Rehoboth Beach, DE – Governor Jack Markell, Federal Highway Administration Delaware Administrator Mary Ridgeway, DelDOT Secretary Jennifer Cohan, and DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Ray Bivens joined other officials today for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, opening the brand new North Inlet Campground and enabling the public to enjoy other new improvements at Delaware Seashore State Park. Nearly $10 million worth of construction has been completed on enhancements in the park. This year, work focused on the north side of the Indian River Inlet. Enhancements to the south side were completed in 2014.

The contract was awarded for $9.87 million, of which the Federal Highway Administration paid $7.06 million while the remaining funds came from state capital funds awarded to DelDOT. State and federal transportation funds were used because the footprint of the construction of the new Indian River Inlet Bridge utilized state park lands for bridge construction. The upgrades and enhancements replace what was taken away during construction and are designed to modernize park amenities to today’s outdoor recreation standards.

“These improvements showcase Delaware Seashore State Park as a major Delaware destination,” said Governor Markell. “The upgrades, enhancements – and especially this new campground – make the park even more attractive to families and anyone who lives, works or visits here. All of this is good for tourism, for our economy and for the enjoyment of the people of this state.”

“The Indian River Inlet Bridge gives breathtaking views of the Delaware coastline to travelers, and now the public can enjoy this scenic area at the Delaware Seashore State Park once again,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “I am proud of the federal, state and local partnerships that have allowed these economic development projects – which benefit all Delawareans and tourists – to happen, and I look forward to visiting here this beach season.”

“Our seashores are some of our state’s greatest natural resources and beloved tourist destinations,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons. “With the construction of the beautiful Indian River Bridge, we lost some of those amenities that accompany our parks. Now with the completion of the wide range of improvements, adding more campsites, more parking spaces and new laundry facilities, these improvements will continue to provide the outstanding outdoors experience that more than one million visitors have come to expect.”

“Delaware beaches are already among the most popular vacation spots on the east coast, and the improvements underway at Delaware Seashore State Park will only make them better,” said U.S. Rep. John Carney. “The economy in Sussex County, and across the entire state, relies heavily on tourism. This project is an investment that will bring more visitors to the state and support the many jobs and businesses in the area.  I can’t wait to see this in person.”

“The investments at Delaware Seashore State Park will allow thousands of additional families to enjoy this incredible recreational jewel,” said DNREC Secretary David Small. “From new campsites, expanded parking, a brand new, full-access walking promenade, and playground – these improvements and enhancements will make this park a must- see attraction for all Delawareans and visitors.”

“The improvements to the Delaware Seashore State Park are an example of what can be accomplished when two state agencies work together,” said DelDOT Secretary Cohan. “DNREC and DelDOT have created a premiere campground that rivals any on the East Coast.”

“This outstanding project is the result of true partnerships between Federal Highway Administration, DelDOT and DNREC,” said Ms. Ridgeway, Delaware administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. “We are so pleased that federal dollars helped to put folks to work during construction and will continue to benefit the economy through the many visitors to this great area.”

Some of the new amenities include:

• 74 full-hookup campsites (featuring water, electric and sewer)
• Six ADA-compliant campsites
• Modern, full-accessible heated bathhouse with hot showers
• New laundry facilities for campers
• Fully accessible walking promenade, enabling visitors to safely walk to the ocean or over the bridge to the south inlet.
• Sidewalk access to Indian river Marina and Hammerhead’s Dockside Café

For day-use visitors, new amenities include:

• 221 parking spaces
• New, modern comfort station
• Deluxe rinse-off showers
• New benches along the scenic Indian River Inlet

In addition, there will be new playgrounds with a local fishing theme, sun shelters, more benches and a mini climbing wall.

“Not only are the north and south sides of the park now connected, new amenities will enable visitors to access and enjoy the bridge itself as a destination,” said DNREC Division of Parks & Recreation Director Bivens. “Those who want to stay overnight will have plenty of options from tent camping to RV to exclusive cottages and the state-of-the-art marina, all located along the inlet within walking distance to the beach.”

Construction completed in 2014 on the south side of the inlet included the refurbishing of the RV and tent campgrounds, 94 new camping sites, renovated bathhouses, six new RV sites with full hook-ups, more parking for anglers and much more.

