Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Funded from the Biden Administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law

 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long on Monday announced $107 million in federal funding to reach our goal of connecting every Delaware home and business to high-speed internet.

 

Funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) is a federal grant program that aims to get all Americans online by supporting partnerships between states or territories, communities, and stakeholders to build infrastructure where needed and increase adoption of high-speed internet. BEAD prioritizes reaching unserved locations that have no internet access or have internet speeds under 25/3 Mbps, with the next priority being underserved locations that have internet speeds under 100/20 Mbps.

 

Reaching homes involves running high-speed fiber or deploying other technologies into areas that internet service companies have not previously served because there were too few customers. Once broadband infrastructure is in place, local residents can subscribe to high-speed internet the way most residents have for years. Delaware is currently in the process connecting more than 6,000 homes and businesses over 18 months – with 3,100 already complete – using prior federal funding from President Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.

  

“Once we reach the 6,000 addresses currently under way, there will still be nearly 15,000 Delaware homes and businesses – mostly in the rural areas of our state – that either have no access to internet or access below useable levels. Those 15,000 homes and businesses are the ones that will be helped by this $107 million BEAD investment,” said Governor Carney. “We are aiming to be the first state in the country with broadband access for every resident, as our President works to connect every home in the country to high-speed internet eventually. I want to thank the federal delegation and the Biden Administration for their advocacy for these funds.”

 

In 2021, President Biden delivered the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, a once-in-a-generation commitment to improving roads, bridges, transit, water and wastewater systems, broadband, energy and other infrastructure areas.

 

“Somewhere in Delaware right now there’s a child without access to online educational learning; a mom without a job and no way to research prospects; and a neighbor with no way to check in on their extended family. That should never be anyone’s reality. Like a digital railroad track, broadband internet access is the connector to jobs, opportunities, and support away from home. This recent investment in high-quality broadband is just another way to close the digital divide and ensure every Delawarean is successful and thriving,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long.

 

“We cannot overstate the importance of having high-speed internet in every Delaware home. An internet connection is a lifeline to exploring more job options, pursuing educational opportunities, and staying well through telehealth access — to name just a few examples,” said Delaware Broadband Office Executive Director Roddy Flynn. “Our office hears every day from constituents who feel they are being left behind because they do not have access, or simply cannot afford, high-speed internet service. With the BEAD investment, our goal is to make sure every Delawarean can take full advantage of the benefits of digital society.”

 

“The pandemic showed all of us just how necessary it is for every home to have access to reliable internet,” said Senators Carper and Coons and Representative Blunt Rochester. “Thanks to the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) initiative, made possible only through President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Delawareans in every corner of the state will gain access to a quality internet connection. No longer will where someone chooses to make their physical home limit their access to the digital landscape.”

 

More details on Delaware Broadband Plan are available at https://gis.broadband.delaware.gov/, where Delawareans without internet or with lower speed address should make sure they are listed for eventual service.  

 

Delaware families with a child under the age of one are eligible to receive a free 28.2 oz canister of Care infant formula starting Feb. 2 

 

NEWARK, DE – Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long announced today that the State of Delaware, in partnership with Donate Delaware, has purchased 44,000 canisters of Care Infant Formula from Gensco Pharma. Delaware families with a child under the age of one are eligible to receive one 28.2 oz canister while supplies last. Canisters will be available for pickup starting February 2nd, at one of the distribution sites listed below and on the Lt. Governor’s website.

Click here for the FAQ.

Canisters of Care Infant Formula will be distributed to high-needs areas throughout Delaware. These areas were identified by using data from the Division of Public Health’s (DPH) Healthy Women, Healthy Babies program. Through the program, DPH has identified communities with high-risk indicators such as high infant mortality, high premature birth rates, and other factors that affect women’s health and birth outcomes in Delaware.

Health experts expect that one canister of Care Infant Formula will last a few weeks depending on the age of the child. It is critical you follow the directions on the label for your child. If you have questions about formula use, please contact your pediatrician and visit the FDA’s website.

It is important that you do not water down formula. One 28.2oz canister will provide around 21.5 eight-fluid-ounce bottles. The average can of formula contains around 12.5oz, the canisters that will be distributed are 28.2oz.

