STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The MTA has included $4 million in its amended capital plan for 2015-2019 to study a potential West Shore light rail.

The MTA's "alternate analysis" of the light rail would look at the 13-mile route along the West Shore from Richmond Valley to Elm Park, carrying Staten Island commuters over the Bayonne Bridge to connect with New Jersey Transit's Hudson-Bergen Light Rail Line.

Last year, the MTA committed to studying the proposal but had not yet included any funding until the newly-amended capital budget.

For years, Staten Island officials and the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation have called for a light rail on the West Shore, and two studies were done previously -- one in 2004 and one in 2009.

Both were initial analyses, looking at whether the corridor would support it and creating potential ridership numbers.

State Sen. Andrew Lanza (R-Staten Island) and Assemblyman Michael Cusick (D-Mid-Island) secured the commitment from the MTA last year, and praised the funding commitment this week.

"This is a crucial step forward to alleviating the frustrations that Staten Islanders have been facing for years during their commutes," Cusick said.

Lanza added, "This funding secured by myself and Assemblyman Cusick in the MTA Capital Plan brings Staten Island one step closer to the improved transportation infrastructure system it deserves and needs."