In terms of economic development, infrastructure is a key issue on the minds of pharmaceutical firms, advanced manufacturing concerns, housing developers and other businesses that are looking to invest in Orange County. The county’s infrastructure extends beyond roads and bridges, covering water, wastewater, fiber, telecom, electrical and natural gas. Mr. Eckert stated that in today’s competitive business environment, a broader definition of infrastructure also includes access to child care and housing.

Commissioner Sorenson discussed some of the many infrastructure-related projects the county is investing in such as the redevelopment of the former Camp LaGuardia property in Chester and Blooming Grove into a massive public park. Among some of the short-term initiatives being undertaken by the county now or in the near future include a Route 17M-Route 6 Transportation Corridor study and working in conjunction with the City of Middletown and Town of Goshen to expand water and sewer infrastructure and undertake a transportation study in that corridor. 

“Having water and sewer infrastructure there will be a game changer,” he said noting that there is developer interest but the corridor lacks the infrastructure to accommodate that proposed growth. The county is also working with the Town of Wallkill on the Wallkill Reinvestment Corridor adjacent to the Galleria at Crystal Run on Smith Road. Infrastructure improvements and road realignment work are being considered that could accommodate rental housing, a mixed-use development and a hotel project.

Commissioner Sorenson noted that the county looks to have decisions made on 239 Requests from municipalities on development projects within 10 days. On large projects the department sets up “Gateway” sessions where the developer, municipal officials and the local Planning Board meet with the county and New York State DOT and “take a hard look” at the project and “assess up front what the infrastructure needs are going to be and see how we can work together to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to support the development.”

The CCA’s Depew, a former Supervisor for the Town of Wallkill and an executive with Holt Construction, said that infrastructure is essential if Orange County is to attract the high-end manufacturing projects that bring with them high-paying jobs.

“Without water and without sewer and without power, you are going to just end up with a big empty box,” Mr. Depew said. “So, if we want to see a repatriation of high-end, high-tech manufacturing, we have to invest in our sewers.”

He also praised Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus for his commitment to investment in the county’s infrastructure.

Ms. Greer spoke of the need for collaboration between the developer and municipalities and also highlighted two key areas that serve as impediments to undertaking necessary utility and infrastructure work. Among the major projects her firm is working on include a $35-million road project on Route 17 and a major expansion of a wastewater treatment plant in New Windsor valued at more than $100 million.

On a positive note, the Orange County Partnership’s President Eckert noted that the state is now supporting shovel-ready projects and in December awarded the Village of Maybrook $25.48 million under its FAST NY program that will help facilitate the development of the Switchyard Terminal for Economic and Advanced Manufacturing (STEAM) Rail & Business Park at the long-vacant Maybrook Rail Yard. The grant will fund infrastructure installation, improvements and expansions set to benefit roads, water, sewer and drainage infrastructure. The result will be six building-pad sites accessible via the existing Middletown, NJ rail line. 

Mr. Eckerd said that when the STEAM project is complete, he believes it will create $1 billion in rail-related development activity.