The state’s 10 economic regions will split the money, intended to support job training, subsidies for expanding businesses, funding for community organizations and other local economic initiatives. Under Cuomo, the annual awards have become a key component of the state’s efforts to help the economy statewide – and in upstate in particular.

“New York is more business friendly than ever before,” the Democratic governor said before the awards were announced.

The state has handed out more than $5.4 billion since Cuomo’s regional economic development awards began in 2011.

Critics, however, say Cuomo forces the state’s regions to compete with each other for state help and say across-the-board cuts to taxes or regulations would be a better alternative.

Here are some of the highlights of the local projects receiving funding:

The Adirondack Public Observatory in Tupper Lake will receive $200,000 to develop blueprints and engineer schematics for an Astro-Science Center.

The village of Tupper Lake will receive $1.4 million to install a municipal heating system using a central heat plant fueled by wood pellets.

The Wild Center in Tupper Lake will receive $60,000 to pilot a museum residency training program for young adults.

Bionique Testing Laboratories Inc. will receive $300,000 to upgrade existing bio testing equipment and related technologies to improve efficiency, quality and answer growing demand for mycoplasma testing.

BluSeed Studios will receive $35,000 to hire an events and outreach coordinator to oversee longstanding events formerly run by ArtWorks volunteers.

Chicota Inc. will receive $198,000 for renovations on the former Dew Drop Inn in Saranac Lake to establish a “food experience” business consisting of a restaurant, bar, apartments, event space and cooking school. The company will also gain $300,000 via the Saranac Lake Local Development Corporation, and another $140,000 through an Empire State Development grant for tourism.

Carpe Insectae LLC will receive $13,000 for equipment upgrades.

Adirondack Hamlets to Huts will receive $219,375 to implement a Trails and Lodging System plan, a hut-to-hut reservation system and a marketing plan with website and social media.