The funding, which was included in the bill at Schumer and Clinton's request, is slated to be used for planning and design work on the parking, pedestrian, and mass transit facilities that will be located in the $270 million Inner Harbor project. This funding comes from the Transportation, Community and System Preservation Pilot program.

"The Inner Harbor is about drawing people and commerce back to the Niagra riverfront. And with each step we take towards completing this important project, we are ensuring that this underutilized resource is able to help rejuvenate downtown Buffalo," Schumer said. "I'm happy that Senator Clinton and I were able to work together to successfully secure assistance for this project."

"Revitalizing the economy of Western New York starts with taking advantage of all that the region has to offer. Investing in Buffalo's Inner Harbor Project will help energize downtown Buffalo,"said Senator Clinton.

Schumer and Clinton also announced that the transportation bill contains $2.56 million funding for the NFTA to replace twelve buses that have been in service since 1989 and are beyond their 12-year useful life thresholds. This new funding would enable the NFTA to achieve an average age of six years for its bus fleet. The House version of the bill also included $2.56 million for the buses.

Schumer and Clinton said that the bill also has funding for the installation of a Medium-intensity Approach Landing System (MALS) -- a navigation aid -- on Runway 28R at Niagra Falls International Airport. The MALS will provide for enhanced operational safety during inclement weather for commercial, private, and military aircraft using the runway.

The current approach landing system for Runway 28R is over 25 years old, and one of only seven such systems still in operation. It has been deemed unreliable by FAA Airways Facilities Division since necessary parts are no longer available, making it difficult to maintain.

The Transportation Appropriations bill now heads to the Senate floor for consideration.