Governor Carney, Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer Sign Agreement to Expand Port of Wilmington

Lease agreement expected to create jobs, generate as much as $600 million in new investment

WILMINGTON, Del. – On Tuesday, Governor John Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation, and GT USA Wilmington, LLC finalized an agreement that will significantly expand the Port of Wilmington, create jobs, and lead to as much as $600 million of new investment at one of Delaware’s most important industrial sites. Earlier this year, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade.

“This historic agreement will result in significant new investment in the Port of Wilmington, which has long been one of Delaware’s most important industrial job centers,” said Governor Carney. “For decades, jobs at the Port have helped stabilize Delaware families and the communities where they live. I was proud to help make our partnership with Gulftainer official today, and I want to thank members of the General Assembly, the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer, the International Longshoremen’s Association, and all of our partners who have helped make this agreement a reality.”

Under terms of the agreement finalized on Tuesday, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA Wilmington, LLC will make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company plans to invest as much as $600 million in the Port over the next decade, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation in 2016.

The agreement is expected to create thousands of new jobs.

“We are proud to be making this long-term commitment to the State of Delaware, its community and its economy,” said Badr Jafar, Chairman of Gulftainer’s Executive Board. “This landmark agreement builds on Gulftainer’s 43-year track record of delivering excellence and dependability in ports and logistics operations around the world, and will create thousands of new jobs, enhanced links and sustainable value for Wilmington and the State. We are confident that this public-private partnership will propel the Port of Wilmington towards becoming the principal gateway of the Eastern Seaboard.”

“This is truly a remarkable partnership for the State of Delaware, the City of Wilmington, our Port and the thousands of families whose livelihoods depend on this facility,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “The agreement signed today represents many months of very hard work on the part of many people, all of whom were dedicated to achieving a result that benefits all sides. It has been a privilege to be a part of this effort; I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m excited for the future of this partnership and what it will mean for our state.”

“This is a great day for the State of Delaware,” said William Ashe, President of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1694. “We’re strengthening the Port and local job creation. I was very happy to be a part of this celebration and agreement signing today.”

“The UAE and U.S. have a strong, vibrant investment relationship that delivers meaningful and measurable benefits to businesses, and creates jobs in both countries,” said H.E. Yousef Al Otaiba, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States. “Gulftainer’s investment in the Port of Wilmington is a perfect example of this important economic partnership. This deal will create new jobs in Wilmington, and generate additional economic benefits to other communities across Delaware.”

“This project is a win for everyone involved, creating increased trade capacity at the port, economic development for Delaware, growth opportunities for Gulftainer, and jobs for hardworking Americans,” said Ian Steff, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce. “We at SelectUSA and the International Trade Administration are proud to have supported this endeavor, and we look forward to seeing the partnership grow in the years to come.”

Click here to download a photo from Tuesday’s signing event.

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Governor Carney’s Statement on General Assembly Approval of Port of Wilmington Expansion

Governor Carney’s Statement on Bond Bill Committee Approval of Port of Wilmington Transaction

Governor Carney’s Statement on Diamond State Port Corporation Board Approval of Gulftainer Agreement

Governor Carney Announces Preliminary Agreement with Gulftainer to Expand the Port of Wilmington

TUESDAY: Signing of Port of Wilmington Expansion Agreement

WILMINGTON, Del. – At noon on Tuesday, September 18, Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation and GT USA Wilmington, LLC will finalize the concession agreement to lease and significantly expand the Port of Wilmington. In March, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade.

Under terms of the agreement, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA Wilmington, LLC will make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company also plans to invest up to $600 million in the Port over the next nine years, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) in 2016.

“This historic agreement will result in significant new investment in the Port of Wilmington, which has long been one of Delaware’s most important industrial job centers,” said Governor Carney. “For decades, jobs at the Port have helped stabilize Delaware families and the communities where they live. We look forward to making this agreement official on Tuesday, and I want to thank members of the General Assembly, the Diamond State Port Corporation, Gulftainer, and all of our partners who have helped make this agreement a reality.”

Media planning to attend Tuesday’s signing ceremony must RSVP by Friday, September 14, to Emily.David@delaware.gov. For media who RSVP, we will follow up with additional event details, including directions and parking information.

