Nearly 6,000 homes and businesses connected through ARPA funding in last year, with remaining locations to be connected by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, other federal funding

SMYRNA, Del. – Governor John Carney joined state leaders and representatives of Comcast, Verizon, Mediacom, and the Communication Workers of America (CWA) at the Innovation Technology Exploration Center to celebrate progress on broadband expansion and preview next steps. With federal investments from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocated by Governor Carney, Delaware has successfully connected nearly 6,000 homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband in the last year. Delaware is on track to become the first state in the nation to be fully-connected.

President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans, and Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.

“Our goal is to have Delaware be the first state in the country to connect every home and business to high-speed internet within the next few years. If there is any state that can connect every home and business, it ought to be Delaware,” said Governor John Carney. “Every family deserves high-quality internet for school, work, and entertainment. I want to thank the members of the federal delegation and the Biden Administration providing this funding. It’s really making a difference for Delawareans.”

In the last 12 months, the State of Delaware and Comcast, Medicom, and Verizon have made high-speed internet available for the first time to 5,859 homes and businesses, mainly in rural areas of the state. There are 372 locations remaining to be installed with ARPA funding. Those locations will be reached over the next few months. Once those residences are competed, the State of Delaware will have spent $33 million in ARPA funding on broadband connection.

To learn more about how Delawareans have benefitted from ARPA funding, visit Governor Carney’s website.

President Biden signed the nearly $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) —legislation championed by Senator Tom Carper, Senator Chris Coons, and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester— to provide COVID-19 relief to millions of Americans. Governor Carney assigned $33 million of Delaware’s share for broadband expansion.

“The American Rescue Plan and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continue to deliver for Delaware – this time connecting thousands of our residents to broadband internet who didn’t have access before,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “The pandemic exacerbated many shortcomings with our broadband infrastructure, when so many Americans relied on it to connect to doctors for telehealth appointments, conduct schoolwork online, or work remotely. Today’s announcement connecting thousands of homes, businesses, and organizations to broadband is a win-win for Delaware and the success of these historic pieces of legislation.”

“The pandemic made clear just how necessary it is for every home in Delaware to have a fast, reliable, and affordable internet connection,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons.  “I’m proud to have worked with President Biden to negotiate and pass both American Rescue Plan Act and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  These two critical pieces of legislation are directly benefiting Delawareans, sending millions of dollars to the state to ensure that all Delawareans can access the internet and critical digital services.”

“Having helped author the broadband provisions of the American Rescue Plan, as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I couldn’t be more proud that Delaware is on track to be the first state in the nation that is fully connected. Since day one of his Administration, President Biden has made clear his commitment to investing in the people and places that make America strong — and today, we’re celebrating those investments right here in Delaware,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “Already almost 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses have been connected to the internet, and that means access to jobs, employment, health care and more. I’m thrilled to join Governor Carney and Senators Carper and Coons in celebrating this achievement for Delaware, and I look forward to keeping the momentum going with help of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.”

“Investment in high-quality broadband is a game-changer for families, communities, and businesses. Today, there are families who can now access job information, telehealth, online reading materials and more thanks to these ARPA investments and commitment from our federal and state officials and partners. To close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean is successful and thriving, it’s important to build on this work. Every household, every community deserves to be connected to high-speed internet,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

The Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) led this project for the State. DTI contracted providers already serving Delawareans with internet and found efficient ways for those providers to extend their existing networks using ARPA funding.

“Reliable and affordable high-speed internet is essential, and this investment of ARPA funding means that more than 6,000 additional Delaware homes and businesses will have the access they need,” said Greg Lane, CIO, Delaware Department of Technology and Information. “We know our work is far from over. Additional federal funding from the BEAD and Digital Equity Programs will support the connection of an estimated remaining Delaware 8,600 addresses, as well as help us ensure that everyone can take advantage of digital technologies that are accessible and affordable.”

“In partnership with Governor Carney and the Department of Technology and Information, Comcast is proud to complete the expansion of its Xfinity 10G Network to thousands of additional homes and businesses in rural Delaware,” said Michael Parker, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Beltway Region. “This is a great example of a public-private partnership that will not only help bridge the digital divide in rural Delaware, but also help fuel innovation and economic growth for decades to come.”

