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AMSTERDAM, NY—Congressman Paul D. Tonko today announced $20,017,345 in funding for transit agencies in the Capital Region thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that Tonko voted for last year. The funding is just part of a record $20 billion investment in American transit, including more than $2 billion for New York State transit agencies to modernize and expand their services.

“Every day, public transit connects thousands of hardworking people here in the Capital Region to their jobs, schools, hospitals, and their community as a whole,” Congressman Tonko said. “When more people use public transit, we reduce pollution, congestion, and our fossil fuel emissions, moving us toward a clean transportation future. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce this latest infusion of funds from our Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This historic investment will allow our local transit agencies to buy new vehicles, address repair backlogs, and transition to new climate-friendly technologies, all while supporting American manufacturing through ‘buy American’ requirements. I’m proud to have fought hard for this significant funding, and I will continue to work to ensure our local transit agencies have the resources they need to serve our Capital Region and all who call it home.”

Full-year funding for this initiative was made available following Congressional passage of the FY 2022 omnibus spending bill in March, which Congressman Tonko strongly supported. These unprecedented funding levels, reflecting increases authorized by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will enable thousands of transit agencies nationwide to make game-changing investments in new equipment, modernized vehicle fleets, and new technologies. Buy American requirements that apply to steel, iron, and other materials used in public transportation projects receiving federal funding will ensure that these needed upgrades also support the expansion of U.S. manufacturing.

The FTA’s funding apportionment significantly increases funding for many programs, including:

• $6.9 billion for the Urbanized Area Formula Program, which supports transit agencies in large cities and suburbs, a 29% increase over FY2021 funding;
• $1.2 billion for the Low- and No-Emission Vehicle Program, more than six times the FY2021 funding level;
• $893 million for Rural Area Formula grants, which support transit programs in rural areas, a 23% increase over FY2021 funding;
• $422 million for the Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities program, representing a 44% increase over FY2021 funding.

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