(Dover, DE) – In his weekly message, Governor Markell explains  how state grant funding, awarded earlier this week, willleverage over $100 million in private investments in Delaware’s Downtown Development Districts.
“Funding through the DDD grant program is the extra boost needed to kickstart development and the return on the State’s investment is enormous,” said Governor Markell. “By incentivizing development in our downtowns, we’ll strengthen our economy and revitalize our neighborhoods and that will keep Delaware moving forward.”

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: Revitalizing Our Downtowns, Strengthening Our Economy

Live video of the event

Photos from the event

Fibertech to build approximately 36 miles of new network infrastructure to provide high-speed broadband in rural areas

Dover, DE – Building on Delaware’s recent recognition for providing the best high-speed broadband internet access in the country, Governor Markell today announced a $1 million grant for network services provider Fibertech Networks to improve connectivity in Sussex County, helping address some of the few remaining pockets where Delaware residents and businesses do not have high quality service.

The construction of approximately 36 miles of fiber optic network focused on rural areas is designed to build on last year’s completion of a fiber line running from Middletown to Georgetown through a project led by the Department of Technology and Information (DTI) and funded by the Delaware Economic Development Office. At that time, the Governor announced that new grant funding would be provided to private companies that offer the best plans to use the new fiber line to reach underserved Delawareans, with a focus on key sites like public schools and libraries, health care facilities, and places that provide government services.

“Online tools and resources exponentially increase the possibilities to advance education, careers, business growth, and public safety, which means better quality of life and a stronger economy,” said Markell. “But that also means there is a clear dividing line in today’s society between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who don’t.

“In a 21^st century economy, we can only ensure all Delawareans have opportunities to reach their potential if everyone has access to these services, so despite our recent success in expanding access, we won’t be satisfied until that is the case. I congratulate Fibertech on this grant award and thank them for their work to further our state’s mission of universal broadband access.”

Fibertech, which already operates more than 300 miles of fiber optic network throughout Delaware’s three counties, will expand its network, building approximately 18 miles of new network to Seaford in the west and approximately 18 miles of new network to Lewes on the east. Both network segments will connect in Georgetown and therefore offer connectivity to Fibertech’s existing network infrastructure running through Kent and New Castle Counties with further connectivity to Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The Rochester, NY-based company will build on its efforts to offer network services to education, healthcare, government and financial institutions, along with and other large and medium-size businesses looking to meet demands for data and broadband connectivity. Fibertech extends its fiber optic network directly into business locations, allowing them to internally deploy a wide range of advanced telecommunications applications.

“The expansion of broadband in Sussex County will allow for an increase in access speeds in previously underserved areas,” said Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins, who leads DTI. “This Delaware Broadband Fund grant is critical in creating opportunity and incentives for private vendors, Internet Service Providers, to do what they do best, bring direct services to schools, homes and farms, and to community and governmental centers.”

For those benefiting from the fiber line completed last year and the new construction, the state’s Sussex County broadband expansion efforts mean an increase in access speeds from 1.5 MB to potentially 10GB, with most users expected to opt for between 10MB and 100MB.

“The open-access network and investments we have made in Delaware have long helped bring more affordable broadband to businesses in New Castle and Kent counties,” said Mike Hurley, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fibertech. “We look forward to bringing these same capabilities to Sussex County and other areas. This project will facilitate building a transparent and agile infrastructure for State and local government that at the same time enhances modern commerce and increase regional competitiveness for businesses and underserved sectors.”

Funding for the grant comes from the Delaware Broadband Fund, established in 2013 by House Bill 96, which was sponsored by Representative Darryl Scott (D-Dover) and Senator Brian Bushweller (D-Dover). The legislation provides that the Fund will support and enhance rural broadband initiatives in under-served areas of the State, as well as broadband access at public schools and public libraries.

Markell and Collins announced the grant award at Burris Logistics Corporate Headquarters in Milford. As one of the nation’s largest and most sophisticated temperature-controlled food distribution companies, Burris leaders stressed the critical nature of their data communication network. Burris has leveraged the additional fiber installed a year ago to support company operations.

Burris develops custom storage and transportation programs that are uniquely designed to meet individual customer needs, offering over 60 million cubic feet of freezer warehousing space in 17 strategic locations across the country. Company officials made a presentation at the event to demonstrate the importance of high-speed broadband to their work.