“We applaud Governor Carney and his team for their leadership in establishing a robust broadband program in Delaware,” said Eric Fitzgerald Reed, Public Policy & State Government Affairs for the DE, PA and NJ Region at Verizon. “Verizon is focused on delivering broadband internet services and this partnership expands high-speed broadband access to thousands of residents and will better connect our communities. We look forward to similar opportunities in other communities as they arise.”

“The public private partnership between the State of Delaware and Mediacom has brought world-class broadband services to nearly 1,600 homes and businesses in rural Sussex County that were previously unserved,” said Chris Lord, Mediacom’s Director of Government Partnerships. “Governor Carney and the staff at the Delaware Broadband Office should be commended for their steadfast commitment to eliminating the digital divide for all Delawareans.”

“CWA members are proud to have played a role in Delaware’s successful use of ARPA funds to connect an additional 6,000 Delaware homes and businesses to high-speed internet,” said Mike Watson, President of the Communication Workers of America, Local 13101. “This is just the start. With an additional $107 million in federal funds from the bipartisan infrastructure bill, Delaware can ensure that everyone in our state has access to reliable, high-speed internet services. And by setting high labor standards for broadband infrastructure projects, we can make sure it is done right, and create good, family-supporting jobs in the process.”

DTI is now planning to use Delaware’s funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to complete the work of connecting all Delaware homes and businesses, along with additional federal funding administered by the FCC. To learn more about broadband expansion in Delaware, visit the Delaware Department of Technology and Information’s website.

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Project kick-started by American Rescue Plan Act funding

HARRINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney today joined State Librarian, Dr. Annie Norman, Harrington Public Library Director, Marleena Scott, and elected officials for a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the new Harrington Public Library.

Currently, the Harrington Public Library is the only public library in the state that doesn’t have a purpose-built facility. After construction is completed, they will finally have a space built specifically for library services.

The Harrington Public Library is one of nine libraries in Delaware to receive American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. The American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester – included $40 million in funding for library improvements throughout all three counties.

The projects within the Capital Projects Fund must meet strict criteria to be eligible for funding. That includes funding projects that specifically enable work, education, and health monitoring – and respond to issues created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“For far too long the Harrington Public Library has been limited by their space. The children and families of the area will soon enjoy a new, purpose-built building,” said Governor Carney. “Delaware’s libraries serve our communities with resources, collaboration, and creativity. The last few years have reinforced the central role libraries play in our communities as hubs for job training, employment searches, and education. I’m glad that we can use these ARPA funds to invest in the communities that need it most. I want to thank the Congressional delegation and the General Assembly for their advocacy and look forward to attending the ribbon-cutting at this site in the future.”

“When we invest in our libraries, we are helping someone find a job, providing a safe place for the community to gather, and giving people access to resources that they wouldn’t normally have,” said Senator Tom Carper. “Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, Delaware’s libraries are helping educate and connect more people than ever, including right here in Harrington.” 

“Libraries have always been social and educational hubs for our communities, and the pandemic only reinforced just how much they ensure Delawareans of all stripes can access the tools needed for success in the 21^st century,” said Senator Chris Coons. “Every corner of Delaware deserves a well-maintained library with the latest technology available, and I’m glad to see federal funding coming to the First State to invest in our library system.”

“Libraries provide so much to our communities – from books and internet access to employment services and health care,” said Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “That’s why I am so proud to have secured funding for our state’s libraries through the transformative American Rescue Plan Act – and am even prouder to see the impact of this funding already at work helping expand and develop these critical spaces for young people, students, families, and seniors across Delaware to continue utilizing.”

“Our families and children rely on our libraries for helpful information, books, and internet access, especially our young people as they enter the summer months,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “These are the kinds of investments we need to create a cradle to grave support system for Delawareans’ social and emotional wellbeing, strengthening our communities and uplifting our quality of life.”

“Delaware’s libraries provide vital services to our communities,” said State Senator David Wilson. “The new Harrington Public Library will enhance and expand the already great level of service the current facility and staff provide.”

