Multiple road projects are on the horizon for the Southern Tier.

But it takes money to green light construction.

Congress is now working on the next Federal Highway Bill.

As Action News Reporter Julianne Sweeney tells us, the area has to set priorities.

Reconstructing stretches of Route 12 could mean better accessibility.

It's a vital link from Broome, through Chenango to Oneida counties.

"Binghamton often thinks of 81 as a good link between Syracuse and Binghamton, and it's great. But in Utica, we like to think of 12 as a potential link between Binghamton and Utica." says Rep. Michael Arcuri, (D) 24th District.

Congressman Michael Arcuri serves on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

He's asking for input to find out which area road construction projects are most important.

He will work to secure funding before Congress re-authorizes the federal highway bill next year.

"Have the questions and answers go back and forth, that's where you get a true dialogue because of good ideas." says Clifford Crouch, (R) NYS 107th Assembly.

Elected leaders, business owners and contractors met for this roundtable discussion in Greene.

They covered everything from the 700-million dollar transformation of Route 17 to I-86, a rail network between Binghamton and Scranton, and bridge work.

"The people who spoke from Tioga County said, ya know, hey it's great to have bike trails, but it's more important for us to have money to fix our bridges. I mean that's an important point {take out stumble} for legislators." says Arcuri.

Arcuri says he'll present their priorities to his colleagues in Washington, DC to push for the funding.

In Greene, Julianne Sweeney, WBNG-TV, Action News.

Congressman Arcuri will be hosting other transportation roundtables in New York State.