Twenty transportation projects in Wilmington will lead to $258 million investment

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki were joined today by state and local officials, residents, and members of the business community at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Train Station in Wilmington to highlight the significant infrastructure investments being made in the City of Wilmington.

Twenty projects underway or in planning stages by the Delaware Department of Transportation and the City of Wilmington will lead to a city investment of $258 million over the next six years. The investments includes $165 million for the upcoming two-year or more reconstruction of the I-95 Wilmington corridor. Governor Carney and Mayor Purzycki also announced today the awarding of contract for the construction and operation of the nearly $20 million Public Private Initiative for the Wilmington Transit Center to Transit Center, LLC. The new transportation hub for the city will be constructed adjacent to the Biden Train Station on Walnut Street.

“Alongside Mayor Purzycki, we’re working hard to invest in infrastructure in our city, which will help create jobs, improve travel, and spur economic development,” said Governor Carney. “Wilmington has been my home for three decades and we have to work together to reenergize our business district and strengthen our neighborhoods. These infrastructure improvements are an important part of this effort.”

Among the projects highlighted by the Governor and Mayor today were more than $12 million in pedestrian and transit improvements throughout downtown, reconfiguring Union Street, the removal of the Walnut Street Sweep, improved pedestrian and transit facilities on Fourth Street, and continued streetscape improvements in Southbridge. There projects are in addition to the previously announced construction of the Christina River Bridge on the Wilmington Riverfront will provide a much needed southern entrance and exit to the Wilmington Riverfront that will encourage further development on the Southbridge side of the river.

“The Governor and DelDOT Secretary Cohan have been steadfast in their commitment to improving vehicular travel, public transit and pedestrian safety in Wilmington by supporting projects that make travel more convenient for our citizens, workers and visitors,” said Mayor Purzycki. “We have a collective understanding that the economic benefits of infrastructure investment are significant, and as Wilmington’s neighborhoods and businesses become stronger, our City will contribute more to Delaware’s vibrancy and prosperity.”

“We are making major infrastructure improvements throughout the state, spending more than $780 million this year alone. These improvements in our state’s largest city will positively impact all who live and work in Wilmington,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

Other projects include:

• ADA improvements on Pennsylvania Avenue
• Streetscaping projects on Concord Avenue and Old Brandywine Village
• King and Orange Street Transit Improvements
• Maryland Avenue Paving and Rehabilitation

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Department of Labor bus will connect Wilmington residents with job-seeking resources in their communities

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and Delaware Labor Secretary Patrice Gilliam-Johnson announced a new initiative on Wednesday to send employment services teams into various communities in Wilmington using a specially-equipped bus dubbed the Mobile One-Stop (MOS) unit.

Dispatching the 40-foot Department of Labor office on wheels also will increase awareness about the agency’s services for job seekers and employers – bringing these valuable resources to Delawareans in their communities. The bus is equipped with 10 computer workstations, a monitor to display presentations, wireless internet access, and a printer. On board, Delaware Department of Labor employees are ready to assist clients with job searches, resume building, and work training enrollment.

Labor employees on board also can answer questions about the many services offered by the agency.

“We are working hard to make sure that Delaware’s economy works for all Delawareans. Often, that means connecting Delawareans with jobs resources that will help them find good-paying work,” said Governor Carney. “Through this mobile jobs unit, the Department of Labor is getting out into the communities we serve, and meeting Delawareans where they live. This initiative also is one of many examples of how we are working across agencies, with the City of Wilmington, to improve our economy and quality of life for residents in our largest city. Thank you to Mayor Purzycki and Secretary Gilliam-Johnson for their leadership.”

The mobile jobs unit will be dispatched in the City of Wilmington through October to assist Wilmington residents in their job searches. There are currently 2,560 unemployed Wilmington residents actively seeking work. And though 11.6% is Wilmington’s contribution to the county’s labor force of 15,040, the city represents 16.6% of the unemployed.

“This is serious and we have to do something about it,” said Dr. Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Labor. “Many of the problems Wilmington residents face today can be linked to unemployment, and in order to get to a solution, we have to make meaningful connections with those seeking work, erase this inherent sense of hopelessness that exists, and present them with real and viable opportunities.”

This year, the bus has been deployed at a community block party in South Bridge, is scheduled to make weekly visits to Wilmington’s Safe Haven Community Centers and, until the end of October. will deploy regularly at the Rodney Square Downtown Visions Farmer’s Market on Wednesday afternoons.