Reservations are currently being accepted for all three Delaware Seashore State Park campgrounds – available beginning Monday, March 30. Reservations can be made by calling 1-877-98-PARKS, or visiting http://www.destateparks.com/.

This weekend is a “soft opening” – a special time for the park’s top 80 campers from the 2014 season. They will spend a complementary weekend at the park to evaluate the new amenities and upgrades, and provide feedback on any logistical issues that need to be addressed before the park opens to the public.

In his remarks, Gov. Markell highlighted how the transformation of Delaware Seashore State Park promotes outdoor recreation, healthy living, tourism and the economy. He outlined the progress that has been made on two of his major initiatives, the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative, and the Children in Nature/No Child Left Inside Initiative. The Governor noted that since 2012, more than 25 miles of trails and pathways have been added throughout the state. He also pointed out that parks and trails provide a way for children and families to be physically active and live healthy lifestyles – major goals of the Children in Nature Initiative.

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Dover, DE – Today at Wilmington’s DuPont Environmental Education Center, as DNREC Secretary David S. Small and Delaware Chief Justice Leo Strine looked on, Delaware Governor Jack Markell signed legislation that changes more than three dozen less severe environmental offenses associated with wildlife, hunting, fishing and boating from environmental misdemeanors to environmental violations and exempts these violations from being included in state criminal history records. Sponsored by Sen. David McBride and co-sponsored by Rep. Debra Heffernan, Senate Bill 258 also updates and raises minimum fines for these environmental violations.

“I thank Senator McBride, along with Representative Heffernan, for their leadership in recognizing that many of our less severe environmental violations no longer need to be a criminal offense, and that we can provide an effective deterrent for potential violators by increasing fines while having violation records retained by DNREC,” said Governor Markell. “In this way, DNREC will continue to have the legal tools it needs to protect our natural resources without involving criminal courts.”

“Senate Bill 258 effectively modernizes and updates Delaware law to help support the work that DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Section’s Natural Resources Police, does to protect and conserve Delaware’s fish, wildlife and habitat, and to provide for safe boating,” said DNREC Secretary Small. “It also reflects our commitment to achieve compliance with Delaware’s conservation and boating laws through education and necessary enforcement actions.”

“It’s important to constantly be alert to opportunities to use taxpayer dollars more wisely and to make our laws more just. This bill does both, by striking a much better balance, which will enable our environmental laws to be enforced more effectively and, as important, with less burden on DNREC, the courts, and Board of Pardons,” Chief Justice Strine said. “Meanwhile, justice is better served by not placing obstacles to employment in front of people who commit minor environmental offenses.”

“Many of the people who have historically been arrested for violating these laws have been pursuing both commercial and recreational interests,” said Sen. McBride, D-Hawk’s Nest. “One of the consequences was that individuals arrested ended up with criminal records which could have an impact on their ability to find jobs or pursue an education. This legislation eliminates the possibility of having a criminal history but at the same time creates a greater financial incentive for not breaking the law.”

“I’m proud to have sponsored this new law,” said House sponsor Rep. Heffernan, D-Brandywine Hundred South. “This is a jobs bill because it will keep environmental violations off a person’s criminal record, which is important for pre-employment criminal background checks, while at the same time it will strengthen deterrence by raising the fines for wildlife, fishing and boating violations.”

What Senate Bill 258 does:

• Declassifies a number of less severe offenses associated with wildlife, hunting, trapping, fishing and boating by changing them from Class C and D environmental misdemeanors to environmental violations;
• Stipulates that these environmental violations will not be reported on criminal history records kept by the Delaware Criminal Justice Information System, used by police agencies throughout the state for criminal background checks;
• Examples of these environmental violations include: hunting, fishing or trapping without a license; trespassing to hunt, fish or trap; and improper marking of commercial crab or lobster pots;
• Authorizes DNREC to retain records on environmental violations to ensure that second offenses and higher penalties are pursued when appropriate;
• Raises the minimum fine for Class C environmental violations from $50 to $100 for first offenses, and the Class D environmental violations from $25 to $50 for first offenses; and
• Changes the jurisdiction for a number of environmental violations from Superior Court to Magistrate Court.

