ITHACA, NY (WENY)---The city of Ithaca is getting $4.5 million in grant money that will pay for transportation upgrades.

Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer helped secure the federal funding. Gillibrand took a tour of the city earlier this month with city leaders to see what needed improvement.

The money will be used to help rebuild the Commons and create a faster bus route between local colleges and universities and downtown Ithaca.