“Governor Carney and I know that the issues people care about most are the ones that affect their everyday lives. The past few years have been tough due to the pandemic and the inflationary and supply chain pressures on families across the country,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I have been out in the community and heard from parents in all three counties of our state about how they are facing issues locating infant formula. Today, with this announcement, we are taking action to help ease the burden on young families in Delaware. I would like to thank Gensco Pharma, Donate Delaware, Food Bank of Delaware, and all our other community partners for the incredible work they put in to make this happen.”

“There’s nothing more important than supporting Delaware families, and this infant formula will go right to families that need it the most,” said Governor Carney. “I want to thank Lt. Governor Hall-Long and all of our partners for their hard work and dedication in delivering this much needed formula.”

“Donate Delaware and its partners are excited about this opportunity to provide infant formula to those mothers and families throughout the State who cannot afford or have a hard time finding it due to limited supplies,” said Dr. Robert Andrzejewski, CEO of Donate Delaware. “Donate Delaware wants to thank Governor Carney, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, and their teams for allowing us to work on their behalf to distribute this infant formula statewide. We also want to thank Bank of America, the Food Bank of Delaware, Daniel Nalley, Dr. Paul Zimmerman, and the Gensco Pharma team for their generous support.”

“The past three years have been filled with so many struggles – especially for those living on limited incomes,” said Food Bank of Delaware President and CEO Cathy Kanefsky. “Between the pandemic, high costs due to inflation, and a formula shortage, it seems there haven’t been many breaks for families. Despite obstacles, I am always hopeful that better days are ahead. The challenges we have seen over the past three years have shined a light on what a true state of neighbors we are. Here in Delaware, we work together – it’s the Delaware way… and it’s the only way. We are grateful for our partnership with the State of Delaware and Donate Delaware to be able to provide families in our community with this much-needed formula. I know it will be a relief to so many.”

“Henrietta Johnson Medical Center is pleased to be a formula distribution site. As a community health center, we are proud to partner with the State on this project,” said Shay Scott, CEO, Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.

“We are grateful to our federal and state partners and their efforts to secure infant formula that will go a long way in helping our most vulnerable citizens thrive,” said Lolita Lopez, President & CEO of Westside Family Healthcare. “For nearly a year, Delaware families made tough choices so they can afford to nourish their babies and ensure their healthy development. In partnership with the Food Bank of Delaware, Westside’s Wilmington and Bear health centers will be an infant formula distribution site making access to formula available five days a week, including evening hours.”

“First State Community Action Agency is proud to partner with the Food Bank of Delaware to provide baby formula to families in the state of Delaware. The program adds support to those families in need and will be able to make sure their babies are fed and kept safe and healthy,” said Bernice Edwards, First State Community Action Agency Executive Director.

“The Delaware Regional Dream Center finds the forgotten and helps them build a firm foundation through our sustainable Community Outreach, Restoration, and Hunger Relief programs. We are truly thankful for this opportunity to provide baby formula to those Delaware families in need,” said Matthew Morrison, Executive Director of the Delaware Regional Dream Center. “Through this highly collaborative event, we look to unite the community members to become a beacon of light, a house of Hope in a world of pain.”

“Unfortunately for too long in American society we have had two vulnerable populations that being children and seniors,” said Dr. Christopher Alan Bullock, Pastor, New Canaan Baptist Church of Delaware. “The availability of quality baby formula will help to properly nourish our children and ease the stress level of mothers. Thank you Lt. Governor Hall-Long for your effective advocacy and leadership.”

“The ongoing baby formula shortage has been troubling for patient families and the community at large that needs this critical resource,” said Hal Byck, MD, Physician in Charge, Nemours Children’s Health, Jessup Street. “Nemours Children’s Health is proud to serve as a formula distribution site and partner with the state and the Food Bank of Delaware to provide access to this medical necessity.”

“The formula will be a great resource for the community,” said Dara DuPont, Deputy Director, Rose Hill Community Center. “Moms call the center all the time asking for help, and we are thankful we are able to help them meet the needs of their babies.  Partnering with the Food Bank of Delaware allows us to remain true to our mission.”