League of American Bicyclists ranks Delaware first among northeastern states

Dover – In honor of National Bike Month, the League of American Bicyclists today released its latest Bicycle Friendly States ranking. In the sixth annual assessment, Delaware achieved a fifth place ranking nationally, while placing number one in the northeastern United States.

“People want to work and live in places they are proud to call home,” said Governor Markell.  “This shows the progress we’ve been making to expand trails and pathways, offering more connected workplaces and homes. We’re on the road to making our quality of life in Delaware #1 in the country. It’s good for families and for businesses who want to grow here.”

In 2011, Governor Markell challenged the state to harness the health, recreation and economic benefits of cycling, and increase Delaware’s ranking in the annual survey of bicycle friendly states.  In doing so, Governor Markell launched the First State Trails and Pathways Initiative; a partnership between DelDOT and DNREC for the planning and construction of new bicycling and pedestrian facilities.   The goal is to enhance existing trails and pathways by making connections that extend their reach, and to construct new ones where the opportunities are greatest.  The initiative was recognized for its significance last year by the League of American Bicyclists, when Delaware moved from 18^th to 10^th place in the 2012 ranking.

“Safe and accessible biking facilities are a smart transportation investment for Delaware residents looking for alternative ways to get to employment, shopping and entertainment venues,” said Transportation Secretary Shailen Bhatt.   “Coupled with public outreach to educate cyclists and drivers about sharing our roads, these facilities help increase the ease with which bicyclists and motorists successfully interact.  DelDOT is gratified Delaware’s efforts to better serve the bicycling community are achieving the national recognition they deserve.”

“That Delaware should be ranked number-five in the list of bicycle friendly states speaks well of the progress we are making in our effort to build better connections within our communities through the Governor’s Trails and Pathways Initiative,” said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “Now that Delaware has been determined to be the most bicycle friendly state east of the Mississippi, we can say that without a doubt that we are making the state a healthier, more active, more vibrant and attractive place to live, work and visit. Stay tuned as we go for number one.”

About the League of American Bicyclists

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation, and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. The League represents the interests of America’s 57 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org.  Learn more about the Bicycle Friendly America program at www.bikeleague.org/bfa.

Media contact: Elizabeth Murphy, Communications Manager, League of American Bicyclists, (202) 621-5458, Liz@BikeLeague.org

(LEWES) – Today, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Transportation Shailen Bhatt and Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Secretary Collin O’Mara released a list of proposed statewide trails and pathways and signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop and execute the Governor’s vision, “First State Trails and Pathways Plan.” Yesterday, the Governor announced his ideas for a proposed network of trails and pathways to expand non-motorized travel and recreational opportunities in Delaware.

Before biking advocates, elected officials and community leaders at the Delaware Bike Summit at the University of Delaware’s Virden Center in Lewes, the Cabinet Secretaries detailed a full list of nineteen (19) possible projects for public consideration in each of Delaware’s three counties.

New Castle County Proposed Projects

• Northern Delaware Greenway Trail – Upgrade trail surfaces in Alapocas Run State Park; complete gaps along Talley Road and from Brandywine Zoo to N. Market Street.
• Newark to Wilmington Pathway – Proposed to link the two cities.
• White Clay Creek State Park – Upgrade trail surfaces; complete link along Hopkins Bridge Road between the Pomeroy Trail and Creek Road Trail; and begin design/engineering of the Tri-Valley Trail that will link ultimately link the City Newark to Paper Mill County Park through White Clay Creek State Park.
• Auburn Heights Preserve – Complete shared use trails within the newly developing State Preserve to Hockessin.
• New Castle Industrial Track Trail – Complete the final trail segment with a bike/pedestrian bridge over the Christina River to the walkway at the Wilmington Riverfront.
• East Coast Greenway Trail – Frenchtown Road, US 13 to Ferry Cutoff, New Castle. Construct a patch on north side of Route 273, between Route 13 and Ferry Cutoff and additional segments.
• Lums Pond State Park – Upgrade and enhance existing trails; create a shared-use pathway along Buck Jersey Road (inside the park) from the Park entrance to Route 71.
• Chesapeake and Delaware Canal Trail – Construct a 9 mile trail from Delaware City to Lums Pond State Park.

