DEP Announces New Initiative

Monday, November 25th, at the DEP Offices on Smith Street in Kingston, community  leaders gathered to announce an exciting new initiative to improve wireless  connectivity across the watershed. NYC DEP Commissioner Rohit T. Aggarwala kicked  off the press conference, discussing the project’s aim to build wireless infrastructure  that will not only enhance DEP operations but also address the gaps in connectivity  affecting local communities.  

The project will help fill in "dead zones" along critical roadways and ensure better  communications for first responders, especially in rural areas where cellular service  is often unreliable. The DEP's ability to create this infrastructure on their land will  allow private wireless carriers to also utilize it to provide much-needed service to  residents and businesses. 

Tina Molé, Chairwoman of the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and one of the  community collaborators on the project remarked about the significance of the project  for the county. She highlighted the county’s ongoing efforts to improve broadband  and cellular service, noting that while broadband access has improved in recent years,  cellular service remains a major concern—particularly in more rural and densely  populated areas. This project will not only improve emergency communication but  will also help address the challenges caused by unreliable cellular coverage and the  region’s electric grid which is sometimes affected by extreme weather events. 

The speakers emphasized the importance of this initiative for safety, quality of life,  and economic development in the region. By working collaboratively with local and  state partners, the DEP is making a significant step forward in improving connectivity, which will benefit both the DEP's operations and the surrounding communities. 

We are excited to see how this project will continue to grow and improve life in  Delaware County and beyond.