ALBANY, N.Y. — Buffalo’s light rail system will receive $100 million over the next five years for infrastructure improvements, the Buffalo News reports.
The money — plus another $6 million for engineering studies on a possible addition to the 35-year-old, 6.4-mile Metro Rail line — was part of a deal reached Saturday night between Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state legislators to finalize the state’s 2019 budget.
The money for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is not expected to be part of the budget, the newspaper reports, but will be part of a statewide capital plan to be approved in the current legislative session.
“We’re very pleased with the governor’s commitment to the NFTA,’’ Assemblyman Sean told the News. “It’s clear the system is in dire need of repair, and this will put them on a step towards that goal.”
This may be a means of rewarding local operatives. The current operating equipment is in need of replacement and all of the stations need attention. Any talk of extensions is premature.