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Locations for Formula Distribution 

New Castle County

Boys & Girls Club – Darley Road 

• 500 Darley Road, Wilmington, DE 19805

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Clarence Fraim Boys & Girls Club 

• 669 S. Union Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Delaware Regional Dream Center 

• 310 Ruthar Drive, Suite 11, Newark, DE 19711

• • Friday: 10am-3pm

Food Bank of Delaware 

• 222 Lake Drive
  Newark, DE  19702
  (Please enter through back entrance near the loading docks. Park in the spots near the loading dock and someone will come out to your vehicle!)

• • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays
    7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays
    7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Greater Newark Boys & Girls Club  

• 109 Glasgow Drive, Newark, 19702

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Henrietta Johnson Medical Center  

• 601 New Castle Ave, Wilmington, DE, 19801

• • Monday-Friday: 8am-4:30pm

Nemours- Jessup Street 

• 1602 N. Jessup St. Wilmington, DE 19802

• • Monday: 1pm-4pm
  • Tuesday: 9am-11:30am
  • Wednesday:1pm-4pm
  • Thursday: 9am-11:30am
  • Friday: 9am-11:30am

New Canaan Baptist Church  

• 3011 New Castle Ave, New Castle DE 19720

• • Monday-Friday: 5pm-8pm
  • Saturday: 9am-1pm

New Castle Boys & Girls Club 

• 19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Rose Hill Community Center  

• 19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720

• • Monday & Tuesday: 5pm-8pm
  • Saturday: 9am-1pm

St. Stephen’s Food Pantry  

• 1301 N Broom Street, Wilmington, DE 19806

• • Monday-Tuesday: 9am-12pm
  • Wednesday: 5pm-7pm
  • Thursday-Friday: 9am-12pm

West Side Health- 4th Street 

• 1802 4th Street, Wilmington, DE 19805

• • Monday: 8am-9pm
  • Tuesday: 8am-5pm
  • Wednesday: 8am-5pm
  • Thursday: 8am-12pm, 5pm-9pm
  • Friday: 8am-5pm

West Side Health- Bear  

• 404 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear, DE 19701

• • Monday: 8am-9pm
  • Tuesday: 8am-5pm
  • Wednesday: 8am-5pm
  • Thursday: 8am-12pm, 5pm-9pm
  • Friday: 8am-5pm

 

Kent County 

Food Bank of Delaware- Milford 

• 140 Mullet Run (the building is behind 120 Mullet Run)
  Unit E Milford, DE  19963

• • Monday, Wednesday, Friday:
    7:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
  • Tuesday and Thursday
    7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m

Milford Boys & Girls Club  

• 101 Delaware Veterans Boulevard, Milford, DE 19963

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Smyrna Clayton Boys & Girls Club 

• 240 E. Commerce Street, Smyrna, DE 19977

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Sussex County  

Dagsboro Boys & Girls Club  

• 28154 Lighthouse Crossing, Unit 2, Dagsboro, DE 19939

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Growing Tree Preschool- Boys & Girls Club  

• 32615 Oak Orchard Road, Unit 3, Millboro, DE, 19966

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

First State Community Action 

• 308 N. Railroad Ave, Georgetown, DE 19947

• • Monday-Friday: 8am-5pm

La Red Health Center 

• 21444 Carmean Way, Georgetown, DE 19947

• • Monday-Thursday: 8am-6pm
  • Friday: 8am-4:30pm
  • Saturday: 8am-11:30am

Rehoboth Beach Boys & Girls Club 

• Epworth United Methodist Church, 19285 Holland Glade Road, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Western Sussex Boys & Girls Club  

• 310 Virginia Avenue, Seaford, DE 19973

• • Monday – Friday
    7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

WILMINGTON, DE – Following the release of Governor Carney’s recommended budget, including increased investments in early childhood education, and the work of the Delaware Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee –  Delaware Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long was joined by members of the General Assembly, child care providers, and advocates to announce the release of the Delaware Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee Final Report.

 

The final report includes the following recommendations:

• Promote collaboration and coordination through an aligned governance structure.
• Increase program access, particularly for marginalized communities.
• Prioritize meaningful investments in early childhood.
• Support and uplift the early childhood workforce.