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Photos from events

More than $5M in grant funding will leverage over $114M in private investments

Wilmington, DE – Downtown revitalization efforts in Seaford, Dover and Wilmington will soon get a boost, as Governor Jack Markell today announced the recipients of the Delaware’s inaugural round of Downtown Development District (DDD) Grants. A total of 13 projects in DDDs statewide have been selected to receive $5.6 million in funding.  The state’s $5.6 million is expected to leverage more than $114 million in private investment in a variety of new development projects.

Full list of recipients available here

“The Downtown Development Districts program was designed to leverage private money to spur development in Delaware’s downtowns and I am pleased to see those efforts are starting to bear fruit in a big way,” said Governor Markell. “The grants announced today will help fund the development of a variety of projects, ranging from an affordable senior housing facility to a 200-unit apartment building to a marina. Most importantly, using less than $6 million in state money, the DDD Grants will leverage more than $100 million in private investment when these projects are completed. Such investments in our downtowns are key to boosting the economy.”

The DDD program was created by legislation proposed by the Governor and passed unanimously by the General Assembly last year. In January, Governor Markell designated the downtown areas of Seaford, Dover, and Wilmington as Delaware’s first three Downtown Development Districts.

To incentivize development in these areas, applicants receiving DDD Grants will receive up to 20 percent of their construction costs in the form of a rebate. To minimize the risk to state money, DDD Grants may only be awarded when projects are completed. The grants will be administered by the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA).

As part of the program, additional State and local incentives were made available to businesses and district investors who invest within the Downtown Development District boundaries.

“Sixteen applications were received requesting nearly $8M in funding,” added DSHA Director Anas Ben Addi.  “While we were unable to fund them all in this round, it is very encouraging to see that there is such a large interest and we look forward to working with all our partners to continue our work revitalizing downtown areas.”

Comments from Successful Applicants:

“Being able to participate in the DDD grant process has enabled our organization to push forward with our project and help jumpstart the transformation of the City of Seaford’s downtown business district,” said David Perlmutter, Managing Member of the Residences at River Place, which will be located in Seaford.

“We are so thankful that residential development was included in the DDD program. This rebate will allow Central Delaware Habitat for Humanity to continue our work in downtown Dover as we reinvest it in additional homes which allow us to transform lives and neighborhoods,” said Jocelyn Tice, Executive Director of CDHFH.

“I am very much appreciative to have received the Downtown Development District Grant,” said Joseph Petrosky of G & J Holdings LLC, another successful Dover applicant. “The grant will enable us to finance the improvements necessary to prepare our property for future tenants, adding jobs and foot traffic to the downtown area. I am hopeful this renovation will lead the way for future investment in downtown Dover.”

“This is terrific news,” said Brother Ronald Giannone, executive director of Ministry of Caring, Inc., one of ten successful applications in the City of Wilmington. “Former Mayor Jim Baker, who is one of Ministry of Caring’s board members and a long-time resident of the city, was shocked to know that Sacred Heart Village II project, which is being built on the East Side, hit so much granite that it has taken close to five months to remove, at an expense that has reached over $400,000. Sadly the meter is still ticking, and hopefully will soon come to an end. This award from DSHA will cover an expense that was impossible to anticipate.  We are most grateful to DSHA, not only for this grant, but for their commitment to building quality and affordable housing for seniors.  Governor Markell and DSHA should be commended for making quality housing a priority in the State of Delaware, especially for the poor and marginalized seniors.”

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Company’s Hedwin Division will relocate from Baltimore to Newark

Newark, DE – Zacros America Inc. has announced that it will move its Hedwin Division, along with 154 manufacturing jobs, from Baltimore to Newark, bolstering the state’s efforts to attract innovative companies and grow job opportunities in key sectors for today’s economy, including manufacturing.

Hedwin was launched in Baltimore in 1946 and has been a pioneer in the packaging and containment industry. The company’s “Winstead Process” was developed for molten sheet thermoforming used to develop plastic heat-sealing and the company’s classic Cubitainer product line.

“The manufacturing sector of 2015 looks much different than the one of even a decade ago. Whether it’s a packaging and safety equipment maker in Seaford, a chicken processing plant in Milford or a pharmaceutical firm in Wilmington, Delaware is home to a wide variety of excellent companies that offer well-paying jobs and are poised for future growth,” Gov. Jack Markell said. “Hedwin has a long history of innovation, and we look forward to helping them continue to break new ground over the years to come.”

