Amanda Purcell is reporting for Columbia-Greene Media Assemblywoman Didi Barrett has obtained the funds to support an examination of alternative traffic routes in Hudson. Currently two state truck routes run through the city, which measures approximately two square miles. The $100,000 secured by Barrett as part of the 2019-20 state budget will support a study to “identify patterns and devise alternate, less disruptive routes and create a plan that benefits Hudson residents and surrounding communities,” Barrett’s office said in a statement released this week. The Hudson Democrat also observed that truck traffic has been a major safety and quality-of-life issue in the city for decades. Local officials said April 4, news of the funding and the study were most welcome. "...Assemblymember Barrett advocated for this funding at the state level to help Hudson take the next step in solving this problem. We are so grateful for her ongoing and relentless efforts in support of our community,” said Mayor Rick Rector. Police Chief L. Edward Moore said, “...I support a study that takes everything into account, the need for truckers to deliver their loads balanced with the safety of our citizens.” Hudson Department of Public Works Superintendent Rob Perry said the city streets are narrow and tractor-trailers that carry 30 to 35 tons of payload have an impact. With or without the trucks, the city, state and federal government need to commit more money to upgrade the city’s aging infrastructure, he said. Read the full story at HudsonValley360 [dot] com.