Tonko announces $20 Million in public transit funding
Rep. Paul D. Tonko (D-NY) recently announced $20,403,104 in new federal funding for transit agencies in the Capital Region — part of nearly $21 billion in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) formula funds being allocated to transit agencies and communities to support public transportation across the country.
The funding — building on last year’s historic investments and including more than $2.1 billion for New York State transit agencies — was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and by Congressional passage of the FY 2023 omnibus spending bill in Dec., both of which Tonko strongly supported.
“Every day in our Capital Region, public transit connects thousands of hardworking people to their jobs, their schools, their hospitals, and their communities as a whole,” Tonko said in a press release.
“When we expand and modernize our public transit infrastructure, we reduce pollution, congestion, and fossil fuel emissions, moving us forward on the path toward a clean transportation future. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce this latest infusion of funds for our Capital Region transit agencies. These investments will allow those agencies to purchase new, more climate-friendly vehicles, address repair backlogs, and expand services so more Capital Region residents can utilize public transportation. I’m proud to have worked hard to secure this historic funding, and I’ll continue to push for the resources our local transit agencies need to continue serving our region and all who call it home,” Tonko added.
These historic levels of federal investment in public transit, which began last year, were made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
With up to $108 billion in new funding over a five-year period, thousands of transit agencies nationwide will be able to make game-changing investments in new equipment, modernized vehicle fleets, increased transit access for historically underserved communities, and more.