Hedwin is a global provider of flexible and rigid packaging solutions for cosmetics, food, flavoring, industrial medical, pharmaceutical and sanitary markets. In 2014, the company was purchased by Fujimori Kogyo Co. Ltd., a Japanese converter of flexible films and packaging. During the same year, Hedwin became a division within Fujimori’s subsidiary, Zacros America.

The company has distributors in 36 cities nationwide and works closely with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, one of its new neighbors in Newark.

“When we looked at potential sites for Zacros America, Delaware had the best workforce and the right location,” said Maurice LeCompte, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Hedwin Division of Zacros America. “We felt that Delaware wanted to promote manufacturing more than the other options we were considering. We also saw the greatest potential for a strong partnership with the state and its business community.”

On Monday, Zacros America was approved for a Delaware Strategic Fund Performance grant and a Capital Expenditure Grant for the creation of 154 new full-time permanent Delaware positions at its new location on Lake Drive in Newark.

“Adding jobs to the manufacturing sector will provide a major boost to, and help to diversify, our economy. What we really liked about Zacros’ Hedwin division is that they have the desire and the ability for future expansion,” said Alan Levin, Director of the Delaware Economic Development Office. “If and when Hedwin decides to add more jobs, they will be tapping into a workforce that is well-trained and well-prepared. And that’s one of the reasons why they chose Delaware.”

About the Delaware Economic Development Office The Delaware Economic Development Office is an executive state agency responsible for attracting new investors and businesses to the state, promoting the expansion of existing industry, assisting small and minority-owned businesses, promoting and developing tourism and creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens of the State. Visit dedo.delaware.gov.

About Zacros America Inc. Zacros America Inc. is a subsidiary of Fujimori Kogyo Co. Ltd., a Japanese converter of flexible films and packaging. In January 2012, the company opened an office just outside of Chicago, a central location that allows it to serve its North American customer base with utmost efficiency. In May of 2014, Zacros acquired the former Hedwin Corporation, now known as the Hedwin Division of Zacros America, Inc. The Chicago office currently handles all flexible film and pouch inquires, and the Hedwin Division handles all BIB inquiries. Visit www.zacrosamerica.com.

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Photos from the event

Delaware Association of Conservation Districts also honors Legislator of the Year

Dover, DE – The Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village was the setting for today’s Stewardship Week proclamation presentation of the annual Governor’s Agricultural and Urban Conservation Awards. Governor Jack Markell, along with DNREC Secretary David Small, led a ceremony with Delaware Association of Conservation Districts President Robert Emerson recognizing this year’s honorees and signed a proclamation officially designating April 26 through May 3 as Soil and Water Stewardship Week in Delaware under the theme, “Local Heroes: Your Hardworking Pollinators.”

“Our honorees have demonstrated their continuing commitment to environmental improvement, and on behalf of the people of Delaware, I would like to thank each of them for their dedication and for their time, effort, and investment to implement model conservation practices,” said Governor Markell. “I also want to thank all of the Conservation District supervisors and employees for the many and various contributions they make to improve the quality of life in Delaware.”

“Much of the work we do at DNREC is accomplished through partnerships with individuals, organizations, municipalities and other state agencies, and these awards highlight the fruit that these relationships can bear,” said Secretary Small. “This year’s honorees are wonderful and diverse examples of how we can learn from the success of others and can all be better environmental stewards by taking thoughtful and important actions to protect and enhance our soil, water and air quality.”

This year’s Conservation Award winners are:

NEW CASTLE COUNTY – Agricultural Award
· George Whitehead, Whitehead Cattle Company, Townsend
In 1999, George Whitehead purchased a small farm south of Townsend and started raising beef cows. By using conservation practices that can be implemented by any farmer looking to improve, conserve and protect soil and water resources on their land, Mr. Whitehead has brought many benefits to his land and livestock.

Pasture quality was improved through nutrient management, rotational grazing practices and drilling and seeding with New Castle Conservation District equipment. Water quality is protected through the following: proper nutrient management, fencing that creates a buffer between the cows and the creek, rain gutters on farm buildings to divert clean water away from manure areas and concrete heavy use area protection pads to prevent erosion during the collection of manure. He also installed livestock waterers and tile drains to improve pasture drainage.

To implement these conservation practices, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) provided $10,610.56 in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding and the New Castle Conservation District provided $17,236.36 in Cost Share Program funding. Mr. Whitehead also received technical assistance from the Delaware Cooperative Extension Service. He is a vocal proponent of working with Cooperative Extension, NRCS, and the District, hosting pasture walks on his farm to educate others about ways to improve their operation.

