Wednesday was payday for more than 1,000 cities, towns and businesses across the state as the Regional Economic Development Council awarded more than $755 million for all kinds of different programs, from arts, to infrastructure, tourism and more, in a ceremony Wednesday in Albany.

More than 100 award winners will receive $84.8 million in funding through the program across the mid-Hudson, including one local amusement center. 

I was sitting with my wife this morning for breakfast, and I said 'it doesn't seem like we're going to get the grant; I was supposed to hear by December,' " said Castle Fun Center Owner Brian Leentjes. "And literally two hours later ... I got a call from the accelerator and she said 'Brian, you got your grant,' and I was thrilled."

The mason started the Fun Center with just a miniature golf course he built more than 25 years ago. Thanks to the $500,000 grant to help attract tourism in the state, he's looking to add 26,000 square feet of additional indoor space.

"It's gonna make us be able to move parts around," said Leentjes, who also plans to add a zip line to the property early next year. "It's going to give us a bit more elbow room for the guests to be able to sit and relax a little bit more, and we're going to add some new amenities."