Concession Agreement Signing – Port of Wilmington

WHAT: Governor Carney, the Diamond State Port Corporation and GT USA Wilmington, LLC will sign a concession agreement for the Port of Wilmington.

WHO: Governor Carney
Jeff Bullock, Secretary, Delaware Department of State
Rick Geisenberger, Secretary, Delaware Department of Finance
Members of Diamond State Port Corporation
Members of GT USA Wilmington, LLC
Members of the General Assembly
Port of Wilmington Employees
Members of ILA Local 1694

WHEN: Tuesday, September 18, 2018
11 a.m.
*Media setup will begin at the Port at 11 a.m. The signing ceremony will begin at noon.

WHERE: Port of Wilmington
1 Hausel Road
Wilmington, DE 19801

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Governor Carney Announces Construction Career Expo

Free, family-oriented career fair to expose middle school students, adults to careers in construction industry

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a family-friendly career fair for youth and adults to explore careers in construction. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is a two-day event in September that will expose middle school students, and adults looking for a career change, to training programs and construction career paths.

“We’re working hard to make sure that all Delawareans have the opportunity to succeed and share in our state’s economic progress,” said Governor Carney. “Careers in the building trades have historically provided paths into the middle class for thousands of Delaware workers and their families. Those same opportunities exist today. This Construction Career Expo will help connect Delawareans with meaningful career opportunities in construction fields, and expose Delaware students and adults to good-paying, skilled construction careers that are in demand and can help strengthen Delaware’s workforce.”

The construction industry is one of Delaware’s fastest-growing employment sectors with more than 3,500 job openings expected through 2024. The Governor’s Construction Career Expo will introduce training and career paths to students and those looking to move from jobs to meaningful careers. The Governor’s initiative is also an opportunity to connect employers and career-seekers, and to continue to train and develop a strong, skilled Delaware workforce.

“Throughout our state’s history, construction trades have been responsible for catapulting thousands of Delaware families into the middle class by providing skills training, benefits, and great wages,” said Cerron Cade, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Today, it is more important than ever that the next generation of Delawareans are equipped with the best education and career training available, so they can continue to compete in a highly competitive and rapidly shrinking world.”

On Friday, September 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chase Center in Wilmington, middle school students from various schools in New Castle County will have the opportunity to participate in one of three scheduled blocks to meet with employers, sample fun activities and tools, and participate in heavy equipment demonstrations and virtual simulators. This specialized field trip was coordinated with school principals and school districts.

All students, families, and members of the public, are invited to attend the Construction Career Expo on Saturday, September 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Chase Center in Wilmington. The free family-oriented career fair will include activities for both youth and adults, skills training opportunities, on-site job interviews, heavy equipment demonstrations, food trucks, and giveaways.

The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is presented in partnership with:

Office of the Governor
AFSCME
Delaware State AFL-CIO
Delaware Building and Construction Trades Council
Delaware Chief School Officers Association
Delaware Contractors Association
Delaware Department of Education
Delaware Department of Labor
Delaware Department of Transportation
Associated Builders and Contractors
Delaware Technical Community College
The Committee of 100
City of Wilmington

“Many local employers are having trouble finding enough people to fill vacant job openings. We will train and pay a great wage, but we just need to find people looking for a stable and good-paying job,” said Alisha Wayman Bryson, Vice President of Wayman Fire Protection. “The Governor’s Construction Career Expo is going to be an amazing event for all ages. On Friday, kids are going to see firsthand the magic of construction, and on Saturday, we will show the entire family the benefits of a career in the construction industry. We look forward to having trades, local employers with job openings, training centers, and schools all under one roof.”

“Governor Carney’s Construction Career Expo is an opportunity for our Unions to showcase the contributions made every day by the working men and women of our state, and how big of a role they play in Delaware’s economy,” said James Maravelias, President of the Delaware State AFL-CIO. “This Expo will also introduce young Delawareans to careers in construction, one of our state’s fastest growing industries. We are pleased to be partnering with the Governor on this event, and look forward to working together to promote good-paying careers in the Building Trades Unions.”

