Big changes are expected to come to downtown Albany after a major state investment.

Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $10 million grant as part of the state's Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

The money will focus around Clinton Square, an area where some have been hesitant to start businesses before.

"When I told people I was going to start a business downtown, they thought I was nuts," said Albany Distilling co-owner John Curtin.

However, local shop owners like Curtin say they're on board to bring in more business around town.

"It's very much a rising-tide-floats-all-boats kind of mentality. I'd love to see more businesses inspired by the fact that Albany really is investing in their downtown," he added.

Mayor Kathy Sheehan says the city has identified more than $14 million worth of projects ready for groundbreaking. She attributes the readiness as what made Albany appealing for the grant.

"We're over-subscribed, and that's a good thing," the mayor said. "Because we want to fund projects that are shovel-ready, that are going to get underway, so that we can start to see the result of it in 18 months."