Delaware Celebrates $14.3 Million Climate Grant for I-95 Charging Infrastructure

The State of Delaware took a significant step towards a cleaner transportation future today, celebrating its receipt of 14.3 million thanks to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Climate Pollution Reduction Grant” (CPRG) program. This grant, the result of the Federal Inflation Reduction Act and the Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America agenda, will be used to build medium and heavy-duty charging infrastructure along the I-95 corridor, in line with the Clean Corridor Coalition’s regional efforts.

The celebration, held at the I-95 Biden Welcome Center, brought together key leaders including Senator Tom Carper, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman, EPA Regional Administrator Adam Ortiz, Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Deputy Secretary Samantha Biddle, and several local dignitaries. In collaboration with neighboring states, Delaware will help deploy zero-emission vehicle infrastructure to reduce pollution along one of the nation’s most critical freight corridor.

“This grant is a huge step forward for Delaware. By adding charging stations along I-95, we’re helping reduce pollution and better the air quality, while also supporting the freight industry, two things we all rely on!” shared Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “We are excited to work with our neighboring states and look forward to seeing the benefits of this project,” Majeski continued.

“Investments made through the CPRG program, across the country, here in Delaware and along I-95, will have a transformative impact in both our communities and our nation’s collective fight against climate change,” said EPA Assistant Administrator for Air and Radiation Joseph Goffman.

“Through this investment, the Clean Corridor Coalition will support plans to construct 20 freight truck charging sites, including ports for overnight use, and over 100 ultra-fast charging ports to advance the electrification of this national priority freight corridor,” said Adam Ortiz, EPA Regional Administrator for the Mid-Atlantic Region. “The Clean Corridors Coalition project will also enhance workforce development through a program to train 400 individuals in the construction, operation, and maintenance of this new clean infrastructure.”

The event marks an important step toward achieving the goals outlined in Delaware’s Climate Action Plan and Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023. The I-95 corridor, one of the most heavily trafficked freight routes in the nation, will see new infrastructure that facilitates a transition to zero-emission vehicles, improving air quality and benefiting public health.

Delaware’s share of the $249 million coalition grant will also support workforce development and consultation with stakeholders to strategically place charging stations, ensuring convenience, and maximizing emissions reduction. This initiative aligns with the state’s Climate Action Plan and builds on efforts to transition to zero-emission vehicles.
For more information on Delaware’s climate efforts, visit Delaware’s Climate Action Plan.

15 DNREC Programs to Participate in UD’s Annual Coast Day

Giveaways, Activities, Education Materials Featured in Oct. 6 Event

Fifteen programs spanning seven divisions within the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are scheduled to participate in the University of Delaware’s annual Coast Day on Sunday, Oct. 6. Coast Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UD’s Hugh R. Sharp Campus, 1044 College Drive, Lewes.

“DNREC values the opportunity to engage with Delawareans whenever possible, and Coast Day allows us to showcase some of the work we do, answer questions and provide valuable information on how we strive to protect and preserve our environment and natural resources,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin.

In addition to dozens of vendors and participating organizations, Coast Day highlights how UD scientists, staff and students are gaining a deeper understanding of ocean environments and helping to serve coastal communities.

Attendees can participate in hands-on activities, tour research vessels, explore campus laboratories, listen to lectures from local scientists and interact with a wide range of exhibitors, including UD student organizations, community partners, and state environmental agencies.

DNREC’s tent will feature a mixture of informational brochures, educational materials, giveaways and activities.

DNREC divisions scheduled to participate in Coast Day and their areas of expertise to be featured include:

Division of Air Quality

  • Air Quality Index

Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy

  • Tree for Every Delawarean Initiative
  • Climate Action Plan
  • Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserve
  • Coastal Management Programs

Division of Fish and Wildlife

  • Delaware Bayshore Initiative
  • Delmarva Fox Squirrel Project
  • Mosquito Control Section

Division of Parks and Recreation

Division of Waste and Hazardous Substances

  • Delaware Recycles Initiative

Division of Water

  • Water Wells and Resource Protection
  • Wetlands and Waterways Section

Division of Watershed Stewardship

  • Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program
  • Shellfish and Recreational Water Program
  • Conservation Programs Section

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contact: Michael Globetti, Michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Jim Lee, JamesW.Lee@delaware.gov

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DNREC Awards Contract Replace Bancroft Bridge

This rendering shows what the replacement Bancroft Bridge will look like once it opens in early 2025.

 

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced that A-Del Construction of Newark has been awarded the contract for the replacement of the Bancroft Bridge in Alapocas Run State Park. Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin Oct. 1 and be completed in April 2025.

