the winter season.

Pearson said he would like to make arrangements with the town to provide free parking. The town could receive monetary compensation for each passenger who gets on in Wareham.

In other Board of Selectmen business:

Board of Selectmen chairman Bruce Sauvageau said an apology was not required by the Plymouth County district attorney's office as a remedy for the Open Meeting Law violations acknowledged at last week's meeting. The Board voted to hold a seminar on the Open Meeting Law with the Plymouth County assistant district attorney, town counsel, and members of all elected and appointed boards and commissions to bring everyone up to speed on the law. The seminar will be recorded, and those who cannot attend will be required to watch the video and file a notice with the town clerk that they have done so.

Community and Economic Development Authority (CEDA) director Christopher Reilly provided an update on downtown-revitalization projects. CEDA submitted grant applications for money to be used for downtown design improvements, the housing rehab program, contributions to the Wareham Housing Authority, and the various public services. He also said the sign and facade program was not successful because there wasn't "a lot of subscription" to it. It will be redesigned and revisited in the future.

Developer Ryan Correia provided an update on the Majestic Mattress project at 361 Main Street. He said he hopes to have the project completed by spring. He said he has also acquired the condemned building between the Majestic Mattress building and Sam's Gas. He is exploring options for use of the space.

Town Administrator Mark Andrews provided an update on the library recertification bill. It is on its way to the Senate for final review.