The Route 228 upgrade project needs all the allies it can muster, as well as a focused effort to remove obstacles that have been standing in the way of the project for about seven years.

If Monday is an accurate indicator, a solid foundation for a regional initiative on the project's behalf has begun to form and, once in place, it must be maintained.

The clear message must be there will be no retreat from emphasizing the need for the project and pushing for it to move forward.

While an important start, the announced construction of two new ramps connecting Route 228 to Interstate 79 is a small part of what needs to be done to make the highway the road it ought to be — with the traffic capacity that it will need in coming decades.

While some past efforts at sparking a regional approach to the Route 228 venture appeared more a going-through-the-motions than a substantive push, Monday's Legislative and Economic Development Breakfast hosted by the Cranberry Chamber of Commerce demonstrated the kind of regional mind-set needed to get the highway project moving forward.

Allegheny County Chief Executive Dan Onorato's spirited address to the more than 150 business leaders at the breakfast projected the kind of dedication to the project that must be heard from other leaders as the region lobbies on behalf of the project both in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.

In referring to Cranberry as the "Crossroads of Southwestern Pennsylvania," Onorato defined a theme on which the lobbying efforts can be anchored. That label puts Cranberry's position in proper perspective relative to a much wider area.

Onorato was right in saying that "it's a matter of keeping this a priority for the region." And, it was good to hear him say, "there's no doubt in my mind it will happen."

Likewise, it was encouraging to hear Beaver County Commissioner Charlie Camp join the drumbeat on behalf of the project. Camp talked about petitioning the power brokers in state government to secure funding in any way possible, adding that a little political pressure sometimes can go a long way.

"We have to go to the powers that be, whether that's the secretary of transportation or the state representatives or the governor, and tell them that we need this project to move forward," Camp said. "That's how we'll get this project moving, by focusing on the process and putting the right amount of pressure on the people who make decisions."

But that won't happen if the efforts are limited to sessions like Monday's. Regional leaders need to go to Harrisburg and Washington — not once but often — to speak with any officials who will sit down and listen to what they have to say.

All Western Pennsylvania state and federal lawmakers should be brought on board as a visible part of the Route 228 initiative. Additionally, local officials must not hesitate to publicize their efforts, including what trips are made to the state and national capitals and the names of those with whom they met.

Local officials should never give the impression that they are sitting back and waiting for someone to come to them.

Camp, acknowledging the troubled state of the economy, said elected officials nonetheless must be told, "Look, let's get the job done."

And it must be emphasized that by continuing to delay the project, the costs will only escalate. "Build it now and save money" must be a theme behind the lobbying effort.

The $20 million funding shortfall keeping the project from starting is small, given the hundreds of billions of dollars of spending in the federal economic stimulus package. Yet it is a sum that officials must find a way to bring to Route 228.

Onorato said an improved Route 228 would be a stimulus for new business and development spreading out in all directions.

Monday was a breakfast meeting; it also appeared to be a solid step toward overcoming obstacles.

The effort on behalf of Route 228 must continue to build in visibility as well as intensity.