A drive along East Broadway lately reveals something in the midst of a transformation. After years of planning and anticipation, this section of the Town of Thompson and the Village of Monticello is getting a long-overdue makeover. 

The $5.8 million project includes around 1.5 miles from the former Apollo Mall to the intersection of Pleasant Street.

Investment in our roads, bridges, public buildings, water treatment systems, and other forms of vital infrastructure is key to creating good jobs and promoting full economic recovery.

It creates the kind of area that people want to invest in, buy homes near and raise families around. 

East Broadway is just one example of infrastructure investments in Sullivan County that will make a difference in the long run. Bridges around the Sullivan County area are also getting some well-deserved attention.

Let’s not forget that infrastructure is a broad term that includes a lot more than just roads and bridges. 

Digital infrastructure is the way of the future. Those who don’t have it will fall behind while those who do will see that investment pay off. 

While the lack of high speed broadband remains an issue in Sullivan County, there has been progress within the past year. Just this summer the Sullivan County Division of Public Works was awarded $1.7 million in federal grant funding to support the development of a county-owned wireless broadband network to expand high-speed internet access for residents and business owners.

Back in August, a county-erected tower high atop a Rock Hill peak went into operation, with a public cell signal available to areas desperately in need. In addition to Verizon leasing space on the tower to provide cell service, the tower is also utilized by the county’s emergency communications network and will eventually be used to support wireless broadband.

These are promising steps in the right direction. Through smart investments, cooperation between business and government, and a lot of hard work we can build a stronger and more resilient Sullivan County.