GUEST VIEWPOINT: County Reaches Critical Juncture: Leaders Must Address Weaknesses in Infrastructure, Plan for Climate Change

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in the Rockland County Business Journal.

Rockland County, while deeply rooted in its history, faces the challenge of managing aging and outdated infrastructure that largely dates to the mid-20th century. As the county modernized rapidly after the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge in 1955 and the Palisades Interstate Parkway, much of the infrastructure built during that period is showing signs of wear and requires significant upgrades or replacements.

To address these challenges, Rockland County should implement a multi-faceted approach:

Comprehensive Infrastructure Assessment: Conduct a thorough evaluation of the existing infrastructure, identifying critical areas that need immediate attention. This would include roads, bridges, water systems, public buildings and other essential services.

Strategic Investment in Upgrades and Repairs: Prioritize investments based on the assessment, focusing on upgrading critical infrastructure to meet current safety and efficiency standards. This may involve repairing existing structures or completely replacing those that are beyond repair.

Leveraging State and Federal Funding: Seek funding from state and federal programs designed to support infrastructure improvements. This could include grants, low-interest loans, and other financial incentives aimed at modernizing public infrastructure.

Public-Private Partnerships: Explore opportunities for collaboration with private sector entities to fund and manage infrastructure projects. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can be an effective way to share the financial burden and bring in expertise from the private sector.

Sustainable and Resilient Design: Incorporate sustainability and resilience into new infrastructure projects. This means using materials and designs that can withstand future environmental challenges, such as climate change, and integrating renewable energy sources where possible.

Community Engagement and Transparency: Involve the community in planning and decision-making processes. Transparency in how funds are allocated and how projects are prioritized will help build public trust and ensure that the most critical needs are addressed first.

Technological Integration: Modernize infrastructure by integrating advanced technologies such as smart traffic systems, energy-efficient public buildings and improved public transportation networks. This can reduce long-term costs and improve the quality of life for residents.

In addition to these steps, Rockland faces further challenges related to environmental sustainability, such as the diminishing availability of renewable energy sources, inadequate drainage systems, flooding and groundwater quality.

The preservation of the county’s heritage also hangs in the balance.

Addressing Environmental Sustainability: To confront these challenges, Rockland’s elected leaders must engage in an honest and open dialogue with the community about the necessity of a Green New Deal. This initiative should include detailed plans and transparent discussions about the costs associated with updating the county’s infrastructure to meet modern sustainability standards.

Without a bold, county-wide or regional approach, the financial burden could overwhelm property taxpayers, making it essential to set aside parochial issues in favor of the greater good. Failure to address these concerns could result in continued deterioration of infrastructure, increased flooding, poor drainage that damages homes and businesses and a decline in overall quality of life.

A well-structured Infrastructure and Sustainability Plan is crucial, led by a designated “Tsar” or authority figure with the power to make real and meaningful progress. Without such a plan, the risks are severe: undrinkable water, unreliable electric and gas supplies, and a deteriorating quality of life.

Rockland must act decisively to safeguard its future, embracing a comprehensive approach to infrastructure and sustainability that ensures the county remains a vibrant and livable community for generations to come.