What began as a one-person crusade to improve our state highways, is blossoming into a coalition.

Don Berger, a Montgomery resident, has taken his case to the town boards of Montgomery, Crawford, Wallkill and Newburgh. Next on his list is the Town of New Windsor.

All have agreed that the state roads that crisscross our region: 207, 208, 17K, 300 and 211 and 52 are in bad shape and that something should be done. Many have been frustrated in past dealing with the New York State Department of Transportation

Town of Montgomery Supervisor Steve Brescia agreed to take the initiative and set up a follow-up meeting with the other supervisors to work on the issue. They know that a single municipality alone doesn’t have the lobbying clout in Albany to seek state funding for highway improvements.

New Windsor Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti, meanwhile, took to Facebook on Monday to remind residents that Routes 207 and 300 are not town roads, but that he will continue to pressure DOT to take corrective action as soon as possible for the safety of all those who travel them every day.

There is money available. It was recently reported that the State of New York is due to receive $2.1 billion in federal funding for highway improvements. Where that money is going is yet to be determined.

The hope is that a united effort by our local town supervisors, and our state legislators may funnel some of that highway money into Orange County.

There are no guarantees of results, but it’s certainly worth the effort.