Kent County Proposed Projects

• Dover to Clayton Rail Pathway – Connect the existing Scarborough Road shared-use pathway at Delaware Technical and Community College  in Dover with the town of Clayton along an existing rail right-of-way.
• Capital Bikeway – Extend the existing 0.7 mile bicycle/pedestrian pathway through Dover to the St. Jones River Trail. This project extends the existing 1.5 mile pathway that lies between Schutte Park and West Street.

• Isaac Branch Trail – Make improvements such as a installing a pedestrian bridge, widen sidewalks and upgrade traffic signals.
• St. Jones River Trail – Extend and complete connections. This work will be in partnership with Dover Air Force Base.
• Killens Pond State Park – Complete a trail gap along Killens Pond Road, linking the northern and southern Park sections.

Sussex County Proposed Projects

• Georgetown to Lewes to Cape Henlopen State Park – Construct a regional rail-to-trail project with an initial trail segment in Lewes.
• Junction and Breakwater Trail – Extend trail from Gills Neck Road toward Lewes and make trail upgrades along Gills Neck Road to Route 9.
• Cape Henlopen State Park – Extend the Gordons Pond Trail from the observation platform north to Herring Point.  This will link the northern and southern portions of Park.
• Assawoman Canal Trail – Design and construct approximately 1 mile of recreational trail along the Assawoman Canal in partnership with the towns of Ocean View, Bethany Beach and South Bethany Beach.
• Fred Hudson Road –Create a link between area business and fresh pond area of Delaware Seashore State Park
• Trap Pond State Parks – Complete the Loblolly Trail along Wootten Road filling a trail gap.

See maps of proposed trails and pathways in New Castle County, Kent County, Sussex County.

During his speech at the Bike Summit, DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt  added more specifics to the Governor’s announcement on Thursday and asked for input and participation from cycling advocates and other community leaders as the plan develops further.  Urging the state’s bicycling community to partner with his agency as well as DNREC in the effort, Bhatt said, “Starting today, let’s all get to work on the goal that Governor Markell has outlined. Let us agree that our legacy will be to make Delaware the most bike-friendly state in the country.”

Also during the Summit, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara said, “Under Governor Markell’s leadership, Delaware has the potential to create a world class network of interconnected trails. By making strategic investments and adopting innovative public policies, we will connect our communities and make them truly bikeable and walkable.”

Bike Delaware Executive Director James Wilson noted that Governor Markell’s vision is also shared by Delaware’s legislators in both parties. “In May, the General Assembly unanimously declared that walking and bicycling are both cost-effective and healthy transportation options,” Wilson said. “Making those activities safer and more convenient will help families save money, improve public health, increase tourism, give a boost to economic development, reduce congestion, lower emissions, provide recreational opportunities and improve quality of life for Delawareans. What other transportation projects in Delaware have such an enormous and multifaceted return on public investment?”

Mark Chura, Executive Director of Delaware Greenways, noted that “today’s announcement by Governor Markell not only ties together and strengthens longstanding efforts to build a first class bicycle and pedestrian network throughout Delaware, but takes it to a whole new level.  Interconnecting our towns with their outlying suburbs and close to home recreational areas benefits us all and is a great investment in Delaware’s future.”  Chura went on to say, “We have some amazing places here in Delaware that, to most of us, are only accessible by car or not at all. The Governor’s initiative will change all that, while at the same time providing new options get out of doors and improve our health.”

The MOA signed today outlines the parameters by which the trails and pathways will be considered, including the creation of an inter-departmental team to develop and recommend a set of activities for Fiscal Year 2012 and the subsequent four fiscal years.   DelDOT and DNREC will consult with the Bicycle Council, the Pedestrian Advisory Committee and the Council on Greenways and Trails with regard to the prioritization and propose a  list of projects to the Governor for consideration for funding.  Public workshops will be held with property owners, community groups and other affected stakeholders to seek input into the placement, cost and maintenance of the trail systems.   The proposed projects are supported by a $7 million appropriation from the FY 2012 Bond Bill , funding that will maximize the state’s ability to leverage federal and private dollars over time.

