Press Releases

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) announced that the Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) will receive $30,962,912 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for fiscal year 2022. Thanks to a historic $20 billion national investment in public transit included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

“Federal transit funding allows for long-term improvements to, which will increase critical access for Western New Yorkers who use public transit systems to each day to commute to work and school, go to the grocery store, attend doctors’ appointments, and more,” said Congressman Higgins. “This year’s funding will make historic investments in the future of public transit here in Western New York, allowing for modernization, improving efficiencies, and supporting a cleaner community.”

“This much needed and appreciated funding will truly shape the future of the NFTA and Western New York,” said Kim Minkel, Executive Director of the NFTA. “Thanks to the continued commitment to Congressman Higgins and our congressional delegation, we will have the opportunity to continue to invest in electric buses, revamp our existing fleet, modernize facilities, transform the DL&W terminal, and further the goal of making Buffalo a walkable waterfront community for generations to experience and enjoy.”  

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is making a $20 billion investment in public transit nationwide in 2022 alone, the largest investment in our nation’s history. This sharp increase will allow the NFTA to purchase new buses, address critical repairs, modernize their fleets, and make a long-term transition to clean transportation technology that addresses the growing climate crisis.

Below is a breakdown of the programs through which the NFTA is receiving nearly $31 million:

• $23,554,953 through the Urbanized Area program
• $1,410,010 through the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program
• $4,506,258 through the State of Good Repair program which supports capital assistance for rehab or replacement of track, stations, equipment associated with rail
• $1,491,691 through the Buses and Bus Facilities program, for the purchase of buses, related equipment and upgrades or construction of bus-related facilities

Additionally, this funding will support manufacturing across the United States. Transportation projects receiving federal assistance include Buy American requirements for steel, iron, and other materials.

This year, New York State as a whole will receive $2,162,227,158 in transit funding from the Federal Transit Administration, which includes funding from both the Mass Transit Account of the Highway Trust Fund, as well as advanced appropriations from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.