ALBANY, NY — When the New York State Legislature finalized the state budget on March 31, one of the elements was $5 million that will go to pay for environmental and design activities for Route 17. Specifically, the money will be used for a project that will expand the highway to three lanes in each direction.

The funding was secured by Assembly members Aileen Gunther, whose district includes most of Sullivan County and small portion of Orange County, and James Skoufis, whose district includes a large portion of Orange County. Gunther said, “Tourism plays such a big role in our local economy. The recent opening of Resorts World Catskills, the 50th anniversary of the Woodstock Festival, the upcoming opening of the YO1 [Wellness] Center—they’re all such wonderful opportunities for people to come visit.

“But, with so many great things going on in our area, we need to make sure we have the infrastructure to support it. I’m proud to say this funding helps accomplish that.”

Skoufis said, “Anyone who has traveled Route 17 on a summer weekend knows how critical it is to widen the thoroughfare. Working with Assemblywoman Gunther and local stakeholders, advancing this project has been a top priority, particularly as the region’s population and tourism continue to grow. She and I will continue to partner to get the job done.”

In 2013, the New York Department of Transportation completed a corridor study of Route 17 and determined that a third land would the most effective solution to the traffic congestion that occurs on the highway on weekends.

Gunther and Skoufis say the $5 million in funding in the recent budget advances the project to its next phase, bringing the widening one step closer to reality.