WHEREAS, The Mid-Hudson/Catskills Region is achieving economic and population growth due to its proximity to New York City and other states as well as being home to attractive communities with a high quality of life.

WHEREAS, The Mid-Hudson/Catskills Region is achieving economic and population growth due to its proximity to New York City and other states as well as being home to attractive communities with a high quality of life.

Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but it’s about time the state followed up on all of its promises to improve Route 17.

Orange County is one of the fastest-growing counties in New York State and, for more than a decade, we have been seeing a boom in economic activity.

The 17 Forward 86 coalition wants it all: the conversion of Route 17 to a six-lane highway and to Interstate 86.

A contingent of Hudson Valley economic development advocates and labor leaders converged on the state Capitol on Wednesday, pushing for the addition of lanes to Route 17 to meet the rapidly expanding growth of tourist attractions and other businesses along the east-west corridor.

Advocates are pushing for a $500 million expansion of Route 17 amid future traffic concerns.

The Sullivan County Legislature formally added its voice to the chorus of local officials calling for the construction of a third lane on Route 17.