U.S. Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $61,307,439 in federal funding allocated in the CARES Act by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The funding was awarded to the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) and will be used to offset the costs incurred during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Western New York region’s Metro Bus and Metro Rail services. The funding will also be used to cover costs for the rest of 2020.
“As Western New York battles the coronavirus pandemic, it’s imperative that it gets all the federal tools it needs to react, respond and recover,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will offset the devastating financial impacts of COVID-19 on the Buffalo Region’s Metro Bus and Metro Rail operations. I’m proud to have fought for this imperative funding to be included in the CARES Act and will continue to fight to make sure Western New York has every dollar they need to recover.”
“Investing in public transportation and infrastructure promotes economic development in our communities and serves as a lifeline for many of our residents,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Western New Yorkers are facing economic hardship from COVID-19, and this funding is critical to ensuring that NFTA can continue to provide service to get essential workers where they need to go. I am proud to have fought for this funding in the CARES Act and will continue pushing for resources that help our communities grow and thrive.”