Replacement of the existing Bancroft Bridge has been one of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s highest priorities since its emergency closure September 2021 when it was damaged beyond repair due to Hurricane Ida floodwaters.

The replacement is made possible by a $2.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The funding was secured with the help of U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, and Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester.

“The reopening of the Bancroft Bridge will benefit everyone who lives and visits the City of Wilmington,” said Gov. John Carney. “I’m grateful to FEMA for helping our community reconnect.”

“This bridge is a critical connector at the heart of Wilmington and its closure has a great impact on the day-to-day lives of many people who live, work and visit this city,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “We look forward to work beginning in October.”

Work will begin on the south side of the Brandywine Creek, where the end section of the existing bridge will be demolished followed by construction of the abutment for the new, prefabricated bridge. The same process will then be repeated on the north side of the creek. Once the ends are complete, the center section of the existing bridge will be demolished, and the new prefabricated bridge will be set in place.

Impacts to the trail system in Alapocas Run State Park during construction, along with construction updates, will be posted on the Alapocas Run and Wilmington State Parks Facebook page.

For presentations and contact information related to the project, go to https://destateparks.com/Alapocas.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts:
Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

Delaware State Parks Hunting Permits Now on Sale

Delaware State Parks hunting permits can be purchased online and at more than 40 licensing agents statewide alongside Delaware hunting licenses. These special park permits will no longer be available for sale at Delaware State Parks offices.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that special hunting permits for Delaware State Parks can now be conveniently purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold in the state. The special permits are available online at Digital DNREC, at DNREC’s main campus in the Richardson and Robbins Building in Dover, and at more than 40 licensing agents statewide.

The special permits, which cost $10 for residents and non-residents, were previously sold at state park offices, but can now be purchased when buying a Delaware hunting license. These park permits will no longer be available for sale at Delaware State Parks offices. License-exempt hunters who want to hunt at any of the nine Delaware State Parks where hunting is allowed are required to purchase the special permit.

Deer hunting is permitted in Auburn Valley, Brandywine Creek, Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Holts Landing, Killens Pond, Lums Pond, White Clay Creek and Trap Pond state parks. Waterfowl hunting is permitted in Cape Henlopen and Delaware Seashore state parks. Squirrel and rabbit hunting is permitted in Trap Pond. All hunting seasons for game animals and waterfowl in Delaware’s state parks adhere to daily bag limits established by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Once hunters purchase their Delaware State Parks hunting permit, it is their responsibility to become familiar with each state park’s specific rules and regulations prior to hunting in the parks. Maps and rules for each park that allows hunting can be found on destateparks.com’s hunting webpage.

Hunting in Delaware State Parks is more restrictive than in DNREC’s wildlife areas. Not all methods of take or seasons allowed on private or other public lands are permitted in Delaware State Parks. Hunting rules, permitted seasons and methods of take also vary between parks.

For more information about hunting in Delaware State Parks or the special hunting permit, email DNREC_stateparks_hunting@delaware.gov, call the Division of Parks and Recreation Administrative Services Section at 302-739-9220 or stop by the recreational licensing office inside the Richardson and Robbins Building, 89 Kings Hwy., Dover.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

 Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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Cape Henlopen State Park Community Workshop to be Held July 31

The Cape Henlopen State Park Community Workshop will give the public a glimpse of the park’s future.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a community workshop at the Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP) Officer’s Club Wednesday, July 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to give community members and park visitors the opportunity to share feedback about the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s planned capital projects in the park.

Community members can drop in any time during the workshop to review informational display boards for the capital plans in CHSP. Division staff, along with several consulting firms, will be on hand to discuss active park projects that are in the planning and design phases. The plans featured at the workshop are part of the division’s continued effort to improve amenities and services provided to Delaware State Parks visitors.

Projects to be featured at the workshop include:

  • Traffic data analysis 
  • Entrance reconfiguration
  • Construction of a new park office
  • The Point Trail
  • An addition to Battery 519
  • Campground Improvements
  • A beach bathhouse with larger capacity
  • The Cape Henlopen fishing pier
  • CHSP’s Wolfe Neck Loop Trail
  • The Biden Environmental Center

The workshop will give the public a glimpse of the park’s future. Contractors available at the meeting include Bernardon – an architecture firm, and Century and GPI engineering firms.

The Officer’s Club is located at 14628 Officers Road, Lewes. Parking is across the street in the grass. Park entrance fees are waived for vehicles attending the workshop.

About DNREC

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation oversees more than 26,000 acres in 17 state parks and the Brandywine Zoo. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) or LinkedIn.

 Media Contacts: Shauna McVey, shauna.mcvey@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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