“Our state and communities benefit greatly by the wonderful public libraries here in Delaware,” said State Senator Dave Lawson. “Investing in libraries is important and I’m happy to see the Harrington Public Library is receiving this much needed new facility.”

“This is a great day for the citizens and families of Harrington,” said State Representative Shannon Morris. “The new, state-of-the-art facility will help serve our community in a way that is aimed at enhancing people’s overall quality of life. I am thrilled to see this project begin.”

“The Harrington Public Library is a priority on my Library Bucket List to achieve a professional library facility,” said Dr. Annie Norman, Delaware State Librarian. “Many thanks to Governor Carney, Secretary Jeffrey Bullock, and all the public officials who matched Bond Bill and ARPA funds to finally make this possible!”

“This long-awaited event will be a boon for Harrington and all the surrounding communities,” said Marleena Scott, Director of the Harrington Public Library. “We are so very grateful for all of the support that we have received and feel extremely blessed that we will be able to offer to our community a facility that is meant to be a library, and that can grow with future generations.”

The other Delaware Libraries receiving funding from ARPA are:

• $7 million to the Selbyville Library for a new building
• $750,000 to the Lewes Public Library for a new outdoor pavilion
• $900,000 to the Milford Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
• $250,000 to the Georgetown Public Library for updates to HVAC, filtration, and ventilation
• $7.8 million to the Friends of Duck Creek Regional Library to build an expanded library
• $11 million to the North Wilmington Library for a new building
• $4 million to the Newark Public Library for a new building
• $3 million to the Rehoboth Beach Public Library for upgrades

View photos and video from the ceremony.

Summer learning opportunities are now available in the State of Delaware.

• FREE Summer Library Reading Program at the Delaware Libraries.
• FREE books are available for children ages birth up to their fifth birthday through Delaware’s Imagination Library program.

Investments totaling over $65 million focused on communities hardest hit during the pandemic

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney, U.S. Senators Carper and Coons, and Representative Blunt Rochester announced Monday more than $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) capital projects funding to be distributed to community centers and other nonprofit organizations throughout all three counties to benefit those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Learn more about the Capital Project Fund investments in Delaware at de.gov/cpf

 

The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden on March 11, 2021.

 

“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ARPA capital funds to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “The capital projects announced today aim to expand economic opportunities for Delaware families, dedicate resources to make sure children have access to the education they deserve, and large investments in our communities – especially those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank the Congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”

 

“I was proud to work on provisions in the American Rescue Plan that helps those working on the front lines with Delawareans that need help the most,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “From my time as Governor, I’ve worked on strengthening families, and these funds are going to improve the organizations that help uplift so many families in our state. These organizations often invest so much of their resources into their missions – whether it’s providing shelter, services for our veterans, substance abuse treatment, job training or after-school activities for children – and these funds will help them improve their facilities so they can better serve our communities.”

“It’s great to see funds from the American Rescue Plan that Democrats and President Biden enacted coming to Delaware in all three counties,” said U.S Senator Chris Coons. “From job skills workshops to community programs to addressing nutritional insecurity, this announcement is making a difference in the lives of Delawareans up and down the state. I can’t wait to see all of these visions for each one of these dozens of projects become reality in the coming months and years.”

“Today is a prime example of how we’re continuing to see historic investments being made in Delaware because of the American Rescue Plan Act,” said U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester. “The impact from these capital projects won’t just ensure that these organizations are able to fulfill their missions to provide critical services – from health care and mental health to job training and entrepreneurship – but will help us improve the quality of life for Delawareans in every part of our state.”

“These projects will help unlock the potential of every Delawarean and bring long-awaited support to families across our state. It will mean more slots for parents seeking affordable childcare, new air conditioning systems and playgrounds for our community centers, and upgraded health care centers serving low-income Delawareans and seniors. It will mean expanded education and job training opportunities for our young people, people struggling with homelessness and substance use disorder, survivors of domestic violence, and more,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I am grateful to our Congressional delegation for helping turn our communities’ vision into a reality, and I urge every Delawarean to learn more about the projects coming to your neighborhood.”

