ALBANY, N.Y. -- The Capital Region is a big winner in the Regional Economic Awards Ceremony after being allocated $85 million.

This is the seventh year of the awards, which give funding to each region for specific industries that will help the state's economy.

"We're delighted that we have such a strong team that's been actively engaged in order to enhance, expand and strengthen the economic development of the region," says Havidan Rodriguez, co-chair of the Capital Region Economic Development Council.

During the presentation Wednesday, state leaders discussed the Capital Region Tech Sector and a boost in tourism.

"Between New York, we're 7.9 percent is now 4.6 percent. Hudson Valley was 7 percent, now 4.3 percent. Long Island was 7.1 percent, now 4.1 percent. Mohawk Valley was 7.7 percent, now 4.7 percent. Those are numbers, those are facts; you did it, the unemployment rate is down, and that is inarguable,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The governor's initiative has brought $237 million in state funding to support projects in the region -- in total, they created 7,000 jobs since it started in 2011.

The council also recommended 18 more projects and a state investment of $21 million, which would directly create 15 jobs, indirectly create 1,500 jobs and help keep 1,000 jobs in the Albany area.