Butler County needs all the clout it can muster to end the stalemate encompassing the proposed Route 228 improvement project.

Having state Sen. Jane Orie, R-40th, now actively involved with local political and business leaders in trying to bridge the stalled project's hurdles must be regarded as an important development.

A source of even greater optimism would be more active project involvement by all other legislators serving not only Butler County, but all those serving Beaver and Allegheny counties as well, because of the project's regional importance.

The project would improve the busy roadway east of Interstate 79.

Concern that the project still isn't attracting the kind of regional attention that it deserves was a topic at a meeting of community officials Friday. At that session, it was stressed that communication with Beaver and Allegheny officials continued to lag.

Perhaps a meeting Monday that was attended by more than 300 regional business leaders at the Pittsburgh Marriott North opened some eyes to the fact that a more intense effort is necessary.

After all, the project was drafted eight years ago, and Simon Property Group, which has plans for extensive development along an improved Route 228, has been trying to effect an agreement regarding the project's scope for at least six of those years.

It should surprise no one that Simon has become impatient over the lack of progress.

Orie is a respected, energetic member of the state General Assembly. Having her as an active participant in the Route 228 initiative could make a difference in helping to bring about compromises.

All considered, an urgency exists regarding the project. Now is the time for a project focus and intensity unlike any that has enveloped it up to now.