“The Wall Street Journal and Businessweek are only two of many publications that have recently written about the shortages of trained employees and opportunities in the construction trades,” said Dr. Victoria Gehrt, Superintendent of the New Castle County Vocational Technical School District. “Governor Carney recognizes the importance of the need to train for the construction industries and is promoting the first, hopefully annual, Governor’s Construction Career Expo in Delaware. We appreciate our Governor for his support in informing and encouraging our youth to consider the construction trades as a positive and rewarding career option.”

“The Colonial School District is proud to participate in the first ever Governor’s Construction Trades Career Expo for Delaware students and families,” said Dr. D. Dusty Blakey, Superintendent of Colonial School District. “We appreciate the Governor for his leadership and vision in the area of Career and Technical Education and more specifically, for providing Delaware families with access and opportunity to learn and explore careers in the construction trades. We firmly believe that this innovative approach to engaging stakeholders across the state to support education will have a positive impact on the future of Delaware’s workforce.”

Learn more and sign up to receive updates about the Governor’s Construction Career Expo.

Use the hashtag #DEBuilds to spread the word and follow discussion about the Governor’s Construction Career Expo on social media.

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Expanding Access to High-Speed Broadband

[AUGUST UPDATE: Click here to view request for proposal]

Applying for a job, or recruiting talented employees for your business. Taking a college course. Reading a book. Helping your kids with math homework.

More and more, these are tasks that Delawareans are completing online —to further their education, acquire new skills, and compete in an economy that is evolving every day. My most important job as Governor is to make sure that Delaware has a strong, growing, and competitive economy. That’s why, among other steps we’re taking, it’s so important for us to expand access to high-speed broadband service across our state - especially in areas where service is spotty or unavailable today.

Over the next two years, working with partners in the private sector, we plan to eliminate broadband deserts and ensure that every Delaware citizen and business has access to high-speed broadband service.

Delaware has consistently been recognized for having among the fastest internet speeds in the country. Ensuring reliable access to the internet for even more Delawareans will help prepare our young people for the economy of the future, and it will help our existing workforce do their jobs even better.

“As vice chair of the House Committee on Telecommunication Internet and Technology, I believe that every Delawarean should have equal access to high quality broadband,” said Representative Trey Paradee, a Dover Democrat. “I’m proud of the efforts made in Delaware to expand broadband access throughout the state.”

“Connectivity is the key. Many areas of our county have been under served by the major Internet players for many years,” said Senator Brian Pettyjohn, a Georgetown Republican. “Bringing broadband access will help families, students, businesses, and our agricultural community compete in the modern world.”

On Tuesday, during a tour of Delaware Electric Cooperative in Greenwood, we saw how important broadband access is to the delivery of electricity to customers across Kent and Sussex counties.

Josh Wharton, a Delaware Electric Cooperative operations supervisor, shared one of his favorite stories. One night at 11:00 p.m., Josh received a call from another power company that had a fire on a power line. The company asked Josh to redirect power to 5,000 customers before their service was impacted. From his home in Gumboro, Josh used an iPad to guarantee those customers didn’t lose power. How was that possible? A high-speed, remote internet connection.

Businesses need to reach their customers, and set up shop in locations that enable them to communicate efficiently. High-speed broadband is critical for companies of all sizes, and it’s why we’re working to ensure businesses have access to quality internet service statewide.

We also heard from R.C. Willin and Brent Willin of Willin Farms on how their fifth-generation family farm uses internet connectivity to make adjustments to planting, monitor equipment, and manage business operations.

We want all of Delaware’s farms to have access to this type of technology. Expanding access to high-speed broadband is essential for Delaware’s agriculture sector to remain competitive.

Here’s how we plan to expand high-speed broadband access in Delaware:

In August, we will release a request for proposals (RFP) to develop partnerships that will improve broadband availability in rural areas throughout Delaware by creating opportunity for the private sector to develop and offer that service. [AUGUST UPDATE: Click here to view RFP.]
Through this RFP and subsequent partnerships, the State will focus on enabling service to homes and businesses where broadband service is not readily available, particularly in rural Kent and Sussex Counties.

Delaware will also prioritize low-cost services for lower income families to enable them to take full advantage of the internet, meeting needs that range from applying for jobs to completing homework assignments.