NEW CASTLE COUNTY – Urban Award
· New Castle County, Thomas P. Gordon, County Executive
New Castle County’s Carousel Park on Limestone Road in Wilmington is heavily used by residents for outdoor recreation including hiking, picnicking, horseback riding, bird watching and dog walking. Uphill from the park’s centerpiece, an 8.7-acre pond, is a designated “bark park” with access to the pond’s southwestern edge for dog play. Environmental issues at the park addressed in a plan created by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service with the New Castle Conservation District included severe gully/soil erosion and sediment, and pet waste transfer to the pond, causing elevated levels of nutrients and bacteria.

The project included: construction of diversions and basins to drain runoff from the grassy sloped bark park area; installation of controlled culverts to move runoff into the pond via outlet pipes; stabilization of diversions, basins, gullies and all disturbed areas by hand-filling with topsoil, grass seeding to absorb excess nutrients and erosion control matting to preserve mature trees; placement of a mulch-filled fabric berm “log” along the bark park slope to intercept runoff and direct it to newly-installed basins; installation of a filter sock tube around the pond’s perimeter to provide additional protection; and reconstruction of the existing path with three concrete ramps to limit access by dogs and to allow emergency vehicle access.

New Castle County funded the $156,600 project, which was administered by the New Castle Conservation District and constructed by BrightFields, Inc., a Wilmington-based environmental services company. Benefits include reducing water quality impacts downstream of the park by stopping soil erosion into the pond and reducing the amount of sediment, bacteria, and nutrients going directly into the pond, which drains into a tributary of White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River/Watershed and key source of public drinking water for northern Delaware.

KENT COUNTY – Agricultural Award
· Jeremy Larimore, Em-Brook Farms, Harrington
Jeremy Larimore exemplifies a true steward of the land, managing four poultry houses and tilling around 450 acres to grow corn, soybeans, barley and wheat in the Green Branch Tax Ditch Watershed.

Mr. Larimore purchased his poultry operation in 2006 and began working with the Kent Conservation District (KCD) and NRCS to implement best management practices. These include: construction of a manure storage structure to contain manure after cleanout periods and prior to its spreading onto cropland; and an animal mortality facility to aid in the composting process; energy upgrades to his poultry houses to improve living conditions and minimize losses due to poor lighting, inadequate insulation and inefficient heaters. He installed concrete heavy-use area protection pads in front of the poultry houses and a composter to help contain manure during cleanout and reduce potential runoff. He also improved drainage along the farm lane for clean water runoff and installed a grass waterway to eliminate sediment before it enters the Green Branch Tax Ditch.

In addition, Mr. Larimore participates in the KCD Cover Crop program, cultivating multiple plant species such as wheat, barley and tillage radishes. When planted in the fall after harvest, these crops enhance soil and water quality and decrease nutrient leaching and runoff by tying up nutrients left in the soil from the previous crop, and when plowed under in the spring, releasing nutrients for use by the next crop. Cover crops also provide ground cover for the winter, which decreases the potential of soil loss by wind and water erosion.

KENT COUNTY – Urban Award
· Benjamin Kuntz (posthumously), accepted by Christine Kuntz, Smyrna
As the spokesman of the Kent County ad hoc committee, Homeowners Associations Resolving Problems (HARP), Benjamin Kuntz was instrumental in gaining public support for the newly-created Kent County Stormwater Maintenance District and provided valuable community feedback.

The Stormwater Maintenance District allows Kent County and the Kent Conservation District to maintain stormwater facilities in participating communities to ensure these facilities function properly, prevent flooding and maintain water quality.  Many homeowner associations in Kent County are not prepared to address the long-term maintenance and associated costs of stormwater facility upkeep. Failure to perform routine preventive maintenance can lead to higher future repair/rebuild costs and loss of effective water quality treatment. Communities that participate in the program benefit from professional management of their stormwater facilities, and by having a dedicated funding source to address near-term and long-term maintenance and reconstruction needs. The cost of the program is $28 a year per household.

Kent County and the Kent Conservation District worked with community stakeholders such as HARP and Mr. Kuntz to conduct public outreach prior to forming the Stormwater Maintenance District. Delaware’s Stormwater Maintenance District stands not only as a model statewide, but also nationwide for local and county governments to relieve homeowners of the burden of maintenance of private stormwater facilities and to provide an alternative funding mechanism short of implementing a full stormwater utility.

