(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell remembers and honors the life of Beau Biden.

“Beau was a model for determinedly pursuing success, while also demonstrating exceeding humility and grace – a dedicated public servant who had a fierce devotion to family above all else,” said Governor Markell. “While Beau Biden left us far too soon, his accomplishments, his example, and his love leave an everlasting imprint on our state.”
Every week, the Governor’s office releases a new Weekly Message in video, audio, and transcript form. The message is available on:

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Governor’s Weekly Message Transcript: Honoring the Memory of Joseph Robinette “Beau” Biden III

As Delawareans mourn the loss of Beau Biden, our hearts are heavy. We grieve – and we honor a remarkable life of service, courage and love. Beau had an incredible heart. And from that heart, he lived a life that offers something to teach all of us. Beau was a model for determinedly pursuing success, while also demonstrating exceeding humility and grace – a dedicated public servant who had a fierce devotion to family above all else – an Attorney General, a Major in the Delaware National Guard, and a father, husband, and son whose every life decision reflected a passion for giving back. We remember his tireless commitment to improving the lives of Delawareans and serving his state and nation – including through an extraordinary record fighting to protect and ensure opportunity for our children. And we remember the heart that touched so many lives. The proverbs teach us to say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in thankfulness that he was. While Beau Biden left us far too soon, his accomplishments, his example, and his love leave an everlasting imprint on our state.

Bethany Beach, DE – Cutting the ribbon and officially finishing the Bethany Beach Streetscape Project seemed like the perfect way to begin the summer season on Friday, when DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, Governor Jack Markell, Senator Tom Carper, Congressman John Carney, Bethany Beach Mayor Jack Gordon, State Senator Gerald Hocker, State Representative Ron Gray, Sussex County Councilmen George Cole and Robert Arlett, and Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Kristie Maravalli, proudly cut the red, white and blue ribbon.  

“This project is a great example of what we can achieve when officials from the federal, state, county and municipal governments all work together for the same goal,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan. “We are only here today because in Delaware we have a Governor and federal elected officials who work tirelessly to make projects like this possible,” she said.

The project, 2 ½ blocks long, consists of upgrades to make the road and sidewalks more accessible to people with disabilities. In addition, the other goals of the project were to provide traffic calming measures, improved bicycle facilities, and wider sidewalks to improve pedestrian mobility and streetscape amenities to improve user experience.

“The Bethany Beach Streetscape provides a safe and welcoming environment for our residents and for those who visit the beach,” Governor Markell said. “It is a great example of how investing in our infrastructure benefits us all, making Delaware a safer, healthier, more inviting place.” 

Senator Carper said that he was proud the federal government was able to help fund such an important project for the beach resort region. “The Bethany Beach streetscape project used federal and state dollars to make walking, biking and driving around this world-renowned beach town safer and easier,” Carper said. “Infrastructure improvements not only help keep our residents and tourist safe, but they improve the flow of business, adding to the economy. That’s what I call a win-win.”

Congressman Carney also spoke about the partnerships that made this project possible. “The Bethany Beach Streetscape Project will bring much needed improvements to infrastructure and pedestrian safety on the Garfield Parkway, while also creating a healthier and more enjoyable environment for residents and visitors. This project will be a major improvement to Bethany Beach, and I’m very excited that partners from the municipal, state and federal governments have come together to make this possible.”

Representing the numerous businesses along the streetscape project, Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director said that the project will help local businesses a great deal. “Garfield Parkway is the most recognized and congested street in the Quiet Resorts, the Streetscape Project allows for better pedestrian and cyclist access,” she said. “Not only is downtown Bethany Beach safer to navigate, the improvements enhance its beauty and uniqueness.”

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Moves up from 4^th place

Highest-ranked state on the east coast

Dover, DE – Continuing its steady climb to the top, Delaware has once again moved ahead in the rankings of the nation’s most bicycle-friendly states, according to rankings issued today by the League of American Bicyclists.

“We’ve dedicated to improving our trails and pathways and making Delaware a more bikeable state because we know these efforts pay off by strengthening the quality of life in our communities,” said Governor Markell. “Today’s announcement is more evidence of the progress we have made in harnessing the health, recreation, and economic benefits of cycling. It’s all part of our commitment to ensure Delaware is great location for people to live and work.”

“Delaware’s continued improvement in the annual ranking of bicycle-friendly states is due to the continuing hard work and dedication of public servants and many private citizens,” said DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan.