 

“Children are born ready to learn. By investing in our youngest learners we are investing in their most critical years of brain development, better preparing them for lifelong success, and giving families the opportunity to return to the workplace knowing their children are in high-quality learning environments,” said Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “As co-chair of the Delaware Early Learning Advisory Committee, I am excited to see the positive impacts of the committee’s recommendations. We know the data is clear, critical investments early in a child’s development lead to better academic and life outcomes. Giving children the foundation they need and empowering the workforce that cares for them, strengthens our state’s economy and our future.”

 

“This report maps the change that is possible as we move to a new stage of action in Delaware’s early childhood landscape. Our early childhood professionals are essential to families who need reliable, affordable childcare and support. Our children need to experience nurturing interactions in environments free from toxic stress to positively impact their development and well-being. Our system must respond to what we know. We need to be the village that our children and families deserve,” said Caitlin Gleason, Associate Secretary, Early Childhood Support.

 

“Under Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long’s leadership, the Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee has produced a thoughtful roadmap for ensuring the success of Delaware’s young children,” noted Dr. Javaid Siddiqi, President and CEO of The Hunt Institute. “While the challenges facing the early childhood sector aren’t unique to Delaware, the leadership assembled around their resolution puts the state on strong footing and well ahead of the national curve. We look forward to continuing to support the state as it works to translate the Committee’s recommendations into practice.”

 

“The Latin American Community Center is excited about the release of the Office of Early Learning Advisory Committee’s Report today,” said Karen Hartz, Latin American Community Center Director of Facilities & Early Childhood Services.  “The LACC has been focused on providing comprehensive early childhood education services for many years. We look forward to hearing the state’s plans to bring comprehensive services to more of Delaware’s children and families.”

 

“Investments in early education are necessary to support working families and to promote early learning and literacy. By ensuring our most vulnerable families have access to childcare, we move closer to providing an equitable start for all Delaware’s children,” said Senator Kyle Evans Gay. “But early education is also critical infrastructure, and these investments will support our economy and workforce. I applaud the Governor for his continued commitment to local economic success and making Delaware the best state to raise kids.”

 

“As a parent with two children that had a developmental delay, I know from this experience how crucial early learning is for our children’s lives,” said Representative Kim Williams, Chair of the House Education Committee. “The support for legislation like HS1 for HB 33, a bill that I sponsored which will increase basic pre-k special education funding is just one step towards quality services for all our children. This report shows how we can continue that path forward in providing accessible early childhood education for working families throughout our state. I commend Governor Carney & Lt. Gov. Hall-Long for their commitment and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on this issue.”

 

Senator Elizabeth “Tizzy” Lockman, whose District includes the Latin American Community Center, stated, “I am thrilled to see the increased focus and investments in early education for the State of Delaware. It is an honor to stand by the Lt. Governor, my legislative colleagues, and the incredible advocates who have championed for the advancement of early education for years. I am eager to continue to push for quality and equitable early education, which will lead to a brighter future for our youngest Delawareans.”

 

“The earliest years of a child’s life are critical for their future development. Parents and childcare workers know this, and now employers and policy makers are beginning to pay attention,” said Senator Laura Sturgeon. “Delaware is poised to become THE state to raise children, and I am proud to be joined by Lt. Gov Hall-Long, community partners, advocates, and my fellow colleagues to ensure high quality childcare and Pre-Kindergarten is accessible to every working parent.”

 

“The work of the Advisory Committee aligns with the Delaware Early Childhood Council strategic plan and reinforces key priorities including investing in the workforce, streamlining funding and programs to better serve families, and increasing access for more families.  We thank the Lt. Governor for her leadership, and we are excited to work advance our shared commitment to early educators and young children,” stated Madeleine Bayard, Chair, Delaware Early Childhood Council.

 

“Collaborative initiatives in early care and education that include families, providers, support agencies, and elected officials are positively impacting families and children across the state,” said Jamie Schneider, President, Delaware Association for the Education of Young Children.  “Prioritizing funding and systems of early care and education is a catalyst for advances in education equity, economic growth, long term academic success, and reduction of social welfare programs.  We are setting a foundation for Delaware’s future by investing in and supporting families and our youngest learners.”

 

To view the full report click here: https://ltgov.delaware.gov/early-childhood-education/