CANTON -- SUNY Canton will receive $1.95 million from the new state budget to help improve the learning experience for students by making upgrades to their campuses, according to Sen. Patty Ritchie (R-Heuvelton).

“The colleges of our region are hubs of our community, serving as centers of learning and starting points for so many bright minds as they begin their careers,” Sen. Ritchie said in an email.

Ritchie represents Ogdensburg, Canton, Gouverneur, Oswegatchie, Waddington, Lisbon, Madrid, Louisville, DeKalb, DePeyster, Hermon, Edwardsm Fowler, Rossie, Macomb, Morristown and Hammond.

Overall, the budget provides a $20 million boost in state aid for community colleges. The spending plan also includes measures, like a $45 million increase in funding for the New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP), to help make college more affordable for thousands of middle-class New Yorkers.

“Not only do they provide students with the tools necessary to be successful, they’re also engines of economic growth for our region; generating employment opportunities, spurring new businesses and attracting new people to our area. I’m pleased to see funding for these colleges in the new state budget, which will help to both grow and enhance their campuses.”