“DelDOT is proud of our role in helping advance Governor Markell’s vision for a statewide network of inter connected trails and pathways,” Cohan said. “In the years ahead, we look forward to continuing collaboration with everyone who shares the goal of keeping Delaware a national leader in advancing safe, accessible and enjoyable bicycling.”

“This recognition highlights the progress we’ve made through  Gov. Markell’s Trails and Pathways Initiative – which DNREC is proud to partner on with DelDOT,” said Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary David Small. “This program is making the state a healthier, more active, and attractive place to live, work, play and visit. Cyclists get the benefit of not only a healthier lifestyle but a closer view and appreciation of the natural wonders Delaware offers.”

In 2008, when Delaware was ranked 31^st in the nation for bicycle friendly states, at the first Delaware Bicycle Summit, Governor Markell unveiled an ambitious project to make Delaware the nation’s leader, showing the rest of the country the wide-ranging benefits of having a state that is more bicycle friendly.

In the report card issued by the Bicycle League, among Delaware successes, the state was lauded for a safe passing law to give bicyclists enough space when a motorist passes a bicycle, and for having an aggressive share the road campaign

Bike League’s release for Bike Rankings

Delaware’s report card from the Bicycle League

State’s rankings since 2008

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Photos from the event

Dover, DE – Following through on a charge announced during his State of the State Address in January, Governor Markell today unveiled plans to end veterans’ homelessness in Delaware. Joined by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regional Administrator Jane Vincent, Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi, Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Rita Landgraf, among others, the Governor signed on to a challenge to end veteran homelessness, and addressed the state’s effort to find homes for all homeless veterans in Delaware by the end of 2015. DSHA and DHSS were tasked with developing the plan, which was presented during today’s event at American Legion Post 2. On any given night, 100 veterans in Delaware are homeless.

“Given our obligations to our Veterans, nothing should disturb us more than the continued high rate of homelessness among former service members,” said Governor Markell. “An estimated 280 Veterans will experience homelessness in Delaware over the course of 2015. With focused effort, along with collaboration between federal, state and local partners and the community, Delaware can and will be a state where no veteran is homeless.”

Last year, HUD, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and the National League of Cities called on mayors across the country to make a commitment to end Veteran homelessness in their cities in 2015. Today, Governor Markell officially announced the Delaware would join that effort statewide.

“Too many Americans who’ve answered the call of duty struggle to readjust to life after military service,” said HUD Regional Administrator Vincent. “This announcement represents an important step in fulfilling a sacred commitment—ensuring that all Veterans have a home in the very nation they served to protect.”

A working group including state and federal agencies, nonprofit providers, and Veterans service agencies has developed a plan to address Delaware’s homeless Veterans. The report, released today, details actions including: identifying Veterans who are currently homeless or at a high risk of homelessness; improving connections and coordination between Veteran-specific and mainstream resources for homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing; and, creating 20 rental assistance vouchers dedicated to Veterans through the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP), which provides integrated community housing with supportive services.

“Every Veteran should have the opportunity and support to live a full, healthy life in our state,” said Director Ben Addi. “In this plan, we identify strategies to both house Veterans who are homeless in Delaware now, and to ensure that Veterans who may face homelessness in the future are connected to the resources they need quickly and effectively.”

“While working with the Housing Authority to identify Veterans in need and to provide them with homes, we also are prepared to offer wrap-around social services to these men and women who have served our country,” said Secretary Landgraf. “For Veterans in need, a home is the foundation that will help to re-establish them in the community. The social services that DHSS can connect these Veterans to will provide further stability.”

Today’s announcement featured the story of Gary Dawkins, an Honorably Discharged Veteran who served seven years in the United States Army and became homeless Due to the economy and an unstable employment history. Dawkins found shelter at the Home of the Brave (HOB), became a model resident and assisted other residents with their health and spiritual well-being. He also went to school through the Department of Labor WIA program to get his CDL Truck Endorsement License and became temporarily employed at the Milford Modern Maturity Center through the First State Community Action Senior Employment Program. After being at the HOB for approximately 20 months, Dawkins eventually became eligible for housing through the DSHA Public Housing program for seniors.

“My story is a prime example of how many resources coming together can bring a veteran from homelessness to stable housing,” said Dawkins. “I am glad to see Delaware committing to this challenge and to housing Veterans who are homeless.”

The Plan to End Veteran Homelessness in 2015 is available online.

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