DOVER – The second of four open houses to gather public input on creating a master plan for the future of White Clay Creek State Park in Newark will be held 4-7 p.m., Tuesday July 10, at Deerfield, 507 Thompson Station Road, Newark, DE 19711.

DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin announced last month that DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation is beginning the process of creating a master plan for the future of the park and will be holding four open houses this summer to gather public input for the plan. The open houses are an opportunity for the public to convey what they enjoy about the park, and what concerns or ideas they might have for the future, to aid in developing a draft plan.

The July 10 open house will focus on buildings and infrastructure, for public input on topics such as the Nature Center, the park office, use of buildings, and current/future concessionaires. Information and opportunities to ask questions will be available during the entire open house, with presentations at 4:30 and 6 p.m.

White Clay Creek State Park is the second-largest park in DNREC’s park system. The park hosts more than 322,000 visitors each year and contains the most trail miles. The park also holds popular summer concerts, a well-attended summer camp program, the high school cross-country state meet, and other events. Visitors enjoy birding, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding.

The next two open houses are tentatively scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at Deerfield, on the following dates:

• Wednesday, Aug. 1: Focused on roads, trails, and connectivity.
• Monday, Aug. 20: Focused on recreation topics such as golfing, fishing, visiting historic sites, and events.

In addition to the open houses, the public is encouraged to participate in a brief online survey to provide initial comments. A second survey with more specific questions will be developed later. To submit general comments, please email DNREC_WCCmasterplan@delaware.gov, or write to DNREC-DPR, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901, Attn: WCCSP Master Plan.

The public is also encouraged to visit www.destateparks.com/whiteclaymasterplan for the latest information and updates, and to check back frequently for the latest news and draft documents for review once developed. In addition to the webpage, announcements will be made by DNREC press releases, signs in the park, and other means.

Contact: Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs, 302-739-9902

Vol.48, No. 179

Dover, Del. – The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has received a $7 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant award from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the Georgetown East Gateway Project in Sussex County.

The project will construct a multi-modal improvements at the intersection of Route 9, Airport Road and Sandhill Road in Georgetown. Improvements will include roadway realignment, additional turn lanes, signal enhancements, pavement resurfacing, bike lanes, sidewalks, crosswalks, transit stops, and lighting. The current projected cost is $14.6 million and is estimated to begin in spring 2020.

“Improving infrastructure in Sussex County continues to be a priority, and Route 9 is one of our most heavily traveled east/west arteries,” said Governor John Carney. “This project will modernize and improve safety for all those traveling in and around our county seat of Georgetown.”

TIGER grants are fiercely competitive, and are awarded to projects that do more than just fix a problem, they enhance the community,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “As we have more people coming to Sussex County to enjoy our tax free shopping, world class beaches, and a great way of life, we will need to maintain and improve our infrastructure to keep up, and this TIGER grant-a first for Sussex County-will help us do just that.”

“This TIGER grant is a perfect example of how federal investment can help local communities. This funding will provide better access to the Delaware Coastal Airport, CHEER Center and future development of the area while ensuring motorists in Sussex County will have safer travel to their homes and work,” said U.S. Senator Chris Coons. “It’s time to build more of these needed projects in America to help repair our aging infrastructure, get new projects off the ground, and get Americans back to work.”

“The continued investment into Delaware’s roads and infrastructure is not only necessary to ensure our roadways are paved and free of hazards such as potholes, but also in keeping Delaware’s infrastructure modern and up to date with the latest technology and engineering,” said Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. “This new TIGER Grant funding will allow the Delaware Department of Transportation to deliver the Georgetown East Gateway project several years earlier than expected, while supporting roadway resurfacing and realignment improvements. Once completed, the Georgetown project will ease traffic flow, enhance roadway lighting, and add additional turn lanes and bike lanes to the area.”

“DelDOT identified this existing intersection for significant pedestrian and traffic improvements as part of our Hazard Elimination Program. We are very excited to receive this federal grant that will help us deliver this needed project for Sussex County,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“Sussex County is pleased to see DelDOT and the federal government’s investment in the Georgetown East Gateway project. The US 9/Airport Road/Sandhill Road intersection serves as a critical link in the local transportation system, and is the main entrance to the Delaware Coastal Airport and the County’s Emergency Operations Center. Unfortunately, over the years, this intersection has become a confusing, inefficient, and, frankly, frustrating mess. We believe the TIGER grant will assist in improving access to both eastern Georgetown and the County’s facilities at the airport; which is greatly needed; and make travel to, from and through Georgetown much easier for our local and visiting motorists.” said Sussex County Administrator Todd F. Lawson.

