Governor John Carney, U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester and state and local officials from Newark joined Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski on Monday for a groundbreaking event to mark the start of the I-95/896 interchange improvements project.

“There’s nothing more important that keeping Delaware drivers safe. Since this interchange first opened 60 years ago, we have seen continued growth along the Route 896 corridor and the resulting higher traffic volumes that come with it. Modernizing this interchange will improve safety for the thousands of people who travel through this area every day,” said Governor John Carney.

“This is a great example of the kind of investments we can make here in the First State and across the nation when we invest in our infrastructure,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee. “Investments like the one we made right here, thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which I was proud to lead to passage in the Senate, helps the flow of goods, and allows traffic to run more efficiently and safely. Ultimately, we are working to create jobs and make Delaware an attractive place to live and work.”

“Today’s groundbreaking marks the beginning of construction aimed to make Route 896 safer and stronger so that it can continue to support those who utilize it for life, work, and travel,” said Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester. “I’m proud that half of the funding for this project is coming from federal funds – a testament to our commitment to investing in our transportation infrastructure across the state. But today isn’t just about investing in Route 896, it’s also about investing in the jobs and innovation that Route 896 connects us to through Newark-based businesses and the University of Delaware.”

Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski added, “There have been more than 700 crashes at this interchange since 2019 due to congestion and the current configuration. This project is necessary in order to greatly reduce these incidents that cause serious injuries or worse. We appreciate the input we received throughout the planning process from residents and the business community to develop a project that accomplishes our goal of minimizing crashes and keeping traffic moving.”

The construction project includes reconfiguration of existing interchange ramps, widening of I-95 northbound and southbound, widening and rehabilitation of existing bridges on I-95 and SR 896, and construction of new bridges, retaining walls, sign structures, and lighting. A separated path will also span the interchange providing a connection for bicycle and foot traffic from Newark to Glasgow.

The more than $280 million project is expected to be completed by the end 2025. Additional project information can be found at 95896improvements.com.

WILMINGTON, Del.– Governor John Carney on Monday announced that Moody’s, S&P Global Ratings, and FitchRatings have reaffirmed the State’s AAA rating, the highest rating available for any state.

The State of Delaware received competitive bids last week for its upcoming sale of $380 million of triple-A rated General Obligation Bonds. The State’s bonds carry the highest possible ratings assigned by the nation’s major rating services contributing to solid results for the State and Delaware’s taxpayers.

“Every Delaware taxpayer I’ve ever talked to expects us to spend their tax dollars in a responsible way – and rightly so,” said Governor John Carney. “I’m proud that the State continues to receive the highest marks for management of our finances. These triple-A ratings lower costs for taxpayers and sustain our ability to invest in new schools and other critical infrastructure. We’ll continue working hard, with our partners in the General Assembly, to protect taxpayer dollars.”

Ratings are assigned based on criteria that include the State’s financial performance and management, overall debt load, and approach to long-term issues ranging from financial obligations to economic development trends. The highest ratings, Aaa/AAA, are granted to states that are best managed and prepared to meet debt obligations during periods of recession or fiscal stress. The higher a state’s credit rating, the lower its cost to repay bonds.

“Despite selling into a dramatically higher interest rate environment than in recent memory, the bids we received were extraordinarily competitive,” said Secretary of Finance Rick Geisenberger. “While the Federal Reserve has raised its benchmark interest rate more than 4% since Delaware last issued bonds, the State’s total interest cost on its new bonds rose only a little more than 1%. And the State captured an additional $1 million in savings by refinancing $34 million of existing debt.”

All three rating reports related to the upcoming sale noted the importance of the State’s responsible budget practices and proactive approach to tracking and forecasting revenues and expenditures throughout the year.

FitchRatings stated that Delaware’s ratings are “supported by proactive management and institutionalized protections designed to ensure surplus operations”.

S&P’s report commented, “The State limits tax-supported debt…and adheres to clearly defined affordability parameters and rapid amortization.”

Moody’s reported a stable outlook for their rating, recognizing the “state’s strong reserves and structural governance features” as well as “lower business costs and cost of living relative to neighboring states…will help preserve a sound financial position relative to peers.”

