ALBANY, N.Y. (WENY) - On Monday, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $113 million for several projects in the Empire State through the Restore New York Communities Initiative.

According to the governor's office, the program is designed to help local governments restore their communities and encourage investment in housing and other properties.

"These Restore New York grants will help to reimagine downtowns across our state and transform vacant, blighted and underutilized buildings into vibrant community anchors," Governor Hochul said. "Thanks to a more than $146 million state investment, we are breathing new life into communities from Hudson to North Hempstead, jumpstarting new economic activity and helping ensure that New York State continues to be a place where people come to live, work and raise their families."

In the southern tier, Watkins Glen will receive $2 million dollars for the re-development of a vacant car dealership that will be demolished.