The town of Liberty, and all of Sullivan County as well, shared a huge victory last week with the announcement of securing a $20 million Instastructure Award from the Empire State Development FAST NY Program. And yes, it is a big deal.

Being able to have shovel-ready sites right off of New York State Route 17 is a huge step in the direction of creating and retaining businesses that could have lasting impacts for the better for all 70,000-plus people who call this county their home – and there is no better location than that strip of property. 

Being right off the highway, shipping to and from these anticipated larger businesses will reduce disruption to non-commercial traffic within county lines. Its centralized location splitting the county Northwest to Southeast means no Sullivan resident will be either too far away nor too close. It also means that our Main Streets will stay Main Streets, without the big box company’s stepping in where they may do more harm than good to the people who live here.

In addition to it being so central, we hope that the businesses that look to take root along Route 17 consider heavily in hiring local workers. Having access to these new jobs could seriously grant a boost to our middle class and working people, something sorely needed everywhere and will certainly be welcomed here.

Over recent years, Sullivan County has seen tremendous love and support poured into every one of its towns, hamlets and villages, especially in the name of beautification and culture. A great deal of that work has been done by Sullivan Renaissance and Sullivan 180, whose work has done and continues to be done in the development of that crucial aspect of our community. 

Now, our commerce can see a boom in growth and preservation in addition to the culture. Going hand-in-hand, there is hope that we can become a hub of commerce and a thriving economy. Thank you to all the organizations whose assistance brought home this massive award – the future of Sullivan County shines ever brighter with this illuminating opportunity.