Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand, Tonko Announce Nearly $27 Million in Federal Funding for the Capital District Transportation Authority in Albany

Feb 4, 2020

Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Congressman Paul Tonko (D-NY-20) today announced $26.9 million in federal funding for the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA). The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation Capital Investment Grants program and will be used to provide faster, more direct, and more reliable transit service along the Hudson River Corridor. Specifically, the funding will help build a new 16-mile bus route along the Hudson River, connecting major activity centers in Waterford to Downtown Albany and increasing public transit ridership.

“New and exciting bus rapid transit is a boon to the whole Capital Region. Public transit is the vein that keeps the heart of the region’s economy pumping,” said Senator Schumer. “With sixteen more miles of bus service along the picturesque Hudson River, connecting Waterford and Downtown Troy to Downtown Albany with service to Cohoes, Watervliet and Menands along the way, this funding is a win-win for commuters and businesses alike. I’ve worked hard on this project for the past seven years was proud to support the new bus route and will continue to fight for better, faster, and more reliable transit services in the Capital Region.”

“Public transit is critical for New Yorkers and helps commuters get to work or school and other travelers to places like the park or the grocery store,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding is great news for the Capital District Transportation Authority, which will be able to help more people in the Capital District access public transit by building a new bus route along the Hudson River. I will always fight for the resources our communities need to thrive.”

“Strengthening our transportation systems has both immediate and long-term benefits for our economy and the countless businesses and communities who depend on it,” said Congressman Tonko. “Congratulations to everyone involved in the Albany River Corridor Bus Rapid Transit Project connecting Waterford to downtown Albany via Troy, Watervliet & Menands for earning this well-deserved $26.9 million Capital Investment Grant award! My thanks to the U.S. Department of Transportation for clearing the final hurdle so that this funding can finally be used to bring this worthy project to life.”

“This is exciting news not only for CDTA but the Capital Region. This allows us to move forward with our second Bus Rapid Transit line, connecting people to jobs, shopping and opportunity. We thank the FTA and our Congressional delegation for their work and collaboration on seeing the importance of this project and helping to make it a reality,” said Carm Basile, CEO, Capital District Transportation Authority.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Capital Investment Grants program provides funding to help implement major transit infrastructure projects across the country. More information may be found here.