“We want to educate Wilmington residents about employment services that are available through the State Labor Department, and to help job seekers more easily access those services,” said Mayor Purzycki. “Given that a lack of transportation can be a huge obstacle for someone who is unemployed, we need to make it easier for residents by bringing those services to the people who need them the most – meeting people where they are and where they live.”

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Find the Mobile One-Stop bus:

Latin American Community Center
Wednesday, September 6 from 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 7 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm
403 N Van Buren St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Friday, September 8, 2017 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

West End Neighborhood Home
Tuesday, September 19, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Wednesday, September 20, at 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
710 North Lincoln Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

Westside Family Health Center & New Destiny Church
Thursday, September 21, 2017 at 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM
908 16th St B, Wilmington, DE 19802

Hilltop Lutheran Center
Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
1018 W 6th St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Fraim Boys and Girls Club
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
669 S. Union St. Wilmington, DE

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Wilmington, Del. — Governor John Carney, U.S. Senator Thomas Carper, Transportation Secretary Jennifer Cohan, DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki, and a host of other dignitaries and local officials were at a groundbreaking ceremony this afternoon to kick-off the construction of a new multi-modal bridge over the Christina River at the Wilmington Riverfront.

“The construction of the Christina River Bridge will help continue the redevelopment of the Wilmington Riverfront,” said Governor John Carney. “This is the kind of smart, infrastructure investment that will create jobs, and lead to real economic growth in our largest city. The Christina River Bridge will improve access to the attractions that already call the area home and encourage additional development on the south side of the river. Thank you to members of the General Assembly for supporting this investment.”

“Governor Carney and DelDOT are committed to ensuring Wilmington has state-of-the-art infrastructure, and partnering with the city on projects such as the new Christina River Bridge will help us accomplish that goal,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

This bridge will open up the east bank of the Riverfront, beginning the next phase of development that will create economic opportunities while also improving access for drivers, bikers and pedestrians,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “Much of the federal portion of this project comes from an earmark. Some think of that as a bad word, but in this case, this isn’t a bridge to nowhere. This is a bridge to economic vitality and transportation improvements, and that is why I am thrilled to be here today to celebrate its groundbreaking.”

U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester said, “The groundbreaking of the Christina River Bridge is a truly important milestone for the City of Wilmington and the Riverfront, and will provide a much needed link across the Christina River. Modernizing infrastructure will not only raise the quality of life for residents and visitors, but it will also help drive economic growth for the state as a whole. I look forward to seeing the vibrancy this brings to our city, and I thank my colleagues for their work to secure the federal dollars that are going into this project.”

“Connecting neighborhoods in Wilmington will make our city stronger and bridge social and economic divisions,” said U.S. Senator Christopher Coons. “This will help people drive, bike and walk across the river, and also will serve as an important reminder that investing in infrastructure is always a good idea. It’s my hope that leadership in Congress and the White House come together to finally invest in the nation’s infrastructure we deserve and to create the jobs we need.”

The location of the bridge lies within a brownfield – a contaminated site that must be remediated to bring the site back to productive use. The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is overseeing the remediation under the state’s Hazardous Substance Cleanup Act, with $2.9 million in funding allocated for the project.

“Under DNREC’s Brownfields Program, the site is currently undergoing remediation to cleanup decades of contamination that has impacted soils and groundwater,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “By cleaning up and redeveloping historic industrial and manufacturing sites like this, we’re providing for economic development, improving the environment, and creating jobs for Delaware.”

“The bridge will be a critical connection between the west side or developed side of the riverfront and the south eastern section of Wilmington, which is one of the City’s last remaining larger areas of undeveloped land,” said Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki. “We need these opportunities for development in Wilmington to ensure our future prosperity. The bridge will also relieve traffic congestion that has increased as the riverfront has grown and become a more popular place to live and enjoy life. Wilmington is grateful to the State for supporting our vision of growth.”

This is a new 470′ multi-modal bridge over the Christina River that will include two (2-12′) travel lanes and shoulders, as well as a 14′ wide bicycle/pedestrian path. The path will connect to the Riverfront walkway as well as other bicycle/pedestrian facilities in the area. The project extends from the area near Frawley Stadium across the Christina River to its east bank in the vicinity of Market Street/Walnut Street split of Business US 13. The project also alleviates traffic congestion and improves circulation near Riverfront attractions. After the completion of construction, this project will also add economic development opportunities for Delaware.

