Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Hudson) announced that she has been appointed to serve on the influential New York State Assembly standing Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts & Sports Development.

“Tourism and all its facets continue to be a major economic driver in the Hudson Valley,” said Assemblymember Barrett. “People come from all over to visit our beautiful parks, fabulous art venues, historic sites, outdoor activities and blossoming food and farm sector. When people come here, they spend money here; this supports our local businesses which in turn leads to job growth. We want to be sure that visitors and residents alike continue to flourish in our magnificent region.”

A longtime advocate for the arts, Assemblymember Barrett spent a decade working as a museum professional prior to being elected to the state Assembly. Additionally, she has been outspoken on the need to find an alternative to proposed power line projects that would diminish the view sheds, farms and natural resources that make the Hudson Valley one of New York’s premier tourist destinations.

“The farms, communities and scenic landscapes of the Hudson Valley are vitally important to attracting tourists to the region,” added Assemblymember Barrett. “The proposed power line project would negatively impact these very assets of our area, destroying private property and seriously damaging our local economy. My position on the Tourism Committee will give folks in our region a voice at the table -- I will continue to work to find an alternative solution to ensure that the things we love most about our area are protected.”

For more information on this or any other issue, please contact Assemblymember Barrett at 845-454-1703, or by email at BarrettD@assembly.state.ny.us.