Yonkers officials announced yesterday that the city's racetrack and casino are set to undergo a $40 million expansion. The plan calls for 400 new gaming tables and 350 video lottery terminals for Empire City at Yonkers Raceway. The additions will take up 60,000-square feet of space, which will include several new restaurants. The state needs to approve the changes, but Mayor Phil Amicone says the financial benefits are inevitable. "It's going to bring in 300 more employees, more revenue for the city," Amicone said. Yonkers schools get $20 million a year from the video lottery terminals currently in place. More terminals will likely bring about more funding for the city's cash-strapped education system. "We're looking to increase the amount of money were getting from the casinos and get it right into the schools," Amicone said.

After state approval, construction could start within six to nine months.