SUSSEX COUNTY – Agricultural Award
· Woodbridge School District Animal Science Program
The Woodbridge School District’s Agriculture/Future Farmers of America (FFA) Animal Science Program and program head Karen Breeding, have excelled at practicing soil and water stewardship everyday by combining the education of students with conservation of land and water resources. The school district’s agriculture program has participated in Sussex Conservation District’s (SCD) programs for several years, and in 2014, Woodbridge completed numerous conservation practices in a three-year nutrient management plan on their farm next to the new high school just north of Bridgeville. Ms. Breeding and her FFA students manage the 15-acre pasture caring for five beef cows, one sow and litter, three sheep, and a small flock of chickens.

The Woodbridge School District farm has a host of best management practices to help improve water quality on and around the farm, including an animal waste structure and concrete heavy-use area protection pads for the manure shed and feeding area. Roof runoff management gutters were installed on the barn to divert clean water away from the feed lots to an existing storm drain and to a vegetated area outside the pasture near one of three rain gardens constructed on the farm. Gutters also were placed on the manure shed, diverting clean water to one of the other rain gardens. A pollinator meadow was planted to provide habitat, and a field windbreak was planted.

The Woodbridge Farm Project was a true partnership, with the SCD facilitating funding for the district’s best management practices. Woodbridge School District was the first recipient of SCD’s Cost-Share – Special Projects – Outreach and Education Component, which was created for the development of projects that promote conservation and other best management practices for primary use in educational or public outreach purposes. Other funding for the project came from SCD’s Conservation Cost-Share fund, DNREC’s Nonpoint Source Pollution Program grant funding, DNREC’s Watershed Assessment Program’s Chesapeake Bay Watershed Implementation Grant, and the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Program, with NRCS providing technical assistance for most of the practices. SCD’s equipment program installed rain gardens and planted the pollinators utilizing the school district’s no-till drill.

SUSSEX COUNTY – Urban Award
· Town of Greenwood
The Cart Branch tax ditch, part of which runs through Greenwood Town Park and an industrial area, conveys runoff to the Nanticoke River and ultimately the Chesapeake Bay. The project became a priority when areas of erosion along the tax ditch jeopardized utility poles, a railroad bed and a culvert crossing under the railroad bed.

DNREC’s Drainage Section designed a drainage/water quality project that uses open space in the neighboring town park and industrial area for floodplain creation. Historically, the town has experienced flooding, and widening the tax ditch into a floodplain mitigated some of these impacts. The project also used native plantings along the floodplain for improved water quality.

The Sussex Conservation District (SCD) implemented the project in May and June 2014. The project is a good example of partnership between the Town of Greenwood, DNREC and SCD to address a drainage and erosion problem, as well as improving water quality benefits within the watershed.

Delaware Association of Conservation Districts’ Legislator of the Year
The Delaware Association of Conservation Districts also recognized State Senator Brian J. Bushweller as the 2015 Legislator of the Year, an annual award given to a legislator for outstanding service, loyalty and devotion to conservation efforts in Delaware. Sen. Bushweller has served in the Delaware Legislature representing Kent County since 2008. He serves or has served on the following Senate committees: Adult & Juvenile Corrections, Community/County Affairs, Finance, Highways & Transportation, Insurance & Telecommunications, Public Safety and the Bond Bill Committee.

Sen. Bushweller works closely with the Kent Conservation District (KCD) to ensure the concerns of his constituents are heard and addressed. He attends project meetings upon KCD request, and supports and educates constituents on KCD’s role in conservation, drainage assistance, cost-share funding and stormwater management throughout his legislative district and all of Kent County.

For years Sen. Bushweller has ensured that funds are allocated for a number of conservation and drainage projects throughout Kent County. During the past year, he has been very supportive regarding constituent drainage concerns that involve agencies such as the KCD, DNREC and DelDOT.

Sen. Bushweller was a vocal advocate on the Bond Bill Committee for the re-institution of Delaware Cost Share Funding Program in the FY-2015 State of Delaware budget. In addition, he supports the Large Animal Mortality Program, advocating for funding the program on the Bond Bill Committee in the FY-2016 State of Delaware budget.

Sen. Bushweller was a teacher and a teacher’s union representative for 23 years as well as Senator Tom Carper’s former state director. He has been a parent volunteer in parent-teacher groups, scouting, and band, chorus and football boosters. He is also a three-time honorary commander at Dover Air Force Base and serves on numerous community and government councils, boards, commissions and committees.

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