BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority is set to receive nearly $9 million to improve public transportation in the region.

$5 million is going toward the purchase of 10 electric buses, which officials say are expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

The remaining $3.8 million is going toward infrastructure upgrades to the NFTA's presence along North Division Street.

"There is a running theme with all these infrastructure improvements and that is bicycle access, pedestrian access and a better road experience for motorists as well," said Rep. Brian Higgins. "This is a very, very important initiative. This will go a long way to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, but it will also provide a cleaner, quicker alternative that will, as I said, eventually be cheaper."

The NFTA's executive director says the money will help them meet Gov. Kathy Hochul's goal of zero-emission bus purchases by 2035.