Event highlights land preservation, the Bayshore Byway, outdoor recreation amenities, and new branding design

Thousand Acre Marsh, DE – With autumn foliage at its peak and the scenic Thousand Acre Marsh in the background, Governor Jack Markell announced important Delaware Bayshore milestones that enhance the state’s natural resources for world-class conservation and boost the economy through recreational activities. The Governor was joined by Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Secretary David Small, Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) Secretary Bernice Whaley, conservation, transportation and tourism partners and Bayshore community leaders and residents to highlight key accomplishments of the Delaware Bayshore Initiative.

The Delaware Bayshore Initiative enhances and promotes the region as a world-class conservation and low-impact recreation area, strengthens historic local communities and improves the quality of life for all Delawareans. The initiative received national recognition from the U.S. Department of the Interior, as one of the country’s most promising ways to reconnect Americans to the natural world.

“The Delaware Bayshore Initiative builds on our reputation as a state of unique and beautiful natural resources, while also strengthening our economy by encouraging Delawareans and visitors to enjoy the area through activities like birding, fishing, and boating,” said Governor Markell. “That’s why we’re excited to announce these efforts to preserve important wetlands, increase public access to one of our state’s most beautiful landscapes, and enhance the Bayshore as a valuable tourism destination. These milestones help ensure we and future generations will fully enjoy all of the benefits the Bayshore offers.”

The Delaware Bayshore, extending along the Delaware River and Bay from New Castle to Lewes, is widely recognized as an area of global ecological significance. Its expansive coastal marshes, sandy shoreline, forests, fields, and agricultural lands provide habitat for more than 400 species of birds and other wildlife. The Nature Conservancy has called the Delaware Bayshore, “one of the earth’s most important stopovers for migratory birds.” Nearly 120,000 acres of Bayshore lands are already protected as national wildlife refuges, state wildlife areas, state parks, national estuarine research reserves, private conservation areas, agricultural preserves and cultural heritage sites throughout the area.

“The Delaware Bayshore Initiative is building upon decades of significant conservation investment in preserving wetlands, forests, agricultural lands and open space,” said Secretary Small. “I want to thank our federal partners, Bayshore communities and the many conservation partners working collaboratively. By preserving and enhancing our precious Bayshore lands, we are encouraging Delawareans and visitors to enjoy these natural treasures and protecting the Delaware Bayshore and its wild and scenic landscape for future generations.”

“The scenic Delaware Bayshore, which includes coastal marshes, farms and forests, is not only a great recreational amenity for the state, but a crucial habitat for diverse species,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “I am proud of ongoing local, state and federal partnerships like the Delaware Bayshore Initiative that help to protect these lands for generations to come, while encouraging Delawareans and visitors to the First State to get outside and enjoy these beautiful natural treasures.”

“I am proud of the hard work that a number of state and federal agencies have done over the past few years to pool resources, leverage grant funding, and strategically acquire valuable property on Delaware’s coast,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “Delaware’s Bayshore Initiative recognizes that protecting our beautiful wetlands is important from an environmental point of view, but it also makes sense to preserve treasures like the Thousand Acre Marsh that attracts birders and naturalists from all over the world who want to enjoy the view. I am glad that federal programs like the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program were used in conjunction with state and private funds to make this possible.”

“Delaware is blessed with a beautiful coastline and natural habitat that draws residents and visitors from across the region.  We have to preserve it for future generations to enjoy,” said U.S. Congressman John Carney. “These milestones reflect tremendous conservation efforts that have gone into protecting our precious natural resources. I’m excited for more people to discover the Delaware Bayshore and the beauty that’s right in our backyard.”

Today’s event highlights four Bayshore milestones, including the preservation of a key property at Thousand Acre Marsh, the launch of the Delaware Bayshore Byway and Plan, the opening of a new trail and wildlife viewing platform and the Bayshore’s new branding design. The projects were made possible through a variety of partnerships and state, federal and private funding sources.

Land preservation of the 140-acre Bennett Farm property at Thousand Acre Marsh

The Bennett Farm, a key coastal wetland property, part of the Thousand Acre Marsh near Port Penn, was preserved through a federal grant of $731,000 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant (NCWCG) Program, along with matching state funds and private contributions.

