State money is making an encore appearance at Utica's Stanley Theatre, and the people behind its upcoming expansion project say the developments will help even those who don't go to see a show.

$750,000 in state money will be put toward the Stanley Theatre's expansion and renovation. It's an announcement seen as so encouraging that the state's top elected democrat was brought in to make it!

According to Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-New York), “It is all making main street active again and promoting the business communities on those main streets that's what this is about.”

Silver joined Stanley supporters, and Democratic colleague Roann Destito (D-Rome), who echoed the idea that money for the Theatre isn't necessarily just for the Theatre.

“Economic development only comes when you can provide a holistic approach to a community and to a family,” said Assemblywoman Destito.

Wednesday's announcement comes a week after Governor Pataki included $1 million in the state budget proposal for the Stanley, and is part of more than $15 million already in the bank for the $17 million project.

According to Destito, “A better Stanley Theatre to me will attract more people to the city and to the region.”

“This money is available right now in order to begin this job,” said Silver.

The Central New York Community Arts Council will begin reaching out to the public for donations starting with a telethon to be broadcast on NewsChannel 2 Wednesday Feb. 1, 2006.

Groundbreaking could begin as early as this spring.