The new state budget will send extra funds to Western New York, money which will assist the financially-struggling NFTA and upgrade some of the area's crumbling roads and bridges.
State leaders are setting aside nearly $5 million to help cover an NFTA budget deficit, though transit officials say it's not enough to avoid a planned rate hike.
As for area infrastructure, bridges and roads will receive a significant increase in state funds
"For many years we had been shorted from out traditional percentage (of state transportation dollars)," said Senator Mike Ranzenhofer.
"With budget that's being passed, we were able to retain that percentage of a little more than 10 percent. More importantly we were able to strike an agreement that we have a road plan for Upstate New York."
The budget deal also calls for more money next year and the year after for roads and bridges.
"We reestablished parity for Upstate New York," Ranzenhofer said.