Conservation of the 140-acre property brings a total of 528 acres of Thousand Acre Marsh under permanent protection and expands access to globally-significant wildlife habitat within the Delaware Bayshore. With this property, the Augustine Wildlife Area, including the Thousand Acre Marsh, totals 3,130 protected acres.

The Thousand Acre Marsh provides habitat for thousands of wintering waterfowl and serves as a stopover for migratory birds during spring and fall and as breeding grounds for waterbirds, as well as habitat for fish and muskrats. Protection and management of the property will help safeguard habitat for several species listed as State Endangered, as well as protecting foraging habitat for one of the largest and most diverse heronries on the East Coast and critical overwintering habitat for the bald eagle.

“Coastal wetlands are among the richest and most important natural places on the planet,” said Wendi Weber, Northeast Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. “They are habitats for fish and wildlife, but also play an important role for people – such as providing clean water and special places to get outside and enjoy nature. National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants allow us to leverage resources with our partners to conserve the nature of our coast, including Delaware’s Bayshore.”

“Today marks the start of a never-before precedent of conservation partnerships and stakeholders from local, state and federal agencies all coming together to not only protect and preserve this incredible acreage at Thousand Acre Marsh, but to enhance the property for public access, educational opportunities and world-class viewing amenities,” said Bill Stewart, president of the Delmarva Ornithological Society (DOS). “To realize that the efforts of numerous birders and supporters of DOS Delaware Bird-A-Thon fundraising, coupled with funds provided by other great conservation partners, helped turn a dream into reality, is frankly, awe-inspiring.”

Delaware’s matching cost share for the grant was about $500,000, consisting of Delaware Open Space Program funds and partner contributions, and a land value match from a nearby state-owned tract that was part of the grant provisions placed under the protection of the NCWCG program. Three conservation partner groups who financially supported the project are The Nature Conservancy in Delaware with funding from Mt. Cuba Center, the Delmarva Ornithological Society and Delaware Wild Lands.

Launch of the Delaware Bayshore Byway and Plan

The Delaware Bayshore Byway, extending along Route 9 from the City of New Castle to the St. Jones Neck east of Dover, was officially launched today. As “the road less traveled,” the Delaware Bayshore Byway meanders along the Delaware River and Bay through the heart of the Bayshore’s most picturesque coastal marshes, sandy shorelines, forests, fields and agricultural lands. The Byway is the tourism backbone of the Bayshore – connecting special natural areas, recreation and historical sites and Bayshore communities.

“DelDOT is pleased to collaborate with DNREC, Bayshore communities and others to promote, preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources that make the Bayshore region special,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan. “By building trails and maintaining roadways, DelDOT proudly supports eco-tourism throughout the state of Delaware.”

As part of the launch, the Corridor Management Plan (CMP) for the Byway was announced. The plan was funded by a grant of $146,000 from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration’s National Scenic Byway Program, with additional funds provided by local state legislators.

“What makes the Scenic Byway Program so special is the fact that it is a grass-roots collaborative effort established to help recognize, preserve and enhance selected roads throughout the United States,” said Federal Highway Administration Delaware Division Administrator Mary Ridgeway. “The nearly $1.1 million in federal funding for the Delaware Bayshore Byway management plan and future improvements will help boost the economy by creating jobs and bringing tourist dollars to the region.”

The CMP provides the framework to guide the actions necessary to enhance, preserve and promote the Bayshore and Byway. The plan was developed by the Bayshore Planning Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from state agencies, environmental groups, tourism offices and Bayshore communities, with leadership from Delaware Greenways. The CMP establishes a path forward and includes goals that will brand and market the Bayshore and Byway, conserve the natural environment, support the needs of Bayshore communities and enhance access to the natural areas.

“Over a two year period, the planning process actively engaged many community leaders, landowners, tourism experts and state and local organizations and developed a plan valued by the key stakeholders of the Bayshore,” said Steve Borleske, chairman of the Bayshore Planning Advisory Committee and Delaware Greenways board member. “With the CMP to steer our efforts, the committee is dedicated to working together to implement recommendations that will preserve and enhance the Delaware Bayshore Byway.”

A Byway extension which will continue south from St. Jones Neck east of Dover to the City of Lewes has been proposed. At this time, the towns of Bowers Beach and Slaughter Beach and the community of Broadkill Beach have officially voted to be part of the Byway extension. Outreach with other Bayshore communities is currently underway.

