The MBTA just banked $7 million thanks to a deal the public transit agency struck with the Massachusetts Port Authority.

Some 17-acres of land now belong to Massport after the MBTA sold its “properties between East First Street and the Reserved Channel in South Boston” according to the Boston Business Journal.

MBTA spokesperson Joe Pesaturo told the BBJ that the $7 million will be used to bolster the T’s operating budget. The entire system has struggled to function properly thanks to challenges posed by historic winter weather.

General Manager Beverly Scott, who is slated to step down from the GM post in April, blamed inadequate funding for the T’s subpar performance this winter. It didn’t help, of course, that the T took on $3.5 billion in debt due to a Big Dig stipulation.

“Like all non-fare revenue generated by the MBTA, the proceeds from this transaction will help fund the MBTA’s operating budget,” Pesaturo told the BBJ.

The BBJ notes further that the MBTA has owned the land since 1911 and currently serves as equipment storage. A MBTA power station formerly sat on the land.

Gov. Charlie Baker’s first state budget proposed increasing MBTA spending by 53 percent to a total of $187 million.

On Wednesday afternoon, the MBTA and Massachusetts Department of Transportation will rule on whether or not to reimburse customers for unreliable service during the months of January and February.