DOVER – DNREC Environmental Finance and the Division of Public Health Office of Drinking Water have extended the notice of intent (NOI) submission due date to Feb. 28 for all municipal governments, privately-owned businesses, wastewater and drinking water utilities, consultant engineers, and other interested parties.

Notices of intent for wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, and related infrastructure projects opened for solicitations Jan. 3 in preparation of the FY 2018 Project Priority Lists (PPLs). The NOI submissions are critical to the development of Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) FY 2018 Project Priority Lists (PPLs), as projects must be listed on PPLs to be considered for funding.

Detailed information about how and when to submit projects for funding consideration, project ranking criteria, project construction requirements, and how to apply for infrastructure planning grants is available on the DNREC Environmental Finance website.

For more information, please contact Greg Pope, DNREC Environmental Finance, at 302-739-9941 or Heather Warren, Office of Drinking Water, at 302-744-4817.

Vol. 48, No. 23

-30-

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

###

New West Dover Connector to improve multi-modal travel in Kent County

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday was joined by U.S. Senator Thomas Carper, U.S. Senator Christopher Coons, U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester, Transportation Secretary Jennifer Cohan and a gathering of local officials, veterans and families to dedicate the completion of the POW/MIA Parkway in Dover.

The POW/MIA Parkway, also known as the West Dover Connector, provides direct connections for multiple recreational facilities, residential areas, commercial centers, and medical facilities. In addition, non-motorized recreational connections were created between Breck Nock Park, Schutte Park, Kent County Parks and Recreational Center, and the Greater Dover Boys and Girls Club. This project consists of approximately 3.2 miles of newly constructed roadway that runs from North Street to U.S. 13.

Construction on the $67.9 million project began in February 2015. Over the next six years, DelDOT will invest more than $3.4 billion on infrastructure across Delaware.

“With the opening of the POW/MIA Parkway today, we honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country,” said Governor Carney. “This project also represents a significant investment in transportation infrastructure in Kent County that will alleviate congestion, and improve travel throughout the Dover area. Importantly, these types of investments create jobs and spur economic development in communities up and down our state. Thank you to members of the General Assembly and members of Delaware’s federal delegation for their support and leadership on this issue.”

“As a local resident, I am so excited for the long-awaited opening of the POW/MIA Parkway, and the convenience it will provide to thousands of residents. I’m also proud that in Kent County with such a proud military history, we are honoring those who were Prisoners Of War, as well as those who are Missing In Action, and their families,” said Secretary of Transportation Jennifer Cohan.

“Our veterans deserve to be remembered and honored every day, and this is such a special way to remind Delawareans of the men and women who sacrificed so much for our country,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper, a 23-year veteran of the Navy. “This investment is also a great example of how the federal government can work with state governments to complete projects that improve our communities while also creating good jobs.”

“Today’s dedication of the POW/MIA Parkway was fitting being that it is POW/MIA Remembrance Day,” said U.S. Senator Coons. “This completion of road will greatly improve the quality of life easing traffic in Kent County. Congratulations to Governor Carney, Secretary Cohan, and everyone who helped complete the project.”

U.S. Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester said, “I can think of no more appropriate occasion to open the POW/MIA connector. The POW/MIA logo is among the most powerful in our country’s history. This connector will serve as a daily reminder to Delawareans of the heroes who have sacrificed for our freedom and will help us fulfill our pledge to Prisoners Of War and those still Missing In Action; that we will never forget.”

After the ribbon cutting ceremony, World War II Brigadier General Reynolds and Mrs. Reynolds were the first officials to travel across the roadway.  They were followed by additional veterans and members of local veterans organizations.

DelDOT will allow non-motorized use of the POW/MIA Parkway Friday through 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16. The remaining road barriers will be removed and the POW/MIA Parkway will be open to motorists after 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Improvements were made at the US 13 intersection with signal upgrades and additional turn lanes. Auxiliary connections to New Burton Road and Wyoming Mill Road will accommodate access to the new roadway with improvements to those existing roadways to facilitate turning movements. The existing intersection of North Street and Saulsbury Road was upgraded to accommodate additional through and turning lanes for projected traffic volumes.

Multi-modal facilities are provided on the POW/MIA Parkway shoulders and an offset multi-use path. DART facilities were also installed at key locations to facilitate new bus routes along the roadway.

Additional infrastructure projects either in design or under construction include the new U.S. 301, I-95 viaduct rehabilitation, the Camden Bypass, a new Christina River Bridge, improvements to the Claymont Train Station, improvements to the Newark Regional Transportation Center, improvements to the Wilmington Transit Center, and the widening of Route 1 from Route 273 to the Roth Bridge.

###