The contractor, Richard E. Pierson Construction of Woodstown, New Jersey was awarded a bid of $28,386,108.35, the lowest of two bids received. This project is anticipated to be complete by Summer 2019.

There will be another separate contract for the roadway approaches to the bridge which will begin in the spring. The roadway approaches will adjoin/connect US 13, I-495, I-95 and streets to complete the network at the Riverfront. The project is scheduled to be finished by Spring 2020.

For further project information, visit DelDOT online at http://www.deldot.gov/information/projects/crb/index.shtml

The Summer Initiative will coordinate delivery of state services for families in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday announced the Family Services Cabinet Council’s Summer Initiative, an interagency effort to improve the coordination of state services to better meet the needs of families in the city of Wilmington.

The FSCC Summer Initiative will bring together front-line staff from across Delaware’s state agencies to better coordinate state services for Wilmington families – including programs that offer job training, early childhood education, substance abuse treatment, and quality, affordable housing.

“Too many Wilmington children and families deal with the effects of poverty, the trauma of violence in their neighborhoods and the challenges associated with navigating an economy in transition,” said Governor Carney. “These issues permeate homes and classrooms every day, and it’s our duty to stand up for these families. The Family Services Cabinet Council’s Summer Initiative will make sure that government agencies are working together more efficiently and effectively on behalf of families in the city of Wilmington.”

Agency staff gathered for an orientation and training at the Department of Health and Social Services in Wilmington on Thursday. Training will ensure that state employees, especially those serving families in Wilmington, understand and are aware of the wide range of state services available to their clients. Wilmington representatives also attended Thursday’s training to improve coordination of city and state services.

“Sometimes, families in Wilmington who are in need of support have too many people knocking on their doors offering help. Through Governor Carney’s leadership of the Family Services Cabinet Council, we want to change that so those supports are better integrated and better coordinated,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. “Starting this summer, state outreach staff will call families, listen to their needs, and suggest services across state government that can help to meet those needs. Most importantly, they will coordinate with the state agencies so those services are delivered.”

“Children who grow up in positive and healthy environments with nurturing families and mentors are much more likely to develop into caring adults who value their communities,” said Josette Manning, Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth and their Families. “We recognize there are significant societal challenges in Wilmington and the well-being of our families is at stake.  We stand ready with our fellow state agencies and the City to share resources and expertise, develop more creative programming, and work with the community to help prepare our families for a bright future.”

“I am proud to serve on the Council with the other members. We look forward to the opportunity to improve the coordination and delivery of services to those who need it most,” said Robert Coupe, Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security.

“We must do our part to break this cycle,” said Dr. Patrice Gilliam-Johnson, Secretary of the Department of Labor. “Our team at the Delaware Department of Labor is pleased to be a part of this vital initiative and looks forward to coordinating the delivery of these valuable resources to deserving families.”

Governor Carney reestablished the Family Services Cabinet Council as one of his first official acts as Governor, signaling the importance of coordinating crucial public and private services for youth and families in Wilmington and across Delaware.

The Council includes eight members of Governor Carney’s Cabinet – the Secretary of the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and Their Families; the Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services; the Secretary of the Department of Education; the Secretary of the Department of Labor; the Secretary of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security; the Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority; the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and the Commissioner of the Department of Correction.

Governor Carney tasked the Council with implementing innovative tools and strategies for addressing a series of specific issues, including: breaking the school-to-prison pipeline; improving access to early childhood education; increasing the availability of affordable housing; improving access to substance abuse treatment; reducing recidivism in Delaware’s correctional system; expanding job training opportunities; and reducing violence in Delaware’s neighborhoods.

Carney attends ribbon-cutting and groundbreaking for Phases I and II of Flats Redevelopment

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney today helped celebrate progress toward housing redevelopment in the Flats neighborhood in Wilmington. Phases I and II of the Flats project, being redeveloped by the Todmorden Foundation and the Woodlawn Trustees, were supported by $6.5 million from Delaware’s Housing Development Fund, overseen by the Delaware State Housing Authority.

“First and foremost, this is about a community on the West Side – a strong community in our city,” said Governor Carney. “It’s about the people who live there. It’s about workforce housing. But to put a housing project together like this takes a big team and a big partnership. It should go without saying that as goes the City of Wilmington, so goes the State of Delaware. And when we revitalize and bring back neighborhoods like this and strengthen neighborhoods across our city, we’re strengthening our state. I want to thank all of the people who made this project possible, and I want to congratulate and thank the people who will live in the Flats.”

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