Amherst, N.Y. (WBEN) - Those working on the project to expand the NFTA Metro Rail from the University at Buffalo South Campus to the North campus in Amherst say the wheels are in motion to get something done.
"I definitely think we need to look at it as a tangible project at this point," said Jeff Amplement, Project Manager for the NFTA's Metro Rail expansion project.
Earlier this week, Congressman Tim Kennedy (D, NY-26) said securing funding for the rail expansion project would be one of his priorities once the new Congress is sworn in this January.
Last year, the NFTA released an environmental impact study for expanding the rail. Amplement said they're currently working on designing the project, something that may take three to four years.
"We're hopeful to have shovels in the ground and construction begin early in the next decade through the 2034-2035 period."
The rail expansion would add 10 new stops along seven miles through the towns of Amherst and Tonawanda, and is estimated to cost at least $2 billion to build out.
The idea of expanding the rail to run down Niagara Falls Boulevard has been met with opposition by those living in that area. Amplement doesn't see that opposition derailing the project the way similar objections halted plans to cover a portion of the 33 expressway in Buffalo.
"The opposition is very localized along the corridor," Amplement said. "You have to remember a project like this is a regional project... our role as a public transit provider for Erie and Niagara Counties, we have to keep in mind that regional outlook for our project."
