ALBANY – The New York State Energy Research and Development Agency will fund two transportation projects in the Hudson Valley designed to develop and commercialize innovative new transportation technologies that would reduce greenhouse gas emissions, decrease reliance on fossil fuels, and create jobs.

The Lower Hudson-Long Island Resource Conservation and Development Council Inc. in Highland along with the New York Soil and Water Conservation District is working on a plan to transport energy-efficient truck trailers, carrying produce grown in upstate New York, on barges traveling the Hudson River and Long Island Sound. The idea would reduce truck traffic and save on fuel consumptions and diesel emissions. NYSERDA is funding the project to the tune of $50,000.

Another project, Taconic Energy, Inc., in Salt Point, will receive $500,000 from NYSERDA to develop a diesel additive that would increase fuel efficiency by reducing engine friction.