Hundreds of millions of dollars are headed to different projects across the state.

The state Bond Commission approved borrowing the money Thursday.

It includes $500,000 to start replacing the troubled Whiting Forensic Hospital.

When he first took office, Gov. Ned Lamont put Connecticut on what he called a "debt diet." But the governor says now is the time to invest in critical projects.

"The state has momentum. Our economy is growing and continuing to grow," said Lamont. "And that allows us to make some of the investments in the Bond Commission in a way that will make a big difference in this state going forward."

Some Republicans are concerned the state is borrowing too much money is and promising state employees too much.

"Where's the money going to be for mental health, for substance abuse? We can't make promises to our residents knowing we're going to break them," said state Rep. Holly Cheeseman.

Stratford will get $3 million to help redevelop the old Shakespeare Theatre site.

Stamford will receive about $2.3 million with most of that going to renovate the Palace Theater and Terry Conners Ice Rink.