Infrastructure Improvement 

Infrastructure Improvement

Focus: Addressing critical infrastructure needs across Caldwell County, including road maintenance and improvements, strategic water and sewer system planning, and aggressively expanding reliable high-speed broadband internet access to all corners of our county.

My Commitment as Your Commissioner:

Solid infrastructure is the foundation upon which a thriving community is built – it connects us, powers our economy, protects our health, and enables education. As your County Commissioner, I understand that maintaining and upgrading our infrastructure requires proactive leadership, strategic planning, and persistent advocacy. I will work diligently to ensure Caldwell County addresses its infrastructure challenges head-on. Here’s how I plan to be helpful:

1. Advocate Tirelessly for Road Improvements:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: While the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) maintains most major roads, effective county advocacy is crucial for securing funding and attention. As Commissioner, I will build strong working relationships with NCDOT officials and our state legislative delegation. I will consistently and clearly communicate Caldwell County's priority road needs – focusing on safety improvements, congestion relief, and critical maintenance – based on data, planning documents, and citizen feedback. I'll ensure Caldwell County actively participates in regional transportation planning to maximize our opportunities for state investment.

2. Champion Universal Broadband Access:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: In today's world, high-speed internet is not optional; it's essential infrastructure. Closing the digital divide in Caldwell County, especially in our rural areas, will be one of my highest priorities. As Commissioner, I will direct county staff to aggressively identify and pursue every available state and federal grant (like the NC GREAT program) to fund broadband deployment. I will work proactively with internet service providers to streamline processes and remove barriers to building infrastructure here. Furthermore, I will support accurate mapping of service gaps and champion innovative solutions to ensure every home and business in Caldwell County has access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet.

3. Plan Strategically for Water & Sewer Needs:
   
   

   • How I'll Help: Ensuring access to clean water and reliable sewer service is vital for public health and planned economic development. As Commissioner, I will foster close collaboration between county departments (Planning, Health), our municipalities (Lenoir, Hudson, Granite Falls, etc.), and engineers to identify areas with failing septic systems or where strategic expansion of water/sewer lines is necessary to support growth. I will actively support efforts to secure state and federal grants and low-interest loans to finance these essential, often costly, projects. My focus will be on responsible, long-range planning that ensures infrastructure capacity aligns with community needs and protects our natural resources.

Reliable roads, universal broadband, and dependable water/sewer systems are not just conveniences; they are necessities for a modern, competitive, and healthy Caldwell County. As your Commissioner, I pledge to provide the persistent leadership required to strengthen this essential foundation for our community's future.