Civil and Municipal - Jan 2024

is just a half-hour drive. With such a desirable location, it is no wonder that residents are proud to call Monroe County home. Much of Monroe County is covered by the Driftless Region. encompassing portions of three neighboring states as well, this region avoided the flattening effects of glaciation during the last ice age. Its beauty is highlighted by steep and heavily forested ridges, large river valleys, and an environment that offers spring-fed waterfalls, and other outdoor delights. Monroe County is also known for its trout fishing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and more, drawing visitors to the region. KEY INITIATIVES FOR RESIDENTS Although enjoyed by tourists and visitors for its unique assets, putting the needs of its residents front and center takes precedence for the county’s local leaders who continue to devote their efforts to key infrastructure initiatives. One example is the county’s Broadband Project,which is managed by local co-op Vernon Communications. While the plan to provide all areas of the county with top-of-the-line broadband services may take a few years, it was be launched in 2023 with plans to offer the service to six initial communities. “What we can successfully sell is clean water, valleys, and beauty with a lot of access to multicultural diversification,” says County Administrator Tina Osterberg. “There can be some places that are hard to get to but for some (residents) that is part of the appeal.” Monroe County is located in the driftless area of Wisconsin, untouched by the last glacier where the origins of 4 rivers wander through the Wisconsin & Mississippi River basins. Blessed with beautiful landscapes which often turn violent in these extreme rain events has led to flooding challenges in recent years, with damage resulting in three breached dams in the historic Coon Creek Watershed. Local officials, community leaders, and residents have worked together to create a cohort designed to improve flood resilience in these vulnerable 233 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 01 MONROE COUNT Y, WI