Opening of new outdoor recreation amenities – a wildlife viewing platform and trail

A new wildlife viewing platform overlooking the Thousand Acre Marsh and a scenic walking trail were opened today, both of which were designed to provide ADA-accessible opportunities for observing wildlife. Interpretive signs are being added at the trailhead area and the observation platform. The new platform provides outstanding viewing of waterfowl, herons, egrets and other waterbirds, especially during peak fall migrations. These enhancements provide a safe location for travelers on the Byway to view wildlife and wetlands and promote low-impact recreation in close proximity to Bayshore communities, including nearby Port Penn and Delaware City.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, Delaware outdoor recreation, which includes hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing and tourism, significantly contributes to the state’s conservation economy, which generates $4 billion annually, including $1.1 billion in salaries and wages and $304 million in local and state tax revenue. More than 60 percent of Delawareans participate in outdoor recreation.

Funded in part through the FY2015 Trails and Pathways Bond Bill appropriation, this project is part of a Federal Highways Administration Byways Grant for the Delaware Bayshore Byway.

Unveiling the new Delaware Bayshore brand design

A new branding design was unveiled that enhances the Delaware Bayshore as an eco-tourism destination. It creates an identity for the entire Bayshore, with communication materials that reflect natural and historical areas, the Byway and the communities. The brand sets the Bayshore apart as a distinctive and memorable travel destination and increases the likelihood of Delawareans and out-of-state residents visiting the area.

“We’re very fortunate that Bayshore partners have worked with us to incorporate the look and feel of the new Delaware tourism logo into their brand,” said Secretary Bernice Whaley of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “With its new identity, the Delaware Bayshore becomes a clearly identifiable place of its own, one that has the cohesiveness and unity that is needed to become a true destination. With a clear, compelling and inspiring brand, the Bayshore becomes a great tool in our toolbox for enhancing tourism in Delaware. This is truly a win-win for us all.”

The brand designs include a branding statement, logos, slogan, signage and advertisements that can be used by the partners to market and promote the Bayshore in a coordinated way. The branding is vital to the education of residents and travelers and helps ensure that future generations learn to respect, value and protect the region.

For more information on the Delaware Bayshore Initiative, contact Karen Bennett, Delaware Bayshore Coordinator, DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife at 302-739-9124, Karen.Bennett@delaware.gov, or visit DNREC’s website at http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Pages/Delaware-Bayshore.aspx.

For information on the Delaware Bayshore Byway, contact Ann Gravatt, DelDOT Planning Supervisor, Byway Program, at 302-760-2254, Ann.Gravatt@delaware.gov or visit the Delaware Bayshore Byway website at www.byways.deldot.gov.

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Dover – Tomorrow night, as children and families celebrate Halloween in neighborhoods across Delaware, registered sex offenders under the supervision of probation officers are being ordered to stay off the streets, the Department of Correction announced today.

On Halloween night each year, the Department of Correction (DOC) imposes special restrictions on all high risk sex offenders and sex offenders with child victims who are under the supervision of the DOC’s Bureau of Community Corrections. These restrictions require designated offenders to remain inside their home with outside lights turned off beginning at 6:00 p.m. and prohibit them from distributing candy, participating in Halloween-related activities, or displaying Halloween decorations. Moreover, designated homeless sex offenders under Department of Correction supervision will be required to report to a Probation and Parole Office or other location in their county at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, where they will remain until 9:00 p.m.

“The Department of Correction is taking reasonable precautions to ensure that children and families enjoy a safe trick-or-treating experience,” Commissioner Robert Coupe said today. “Probation officers will be on patrol in our communities to verify that sex offenders under our supervision are following the restrictions on their movement and activities on Halloween night.”

To ensure compliance with these restrictions, teams of Probation and Parole officers will be out on the streets in each county Saturday night to conduct residence checks at the homes of designated sex offenders. On Halloween night last year Probation Officers made 347 residence visits and took 5 offenders into custody for violating the terms of their probation.

The DOC’s Bureau of Community Corrections provides community-based supervision, programs and treatment services to approximately 16,000 adult offenders in Delaware. In addition, 18 probation officers statewide are assigned full-time to specialized local crime-fighting task forces, including Governor’s Task Force and Safe Streets patrols in designated communities, and DEA, FBI, and US Marshalls task forces. In addition, a half-dozen probation officers are assigned to the DOC’s pre-trial services unit, which supervises more than 500 defendants facing trial who have been ordered by the Court to be supervised as a condition of bail.

