**Editor’s Note: Click Here for more information on 17 Forward 86

Assemblyman Karl Brabenec (R,C,I-Deerpark) led a push to expand Route 17 to Interstate 86 at a press conference in Albany today along with legislators from both sides of the aisle, labor unions and stakeholders. The project has been discussed for decades as a way to spur economic development regionally, and legislators are making a huge push for funding in this year’s budget.

“17 Forward 86 is about driving economic development in Orange and Sullivan counties and beyond, decreasing traffic and congestion along Route 17 and its side roads and encouraging more tourists to visit and shop in the Hudson Valley,” Brabenec said. “Route 17 is the lifeblood of our region and its ability to handle our increased tourist and population growth will hinge on this project’s completion.”

According to the group 17 Forward 86, Extending Route 17 to Interstate 86 stands to generate $82 million in additional state sales tax revenue for the State of New York over the next decade. The coalition is seeking inclusion in the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) five-year capital plan at $100 million per year beginning in March 2020.

“This is truly a bipartisan effort backed by local labor unions, residents, businesses, chambers of commerce and tourism associations from across the Hudson Valley. I am hopeful we can make this long-awaited project a reality this year and I will continue the push into budget negotiations,” Brabenec concluded.