“Strong financial management, which includes daily cash transactions conducted by our office as well as investment oversight from the Cash Management Policy Board, help secure Delaware’s fiscal health,” said Treasurer Colleen Davis. “We are committed to making sure current obligations are met while securing the state’s position well into the future.”

Proceeds of the sale will fund a portion of the State’s capital program as well as refund previous bonds in order to realize debt service savings. Closing on the sale and receipt of bond proceeds is scheduled for May 10, 2023.

Rating reports can be found at the Delaware Department of Finance’s  website.

Governor to terminate order on May 11, 2023

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced the final short-term extension and anticipated end date for the State of Delaware’s Public Health Emergency order. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, Governor Carney plans to terminate the order on May 11, 2023 — the same date the federal Public Health Emergency is set to expire.

Governor Carney previously announced his plan to terminate the order on May 11, 2023, in concurrence with the expiration of the federal Public Health Emergency.

Applications for rising 11th or 12th grade student seat are now due May 5, 2023

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Thursday the application period for the student seat on the State Board of Education is now open through May 5, 2023. The application can be found on the State Board of Education website.

Governor Carney appointed the first-ever student representative to the state board in 2019.

“When we make big decisions that impact schools in our state, it’s important Delaware students have a seat at the table,” said Governor Carney. “I have been pleased to hear positive experiences from the Board and the young members year after year. I encourage rising juniors and seniors to consider applying for this opportunity.”

One qualified student applicant will be appointed to the Board to serve as a non-voting member. The student must be a Delaware resident and be enrolled in eleventh or twelfth grade at a Delaware public school during the 2023-2024 academic year. Applicants who demonstrate a commitment to ensuring quality education for Delaware students will be given priority consideration.

“Providing an informed youth voice is important to the Board’s work in representing the citizens voice in Delaware,” said Shawn Brittingham, President of the State Board of Education. “We have learned much from our previous four student Board Members and value the insight that a student brings to conversations regarding policies and programs impacting all students across our state.”

The non-voting student seat was approved by the General Assembly in 2018 with the passage of House Bill 455 – legislation sponsored by Representative Stephanie T. Bolden and Senator Jack Walsh. The Governor annually appoints to the Board an eleventh or twelfth grade student, and a former State Teacher of the Year who is also a current educator.

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Governor John Carney on Friday released the following statement on House Bill 1 and House Bill 2

“In the coming days, I will allow House Bill 1 and House Bill 2 to be enacted into Delaware law without my signature. These two pieces of legislation remove all state-level civil and criminal penalties from simple marijuana possession and create a highly regulated industry to conduct recreational marijuana sales in Delaware. As I’ve consistently said, I believe the legalization of recreational marijuana is not a step forward. I support both medical marijuana and Delaware’s decriminalization law because no one should go to jail for possessing a personal use quantity of marijuana. And today, they do not.

“I want to be clear that my views on this issue have not changed. And I understand there are those who share my views who will be disappointed in my decision not to veto this legislation. I came to this decision because I believe we’ve spent far too much time focused on this issue, when Delawareans face more serious and pressing concerns every day. It’s time to move on. 

“I remain concerned about the consequences of a recreational marijuana industry in our state. I’m concerned especially about the potential effects on Delaware’s children, on the safety of our roadways, and on our poorest neighborhoods, where I believe a legal marijuana industry will have a disproportionately negative impact. Those concerns are why I could not put my signature to either House Bill 1 or House Bill 2.

“I recognize that many legislators disagree – and I respect the legislative process. I also do not believe prolonging debate on this issue best serves Delawareans. Delaware families want great schools for their kids. They want good jobs and affordable, safe communities free of crime. And they expect – rightly so – that we’ll spend taxpayer dollars in a way that’s both responsible and sustainable. That’s where we should focus our time and energy in the weeks and months ahead.

“As we implement House Bill 1 and House Bill 2, we will do everything in our power to protect children from accessing marijuana and marijuana-related products; prevent Delawareans and Delaware visitors from driving under the influence of marijuana; and closely evaluate the placement of marijuana dispensaries and other businesses, to ensure they do not become a blight on already disadvantaged communities. My goal will be to ensure that Delaware has a robust regulatory system that protects the interests of the most vulnerable Delawareans, to avoid the many challenges we’ve seen in other states, and to get back to focusing on issues that are most important for Delaware families.”