Nora Mishanec is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media the Columbia County Board of Supervisors has agreed to accept funding from the federal Drug Enforcement Administration to help locate marijuana plants grown in the county. The federal government will provide $5,000 to assist in “marijuana eradication activities,” according to the letter of agreement between the Sheriff’s Office and the DEA. The funds awarded may be used to cover the cost of fly-overs to spot marijuana production, including the rental of aircraft and the cost of aircraft fuel. Four members of the board voted against the agreement, including Canaan Town Supervisor Brenda Adams, Hudson 1st Ward Supervisor Sarah Sterling, Hudson 4th Ward Supervisor Linda Mussmann and Hudson 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides, all Democrats. “Attempting to eradicate marijuana is the wrong use of resources...The idea that we are going to eradicate marijuana is not realistic,” Chameides said, adding that marijuana is legal next door in Massachusetts. Board Chairman Matt Murell of Stockport, a Republican, said, “I know people asked, ‘Why now?’ especially if it is legalized. But if you are growing it in your backyard, it is illegal,” he said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.