As Berrien County Commissioners plan for future developments, they’ll have a ten year strategic plan to follow. Consultant James Hettinger spoke to commissioners Thursday about the planning document, which he says focuses heavily on broadband development as well as costal resiliency.
“You now have a guide that can steer investment into county facilities, and I think enable better governance from you over the next ten years, more responsive governance,” Hettinger said. “Commissioner Curran pointed out to me the last time I was here that the county is looking at engaging the services of a grant writer, and I say amen, get on it because we’re not going to be the only people looking for funds.”
Hettinger said with millions of dollars coming in as a result of federal legislation in the last couple of years, the strategic plan will help Berrien County as it seeks grants to improve infrastructure. He called it a “hybrid planning document that’s cognizant of extraordinary circumstances that we find today” that takes into account the commission’s consensus the money coming in should be focused on high speed internet and long term asset management.
