SCHENECTADY, N.Y. -- The Schenectady Police Department is getting a significant investment.

State funding totaling $450,000 will go to upgrading the department’s firing range. The original facility was built in 1975. But it has deteriorated in recent years and it can’t be used because of necessary upgrades.

The funding will help meet those requirements, and increase training opportunities for officers.

The state-of-the-art gun range will also be able to simulate different situations, such as sunlight, flashing lights and interactive scenarios.

"[We] put them in a stressful situation and [are] doing certain things that will stress them out with the idea that it will make them a better officer out in the field if something does happen,” said Assistant Chief Michael Seber.

It’s still too early to determine a timeline for the project, but the department says it is actively meeting with possible vendors.