BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN)......A longtime advocate for public transportation, Rep. Tim Kennedy says with a new Democratic majority in Washington, he expects to renew his efforts to secure federal funding that will help finance to oft-discussed Metro Rail expansion towards the University at Buffalo's North Campus.
Funding for that project - and others - stalled under the Republican Party controlled House and Senate.
But, with the Democratic Party regaining control of both the House of Representatives and Senate thanks to last week's midterm elections, Kennedy is confident that funding for the 12-mile-long Metro Rail expansion from UB's South Campus to the university's North Campus will be easier to obtain.
The Metro Rail expansion carries an estimated $2 billion construction price tag - making it the largest infrastructure-based project in the Buffalo Niagara region's history. Only the construction of Highmark Stadium, at $2.2 billion, carried a larger development price tag.
"This could transform our community and transform our economy," Kennedy saud.
Kennedy made his pledge during a Nov. 9 press briefing before he headed back to Washington. It was Kennedy's first, formal press briefing since handily winning his re-election in the Nov. 3 general election.
Talk of expanding the NFTA's Metro Rail to Amherst has been long discussed dating back to the 1970s and early 1980s. A number of reasons including negative pushback from Amherst leaders and residents scuttled many of those plans.
But, to Kennedy, that is ancient history.
"Now, is the time to think big," Kennedy said.
Plans call for the Metro Rail to be constructed from the UB South Station down Niagara Falls Boulevard before snaking its way along Maple Road towards the UB North Campus.
The extended Metro Rail would include 10 stations and along some park-and=ride locations.
Earlier this year, the federal Transit Administration approved a draft environmental impact statement and record of decision.
NFTA spokesperson Kelly Khatib said the expansion remains under review by the transportation authority.
Groundbreaking won't happen until 2030, at the earliest and a construction time line has yet to be determined.
Khatib said the NFTA is grateful for Kennedy's long standing support and his push to secure federal funding for the project.
"We do have a long way to go before we start putting shovels in the ground," Khatib said.
Securing federal dollars to help the Metro Rail expand to the UB North campus is a top priority, Kennedy says.
Securing federal dollars to help the Metro Rail expand to the UB North campus is a top priority, Kennedy says.
