Collins: $777,943 in Federal Transit Administration Grant funding for Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority

Congressman Chris Collins announced $777,943 in federal funding for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). The grant was awarded through the Federal Transit Administration's Transit-Oriented Development Pilot Planning Program, which is designed to support the comprehensive planning associated with new fixed guideway and core capacity improvement projects.

The NFTA will use this $777,943 federal grant to zone for mix-used development along the Amherst-Buffalo corridor light rail extension project, which is a proposed extension of the area's light rail system. The planning effort also includes steps to establish a transit-oriented development fund, and implement value-capture mechanisms. 

"This grant will help make efficient transportation more accessible to members of the Western New York community," Collins said. "The NFTA's proposed light rail extension project will jumpstart economic development in Amherst, Buffalo and Tonawanda, increase daily ridership, and may potentially increase property values by $310 million. The project will make a direct and positive impact on our region, and I'm glad I could help the NFTA secure this critical FTA funding."

The NFTA's light rail extension project is currently in its planning stages. Construction on the project is not expected to begin until late 2024 or early 2025.