ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WENY) -- At an event at Monroe Community College's downtown campus on Monday, Gov. Kathy Hochul outlined $172.5 million in new state investment for several transformative projects in the Finger Lakes region. 

“My administration is laser-focused on supporting economic development initiatives that will reinforce our efforts to create a new era of prosperity for all New Yorkers as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gov. Hochul said. “Our focused investments in these transformative projects in the Finger Lakes will serve to promote greater inclusivity for everyone in the community, further bolster regional tourism efforts and improve the overall quality of life for generations to come.” 

The project’s funding will come from the governor's $216 billion budget proposal awaiting approval by the New York State Legislature. It will support improvements towards Inner Loop North, Seneca Park Zoo and Frontier Field. 

The project will also include the previously announced $6 million to support the establishment of Rochester High Falls State Park within downtown Rochester’s Genesee River gorge. 

Hochul additionally explained how the plan will also improve the education system in the Finger Lakes region. 

"We're making our highest investment in the history of the State of New York toward education,” she said. “$31 billion and the Finger Lakes, alone, $177 million as well as for foundation aid, which goes to the high need communities. And this was tied up in litigation for a long time. I settled it. I said, ‘let's stop fighting. Get the money out to people.’ $124.3 million for this area as well." 

Hochul's announcement also complements "Finger Lakes Forward," the region's program aimed at generating economic growth and community development for industries such as photonics, agriculture‎ and food production, and advanced manufacturing.