The Governor’s long term vision for bicycling, trails and pathways in Delaware includes:

• Build a world class interconnected pathway network
• Support creation of local jobs
• Link communities internally to support local sustainable economies, and externally to grow connections between neighborhoods, towns and cities
• Develop sustainable practices in the creation of the network, such as supporting native landscaping and natural habitats
• Support health communities by providing affordable, active transportation choices
• Re-establish Delaware in the Top Ten of Bicycle Friendly states  (we’re at #17 right now)
• And, develop strategies for the ongoing maintenance and upgrades of existing facilities

“My goal is to make Delaware walkable and bikeable, so more of us can enjoy the great Delaware outdoors,” said Governor Markell.  “We can create a network of bicycle and pedestrian trails by building on existing pathways and trails.  We create jobs and connect communities across the state and at the same time, expand recreational and transportation opportunities for Delawareans and visitors.”

For more details on the proposed trails, and for links to video of Sec. Bhatt’s speech, please visit www.deldot.gov

Visit www.destateparks.com/FirstStateTrails for a copy of the proposed “First State in Trails”  priority project list.

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The Delaware Bike Summit is an annual event designed to bring together bicycling advocates, community leaders and elected officials to hear from national speakers and to create strategies on how to make Delaware more bicycle friendly. Today’s event, held at the Virden Center in Lewes is the third summit. The event is organized by the Delaware Bicycle Council, and a committee made up of members from Wilmington Area Planning Council DelDOT, Bike Delaware, Dover/Kent Metropolitan Planning Organization, White Clay Bicycle Club and Sussex Cyclists.

LAUREL – Governor Jack Markell and other state and local officials announced their visions and support for “Sussex Outdoors,” a southern Delaware initiative that seeks to get families and children outdoors for physical activity and to create healthy lifestyles, at a summit on Thursday at Trapp Pond State Park. Attendees heard from national experts, state leaders, and outdoors and health organizations about strategies and opportunities for encouraging families to be more active outdoors.

Governor Markell, a nationally-recognized speaker on the importance of outdoor activity and honorary chair of Sussex Outdoors, announced his vision for a proposed trails and pathways plan to be developed through a collaborative effort of two state agencies, DNREC and DelDOT.

“These proposed projects will expand trail networks or begin trail networks, inside and outside of state parks in all three counties,” said Governor Markell. “They will help us realize a truly walkable, bikeable Delaware that all Delawareans can use and enjoy. Our continued commitment to invest in outdoor opportunities, both financially and through the efforts of community/government partnerships such as ‘Sussex Outdoors,’ will help us ensure the quality of life Delawareans deserve. By working together, we improve the health and wellbeing of our state’s children and stimulate job growth through investment in infrastructure at the same time.”

John Hollis, Sussex County Manager of Nemours Health and Prevention Services, one of the sponsors of the event, challenged summit attendees: “Sussex County has been recognized by the Centers for Disease Control as one of 40 communities nationally that will focus on the lifestyle changes that will be healthier both physically and emotionally.”

Other sponsors of the summit were the Sussex County Council, Sussex County Health Promotion Coalition, Sanofi Aventis, and Bike Delaware. “Sussex Outdoors” is a partnership of DNREC Sussex County Council, Sussex Child Health Promotion Coalition, and Nemours Health and Prevention Services.

In addition to DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, state Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee and DHSS Secretary Rita Landgraf, speakers promoting outdoor physical activity included Mark Fenton, one of the nation’s foremost experts on walking and host of the new PBS series, America’s Walking; Rich Killingsworth, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the National Foundation on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and innovator of the Active Living by Design program.

All speakers emphasized the connection between sedentary lifestyles and poor health, and contrasted that with the link between physical activity and good health.

Attendees participated in workshops that included such topics as an overview of Sussex trails and current opportunities presented by Delaware State Parks, Sussex Master Planning and the Sussex Land Trust.

Keynote speakers issued a call of action challenging each leader to encourage active outdoor activity wherever and with whomever they may come in contact with. “We passed along to everyone the importance of engaging in active outside activity, wherever that may be,” Hollis continued. “We want this call to action to go viral at the community and state level for everyone to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”