The funding announced on Monday will provide:

 

FOCUS ON OUR CHILDREN

 

• $1.57 million to Boys and Girls Clubs statewide to make capital upgrades to 9 facilities to meet COVID-19 needs, including improving HVAC systems, and upgrading outdoor playgrounds
• $20 million to Community Education Center South, to redevelop the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center in Seaford
• $150,000 to Child Inc. to upgrade three emergency shelters
• $4.5 million to the Christina Cultural Arts Center to purchase and develop a new headquarters to serve children and families
• $1.8 million to the Hockessin Police Athletic League (PAL) of Delaware for a new HVAC system in the gymnasium to provide STEM and fitness activities to the community, and provide year-round educational courses
• $4 million to the Claymont Community Center to upgrade outdoor community facilities, upgrade the HVAC, and provide client transport vehicles
• $4 million to Kingswood Community Center for multi-purpose community space in Wilmington to enable work, education, and health monitoring
• $500,000 to First State Community Action Agency in Bridgeville for HVAC repairs, purchase of vehicles to transport youth from underserved communities for programming, case management for community service employment and reentry programs
• $7 million to Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering (FAME) for a new headquarters to enhance FAME’s skills training, job placement, education programs, workforce development programs, and health awareness
• $700,000 to the Gaudenzia Foundation to combat and prevent child abuse by treating parents with substance abuse disorders
• $150,000 to Our Youth Inc. to help renovate the youth center to use as a community hub and community service facility
• $6.4 million to the Mary Campbell Center to renovate medical facilities, filtration, and other COVID-19 upgrades to their existing building and to support children and youth programming
• $300,000 to the Junior Achievement of Delaware to support the Junior Achievement Innovation hub

 

INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITIES

 

• $150,000 to the Claymore Senior Center to replace the HVAC system and remodel the kitchen to meet pandemic response needs serving more seniors in a safe environment
• $431,000 to the Down Syndrome Association of Delaware to renovate the headquarters to offer employment opportunities, educational programs and health supports to families with children that have Down Syndrome
• $64,866 for Endless Possibilities in the Community to purchase handicap accessible equipment to help people with physical, mental, and other disabilities
• $89,890 for Kent-Sussex Industries to expand and open a new location in Georgetown to enable work, education, and health monitoring
• $350,000 for the Mid-County Center to renovate the center to establish early memory loss programs for seniors
• $350,000 for NeighborGood Partners (formerly NCALL) to acquire and develop a building in Dover to cultivate and invest in entrepreneurs in partnership with Delaware State University
• $67,703 for People’s Community Center to renovate their facility to provide assistance and services to the homeless
• $600,000 for the St. Patrick’s Center for improvements to the food distribution site serving the Eastside of Wilmington to meet pandemic response needs
• $2.78 million for the West End Neighborhood House, Inc. to expand operations and provide workforce and healthcare services to the community
• $35,000 for the Teach a Person to Fish Society to expand meal delivery services and provide educational and job training services
• $290,000 for the Community Christian Worship Center to purchase technology to enable education, work, and health monitoring for youth programming
• $144,110 for The Challenge Program to renovate their facility to provide training more young adults for construction jobs in hard hit areas
• $1.3 million for Kappa Mainstream Leadership, Inc. for improvements to the center focused on crime prevention and increasing academic performance of youth
• $5.5 million for the Food Bank of Delaware to build a new Milford Food Bank location
• $1.9 million to the Food Bank of Delaware to expand the existing Newark facility

 

SAFER HOUSING, STRONGER ECONOMY

 

• $550,000 to Code Purple Kent County to expand and renovate the center for housing for homeless individuals, people experiencing mental health crisis, escape victims from human trafficking and domestic violence as well as individuals recovering from addiction
• $183,516 to Salvation Army of Dover for HVAC renovations

 

Delaware submitted its plan to the U.S. Treasury on January 14, 2022, and it was approved on May 1, 2023. Delaware’s Project Plan details $65 million in spending on Multi-Purpose Community Centers.

 

Governor Carney previously announced $40 million in American Rescue Plan Act Capital Projects Fund (ARPA CPF) funding to be distributed to libraries throughout all three counties.

 

For those applications that meet the strict federal requirements, the criteria used to review the proposed projects included whether the projects are shovel ready, have financial support beyond the federal stimulus funding, and the projects are located in communities hardest hit by the pandemic, and each project enables education, work, and health monitoring.

