ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – The state is supporting the modernization and expansion of childcare.

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on June 30 over $106 million in funding that will help upgrade and increase capacity at 37 childcare centers in New York.

“Access to affordable, high-quality childcare is essential for children, families, and New York’s economy,” Hochul said. “These investments will help communities across the state create and improve childcare facilities, giving more families access to the care they need while supporting working parents and strengthening local economies.”

Locally, nearly $2.1 million is headed to the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. The money, which comes from the Childcare Capital Construction Funding Program, is expected to create or preserve up to 5,000 additional childcare slots across the state.