For decades, signs that read “Future 86” have dotted Route 17 from Orange County heading west. A group looking to make it happen launched their campaign yesterday. The project would add a third lane to Route 17 each direction from exit 131 in Harriman to Monticello at exit 103. Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, whose district covers western Ramapo and parts of Orange County, says it’s a bipartisan effort backed by local labor unions, residents, businesses, chambers of commerce and tourism associations from across the Hudson Valley…
Assemblyman Colin Schmitt, whose district covers Stony Point and parts of Orange County, says widening the road will ease traffic, improve the environment, add jobs, and provide economic opportunities…
According to the group “17 Forward 86” the project could generate $82 million in additional state sales tax revenue over the next decade. The coalition is seeking inclusion in the DOT’s five-year capital plan at $100 million a year starting next year.