Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) has secured more than $15.5 million in new funding that will be invested in local bridge and road repairs as a part of the NY Works capital program. This funding will allow the Department of Transportation (DOT) to fast-track much needed infrastructure repairs at critical locations in the Hudson Valley.

Over $6 million will go towards fully replacing the bridge at Route 66 at Claverack Creek that runs between the City of Hudson and Route 9H in Columbia County. This bridge has been structurally deficient and ruled a high priority project by the state Department of Transportation. In Dutchess County, $3.5 million will be used to improve the heavily traveled section of Route 199 that runs between Route 308 and the Taconic State Parkway. The remaining $6 million in NY Works funding is to be utilized as an emergency fund that will be tapped to fix bridges and structures around the Mid-Hudson region should an emergency arise.

“Dependable infrastructure is essential to growing and stabilizing our local economy,” Assemblymember Barrett said. “Investments like these assure Hudson Valley businesses and families – and the many tourists and visitors to our region – that our roads and bridges are safe for travel.”

The NY Works program has expedited priority infrastructure programs and brought millions of dollars in supplemental transportation aid to the Mid-Hudson region since it was first established last year.