Dover, DE – In his weekly message, Governor Markell discusses statewide efforts to embrace the new economy and how those efforts support job growth, including a commitment by JP Morgan to hire 1,800 people in Delaware by 2019.
“We have built on our well-earned reputation as a business-friendly state that is easy to work with by recognizing the workforce demands of today’s innovative companies,” said Governor Markell. “By continuing to meet the evolving needs of employers, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.”

Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

YouTube: https://youtu.be/TJS-N49WwsY
Delaware.Gov: http://governor.delaware.gov/podcast_video.shtml
By email: Please contact our press teamto subscribe to our press list
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/governormarkell
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/governormarkell

Transcript of the Governor’s Weekly Message: Recognizing the Workforce demands of Innovative Companies

This past week, I joined JP Morgan Chase executives to celebrate the company’s commitment to hire 1,800 people by 2019, while investing more than $150 million in our economy through construction projects. This employment increase would represent our largest single company job expansion since the 1990’s and help Delaware set a record for financial sector jobs. All of this means a great deal to our state—for the people who will have opportunities to work for a cutting-edge company—for the construction workers who will build the space for the company to expand—and for all of their families. But this expansion represents far more than employment records. In a global economy, companies like JP Morgan have more choices than ever of where to locate and expand, and their choice of Delaware affirms that we have embraced the new economy.

We’ve done so first and foremost by collaborating with our private sector to build a pipeline of talent for our workforce and create opportunities for Delawareans to acquire valuable skills. Our TechHire initiative involves intense short-term IT training that leads directly to job opportunities at financial companies, whose demand for technology workers rivals that of Silicon Valley’s biggest firms. Programs like Pathways to Prosperity give high schoolers a head start on earning a degree and gaining workplace experience in fields like engineering, manufacturing, and computer science. And there’s much more, from bringing the business community into our schools to helping workers build a strong resume that is matched with employer needs. We have built on our well-earned reputation as a business-friendly state that is easy to work with by recognizing the workforce demands of today’s innovative companies. By continuing to meet the evolving needs of employers, we’ll keep Delaware moving forward.

Delawareans have 3 months to sign up for 2016 coverage to avoid penalty

WILMINGTON – Delaware will launch the third open enrollment period of its Health Insurance Marketplace on Sunday, ready to build on the success of the first two seasons in which more than 23,000 Delawareans enrolled in private health plans and activated their coverage.

Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Rita Landgraf joined County Executive Tom Gordon and Paul Reynolds from the Department of Insurance to preview the launch during an event Thursday at Absalom Jones Community Center.

Open enrollment for health coverage in 2016 runs from Nov. 1 through Jan. 31 on HealthCare.gov. Individuals must sign up by Dec. 15 for coverage to be effective Jan. 1. Policies for all current enrollees expire Dec. 31.

Individuals enrolled this year can renew their current plan or enroll in a different plan for 2016. While insurance companies will automatically renew many consumers’ coverage, individuals who bought a marketplace plan are encouraged to go to HealthCare.gov to update their household income and other personal information, review their current coverage, and check out the new plans among the 29 individual plans offered for 2016.

Secretary Landgraf said she is eagerly anticipating the start of the third enrollment season. “Beginning Nov. 1, more Delawareans who previously were denied coverage because of a disability or other pre-existing condition, or who thought health insurance was beyond their monthly budgets, will have the chance to join thousands of their neighbors who are enjoying the peace of mind and possibility of improved health that come with being covered.” She said one common misconception that people have is that tax credits won’t apply to them. Tax credits, which help to lower the monthly premium, are available for individuals making up to about $46,000 a year and for families of four with an annual household income of up to about $95,000.

Giving Delawareans access to health care is just a first step, Landgraf said. “Delivering quality care, producing better health outcomes, and reducing health care costs have always been at the heart of the Affordable Care Act. With the start of open enrollment we will take the next step toward a healthier Delaware.”

