ALBANY, N.Y. — State Senator Tim Kennedy celebrated Sunday a promise of $20 million annually over five years for Buffalo's Metro Rail.

But the money won't be found anywhere in this year's budget.

"There's a commitment between myself and the governor as a part of the capital projects that will be unveiled later this session," Kennedy, D, said.

While the timeline isn't clear yet, he said the governor's office has promised the funding, as well as another $6 million to begin designing a major rail extension. Regardless, state Senator Pat Gallivan, R-Elma, said it's not tangible yet.

"I did not see that $100 million in any bill," he said. "I know it was announced but I haven't seen it a bill yet so I certainly hope that it ends up proving to be true and is delivered by the governor."

The promised investment in the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority could assuage some concerns over inequity between Upstate and Downstate this year.

However, Republicans said right now, they see new funding for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, while funding for infrastructure programs like the Consolidated Highways Improvement Program remained flat or in the case of the Extreme Winter Recovery Program, was cut. Gallivan said the Legislature isn't prioritizing Upstate infrastructure.

"MTA has issues," he said. "I understand that. I understand we have a responsibility to try to ensure its viability but we have the same responsibility to Upstate transit systems and the same responsibility to Upstate roads and bridges."

Kennedy said lawmakers are continuing to negotiate with the governor for more money for road and bridge work in the upcoming supplemental capital program.

"I can promise you this, that nobody's going to be fighting harder for equity and parity than I am as chairman of Transportation and as a Buffalonian and an Upstater," he said.