We will make funds available through a rural broadband grant program to reduce barriers to market entry for private sector providers, and to further attract private investment.

This is about increasing opportunity for all Delawareans - and making sure that no one in our state is left behind because they don’t have adequate access to technology.

We are building on earlier work across our state that has achieved results. Delaware has worked diligently to expand broadband access across the state for several years. Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins has worked with school district leaders to upgrade digital infrastructure and dramatically increase internet speeds in 48 schools statewide - many in areas that are under-served.

As part of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s Delaware Broadband Fund Phase Two initiative to promote fixed wireless broadband solutions and reach under-served populations in rural areas, Bloosurf launched a pilot project in the City of Seaford which offered free service to customers within 8 miles of the wireless access points.

That helped Delawareans like Kim Hopkins, a Seaford teacher, who previously had trouble grading papers, preparing lesson plans, and helping her children with their homework because of slow, spotty internet connection.

We have invested in increasing our fiber infrastructure, with the State’s initial financial contribution, resulting in over $30 million in private investment and 700 miles of fiber.

Delaware’s existing broadband “backbone” features high capacity fiber-optic lines that run the length of the state from Wilmington to Georgetown, and from Seaford to Lewes, improving internet reliability for consumers and increasing internet access speeds by as much as 10 times since 2009.

“We live in an amazing time where technology provides us unprecedented access to information and the ability to collaborate - high-speed broadband is key to that connectivity. Without broadband, we wouldn’t be talking about emerging technologies like the ‘Internet of Things’ or the many cloud-based services available because they wouldn’t exist. It is imperative we continue the work to bridge the digital divide because access to technology levels the playing field. In today’s connected world, broadband access is necessary for the success of our students, communities and businesses. Our hope is that high-speed broadband will become as accessible as electricity for all Delawareans.” - Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins

Thanks in large part to these efforts, Delaware continuously ranks at, or near, the top of broadband speed rankings across the nation. Yet, we still face the same challenges as many other states when it comes to access and affordability, especially in our rural areas where broadband deserts still exist.

Over the next two years, we will directly confront this issue, eliminate those deserts, and make high-speed internet a reality for all Delawareans. That will help all Delawareans connect and compete in a new economy, and help move our entire state forward.

Statements from Governor Carney and Secretary of State Bullock on the Completed Federal Review of Wilmington Port Agreement

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock on Thursday issued the following statements on completion of the federal review of a deal to expand the Port of Wilmington, done by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a panel comprised of military, homeland security, and federal law enforcement officials, among others. The CFIUS review found that the port agreement is “not a covered transaction,” reflecting the consensus of front-line agencies charged with ensuring the protection and security of the United States. No further review is required.

“This is a significant step forward in finalizing our agreement with Gulftainer, which will protect and create good-paying, blue collar jobs at one of Delaware’s most important employment centers,” said Governor John Carney. “This expansion will result in significant new investment at the Port of Wilmington, and help stabilize families and communities that rely on those jobs. I want to thank members of the General Assembly again for their support of this agreement, and their partnership in our efforts to strengthen Delaware’s economy.”

“The more than a dozen federal agencies that make up CFIUS have completed their review of our plans to grant Gulftainer a concession to operate the Port of Wilmington and greatly expand its capacity and capabilities over the coming years,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock, Chairman of the Diamond State Port Corporation. “As a result, the specifics of the concession agreement are ‘not a covered transaction’ under section 721 of the Defense Production Act and there is no need for further review. This is the best response we could have received and clears the way for us to finalize our contract with Gulftainer over the summer.”

In March, Governor Carney announced the agreement with Gulftainer to lease the Port of Wilmington from the State, construct a new container shipping facility on the Delaware River, and significantly expand jobs at the Port over the next decade. Under terms of the agreement, Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA would make annual royalty payments to the State of Delaware reaching an estimated $13 million over the next decade. The company also would agree to invest more than $580 million in the Port over the next nine years, including approximately $410 million for a new container facility at DuPont’s former Edgemoor site, which was acquired by the Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) in 2016. Final terms of the agreement are currently under review by the DSPC Board of Directors.

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