UTICA – U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Stanley Theater in Utica on Monday, where she announced success in getting $88.91 million into the Senate Interior Appropriations bill for the Department of Interior’s Historic Preservation Fund.

Gillibrand says it’s roughly $56 million more than President Donald Trump’s budget request for the program.

Gillibrand was joined by Republican Congresswoman Claudia Tenney and her opponent in the 22nd Congressional District race, Democratic state Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, as well as Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri.

The Stanley Theater has already benefited from more than $4 million in federal historic tax credit investments to go toward $20.2 million in renovations. Gillibrand says that throughout the Mohawk Valley, the Historic Preservation Fund has made possible more than $19 million in federal investments for historic building renovations.

"That federal funding that’s going to help keep bringing tourists and businesses and growth into our upstate communities,” Gillibrand said. “Congress has a responsibility to help all of our communities get back on their feet, regardless of where they’re located, and when we’re committed to that challenge, we can really accomplish anything. This theater is a reminder of what is possible, and I’m going to do everything I can to keep speaking out for historic preservation money.”

Gillibrand is up for re-election this fall, and the Democratic senator is running against Republican Chele Farley.