In Albany, $1 billion of the funds NYS received from the historic infrastructure bill have been allocated to the expansion and widening of Rt. 17 in Orange and Sullivan counties. Many have asked whether those funds could be used in a better way — not just widening certain points but designing for responsible, sustainable development along the Rt. 17 corridor with the necessary support services (sewer, stormwater, and other climate-related infrastructure upgrades).
A coalition, ReThink Rt. 17, was formed to advocate for that better way. Orange Environment is a founding member, continuing our mission of advocating for sustainable transportation and development.
The Real Costs of Expansion
Case studies across the country document that adding lanes provides only short-term relief and very often increases traffic congestion over the long term due to induced demand. Additional capacity also induces sprawling land-use development that adds even more car trips.
Widening Rt. 17 would unnecessarily pave over greenspace and slice through nationally significant natural areas including the Bashakill Wildlife Management Area, the Shawangunk Mountains, and the Neversink River basin. It would worsen particulate matter and carbon-monoxide pollution, and the impacts would fall disproportionately on low-income communities. A nearly 50-mile widening is also inconsistent with New York's climate mandates to slash greenhouse-gas emissions 85% by 2050 under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA).
Beyond a Third Lane
We believe the Governor's Administration should develop an alternative transportation plan focused on moving people and goods without adding lanes. Some sections — such as Harriman to Middletown — could be upgraded to federal interstate standards. But the main pillars must be:
- Reducing greenhouse-gas emissions through expanded mass transit, zero-emissions goods movement, and electrified fleets
- Walkable, bikeable communities and reduced reliance on single-occupancy cars
- Climate-resilient infrastructure: water, sewer, energy, waste, heat absorption, stormwater
- An equitable share of resources for disadvantaged communities along the corridor
Coalition Members
Orange Environment Inc, Catskill Mountainkeeper, Earthjustice, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), Harvard University Loeb Fellow Arif Khan, Regional Plan Association (RPA), Tri-State Transportation Campaign, Riverkeeper, Citizen Action New York, NY Renews, Sustainable Hudson Valley, Catskill Heritage Alliance, Simon Gruber (Institute for Sustainable Cities, Hunter College), Lake Communities Alliance, actor Mark Ruffalo, Concerned Citizens for the Hudson Valley, Rivers & Mountains GreenFaith, Catskill Center, New York League of Conservation Voters, Long Island Progressive Coalition, Preservation Collective Inc, and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).