 

To view the Treasury’s guidelines for ARPA allocations, click here.

 

For a full list of Delaware’s ARPA allocations, click here.

DOVER, DE – In September, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, PhD, RN, announced the creation of the Prevention and Recovery Support Services Fund to reduce overdose deaths across Delaware by addressing barriers to sustained recovery such as transportation, housing and workforce capacity.

The deadline for applications has been extended. Organizations, including service providers and community organizations, may submit funding applications up until Friday, November 4, 2022, at 5 p.m. The application can be accessed at: https://ltgov.delaware.gov/recovery-management-support-services-fund/.

Funding may be used to eliminate the barriers Delawareans experiencing, or at-risk for developing substance use disorder face when accessing support services. As the rise in drug overdose deaths has disproportionately impacted Black and Brown communities and people living in rural areas, projects addressing service needs in impacted communities will be prioritized.

The fund leverages funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which was championed by Delaware’s Congressional Delegation – U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester.

Visit de.gov/rescueplan to learn more about the initiatives funded by ARPA.

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WILMINGTON, Del.— Governor Carney today announced that the State of Delaware has entered into a sales agreement for a new Wilmington Library. The site, located at 3905 North Market Street, is the current site of the vintage Saab dealership. The construction of the new library, which will provide ample land for site development and increased parking needs, will be funded through approximately $22M that was secured in Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Bond Bill and American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“Libraries have evolved to meet the needs of communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor Carney. “This new library in Wilmington will provide services to the surrounding community, benefitting families and children for generations. This could not have been made possible without the work of various stakeholders. Thank you to our Congressional delegation who secured American Rescue Plan Act funds, members of the General Assembly who ensured funding for library infrastructure through the Bond Bill, and the community leaders who advocated for this.”

“When we invest in our libraries, we are investing in children and families of all walks of life,” said Secretary of State Jeff Bullock. “No other public institution but libraries can assist someone looking for employment, provide health and social services, and connect individuals to critical resources all in one place. Through this much-needed investment, we are setting a pathway for success for the greater Wilmington community.”

State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman led the initiative to procure the site, working closely with state legislators, leadership at the existing Wilmington Library, and other community advocates.

“This agreement is a huge milestone in our effort to revitalize the community through a state-of-the-art Wilmington Library,” said State Librarian Dr. Annie Norman. “This investment will make a significant difference to the Wilmington community and is a testament to the leadership and hard work of all stakeholders who made this possible.”

“Libraries help bridge inequities in our communities,” said State Senator Darius Brown. “Reimagining our libraries is paramount to helping our young folks who are falling through the cracks of our education system and as a result, ending up on the streets. This investment is about giving our children in marginalized communities better opportunities to succeed.”

“I’m grateful that our work to build a new Wilmington Library is one step closer,” said State Representative Nmandi Chukwuocha. “There is a close correlation between libraries, literacy levels, and crime in our country. By investing in this new library, we’re working to improve graduation rates while reducing the crime rate on our streets so that more kids end up on a path to successful lives and prosperous careers. Smart investments like these are powerful to change our communities for the better.”

“We’re shaping a new future with this investment—an investment that will both spur economic development in the City of Wilmington as well as enhance our youth’s wellbeing,” said Jamar Rahming, North Wilmington Library Director. “Libraries are hubs for children to read, learn about the arts, and explore different cultures. They’re also connectors to different services and resources for adults and families. By providing our community with 21^st Century infrastructure, we are providing them with the tools to thrive and become proactive citizens in our societies. I can’t think of a better investment for our youth and families, and I am thankful for all the individuals who worked tirelessly to get us to this point.”

The Delaware Division of Libraries, a state agency dedicated to unleashing the potential in all Delawareans in partnership with Delaware Libraries, offers free access to the online catalog (https://delawarelibraries.org); Wi-Fi; computers/internet; eBooks; programs/workshops; community partnerships; and more. Delaware Libraries and First Lady Tracey Quillen Carney’s First Chance initiative promote the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. In Delaware’s Imagination Library program, children ages birth up to their fifth birthday receive a free book in the mail each month. The purpose is to instill the habit of reading, and create the library habit, too.

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