The Health Insurance Marketplace in Delaware for 2016 will include:

• More choice: Individuals who are enrolling for the first time or re-enrolling will have more plans to choose from: 29 plans vs. 25 in 2015. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna Health, and Aetna Life Insurance administer the plans. A dozen dental plans will also be available.
• Health benefits that include coverage of pre-existing conditions, outpatient care, emergency services, hospitalization, prescription drugs, mental health and substance use disorder services, lab services, and pediatric services.
• Rate changes: Individual-plan premiums will increase an average 22.4 percent for Highmark plans and less than 17 percent for Aetna.
• Small business employers: Owners will have 15 SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) plans to choose from for 2016 vs. 16 in 2015. Premiums will decrease 0.5 percent to 1 percent for Aetna plans and increase 12.7 percent for Highmark plans. Small business owners can enroll in SHOP at any time.
• Federal tax credits that in 2015 helped to lower the cost of coverage for 84 percent of Delawareans who enrolled. Their average monthly tax credit was $260.
• A new and improved ChooseHealthDE.com, Delaware’s official source of information about the Health Insurance Marketplace and connection to HealthCare.gov, the federal enrollment site. The new site, launched today, has a cleaner look and improved navigation. A penalty calculator will again allow visitors to see how much they could pay for going uninsured.
• A higher penalty for going uninsured. Those who are not exempt and do not buy insurance for 2016 will pay $695 per adult (plus $347.50 for each child younger than 18 not covered) or 2.5 percent of their household income, whichever is higher.
• Free in-person enrollment assistance from federally funded and trained specialists at several Delaware organizations, including Westside Family Healthcare, Chatman LLC, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center and La Red Health Center. State-licensed insurance agents and brokers also are available to assist individuals and employers with their enrollments. Go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com for details.
• A faster, smoother and safer enrollment process on Healthcare.gov that includes new features such as a calculator that estimates total costs – deductible, co-pays, cost-sharing — based on the plan and a consumer’s expected medical needs; a simplified re-enrollment process; and a “privacy manager” that gives users more control over the information they choose to share.

About eight out of 10 current enrollees will be able to buy a 2016 plan with premiums less than $100 dollars a month after tax credits, and about seven out of 10 will have a plan available for less than $75 a month, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Those attending Thursday’s kickoff heard from Nancy Lemus, a 35-year-old woman from New Castle who has struggled to get health care for her and her son, Christopher, 10, who has cerebral palsy and dystonia, a movement disorder that causes debilitating spasms. Lemus, who works part-time jobs as a waitress and a nursing aide, said she is eager to explore her health insurance options through the marketplace.

Delaware’s senators and congressman urged uninsured Delawareans to find out what’s available for them on the marketplace.

“Over the last several years, I’ve had a chance to meet with Delawareans who found affordable health care and peace of mind through the health insurance marketplace,” Sen. Tom Carper said in a statement. “With open enrollment now underway, I strongly urge all uninsured individuals to go to ChooseHealthDE.com to get information about the various health insurance plans available and potential financial assistance they may qualify for to reduce their insurance costs. And because enrolling in health insurance can be overwhelming, there is free, in-person assistance available to help individuals and families. Every Delaware family deserves access to the quality health care they need, and the marketplace is making that a reality for thousands of Delawareans for the first time.”

Sen. Chris Coons reminded Delawareans to enroll as soon as possible. “It’s an important process and a right that all Americans have access to comprehensive health insurance that fits their needs, regardless of age, background, or pre-existing conditions.”

Added Congressman John Carney: “Next week begins another opportunity for Delawareans to get quality health care coverage that works for themselves and their families. While we still have a lot to do to improve on the quality and cost of health care, the marketplace is an important step that provides thousands with access to care. I encourage Delawareans to look at their options.”

Insurance Commissioner Karen Weldin Stewart said she is excited about the start of another open enrollment period. “I intend to keep working with my partners to make sure comprehensive health care is affordable for all Delawareans.”

In addition to the Health Insurance Marketplace, some residents might be eligible for coverage though Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 9,000 individuals have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

For more information, go to www.ChooseHealthDE.com or call 1 (800) 318-2596, TTY: 1 (855) 889-4325. You can enroll in marketplace coverage directly at www.HealthCare.gov or through an agent or broker, always with no charge to the individual.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Photos from Thursday’s Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace Kickoff Event will be available for download beginning Thursday afternoon at DHSS’ flickr page.

For more information, contact Jill Fredel, Director of Communications, (302) 255-9047 (office) or (302) 357-7498 (cell).

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Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.