On October 9, Cumberland County officials dedicated ground for the construction of a new telecommunications tower in Commercial Township. Once operational, the tower will form a critical part of the county’s emergency communications system upgrade.

In a ribbon cutting ceremony, Freeholder Director Joseph Derella stated, “The tower was made feasible by a public-private partnership with Vertical Bridge Development, LLC that leveraged private investment to build the tower on public property purchased by the County in Commercial Township for the site of the tower and the County’s Region 3 Public Works maintenance operations. The County will use the tower for emergency, public safety and other governmental communications.”

Vertical Bridge will have right to lease space on the tower to private communication companies which will enhance cell phone service in the Bay shore communities.

Deputy Freeholder Director Darlene Barber described the project as a “win-win” for county residents stating, “The new tower is part of the County’s ongoing commitment to establish a modern, robust public safety and emergency services communication system throughout all of Cumberland County.”

The property is the former location of Port Norris Express Trucking and features a three-bay garage, wash bay, and other buildings providing a convenient and efficient facility for the maintenance and storage of equipment servicing those communities.