By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

In an effort to stave off projected cuts in service and routes, state Sen. Mark Grisanti started an online drive to convince Gov. Andrew Cuomo and other Albany leaders to free up the $10 million in emergency aid being sought by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority.

Grisanti launched it following the recent decision by the NFTA board of commissioners to adopt a 2012-13 budget calling for major reductions to 57 bus routes as it grapples with a projected $15 million budget deficit. The budget also could see the NFTA slice 170 workers.

The cuts wouldn't take place until April 1, when the NFTA starts its fiscal year. A series of public hearings about the proposed cuts are set for late January at various locations in Erie and Niagara counties.

Reduced state and federal funding, along with rising costs, are primary reasons for the projected deficit. And the NFTA is not alone - several major transit systems, including Milwaukee and Washington, also are considering route reductions, layoffs and more.

In the fall, the NFTA sought $10 million in emergency aid from Cuomo but to date has been rebuffed. It also is seeking an additional 8 megawatts of low-cost hydropower from the New York Power Authority.

The NFTA currently receives 1 megawatt of low-cost hydropower from the power authority. New York's Metropolitan Transit Authority receives 98 percent of power from NYPA's hydropower allocations.

Grisanti said the online petition, which he wants to present to fellow Albany lawmakers, may be enough to secure the emergency aid and low-cost hydropower sought by the NFTA.

"If we want to be open for business in New York, then we should not be cutting vital services that bring people to these businesses for work or for stimulating the economy," Grisanti said. "Western New York has a loud voice, and by signing our online petition we can show the governor and other lawmakers in Albany how important it is to not cut our bus services."

In 2009, the state approved a $2.26 billion rescue plan for the MTA.

"The NFTA's request for $10 million in deficit-reduction assistance and 8 additional megawatts of low-cost NYPA power is reasonable and equitable in comparison," Grisanti said.

The petition can be found on Grisanti's homepage and Facebook page.