This afternoon, DelDOT’s Secretary Nicole Majeski, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens, Representative Lyndon D. Yearick, City of Dover’s Councilman Andre Boggerty, county and local officials participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of Phase II-Capital City Trail.

“With each completed phase of work the Capital City Trail we move closer to completing what will ultimately be a nearly 15-mile trail around the city of Dover,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Building this interconnectivity gives our residents a safe and convenient alternative to using a vehicle to get around the city and surrounding areas and we are excited for the benefits this will provide to users of all ages.”

“DNREC has enjoyed and looks forward to continuing a great working relationship with DelDOT in developing trails throughout the state that bring more and more people in touch with Delaware’s natural beauty and recreational resources,” said Ray Bivens, Director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. “We cannot endorse strongly enough the expansion of the trail network across the state, thus providing public access to more opportunities for both recreational pursuits and alternative transportation.”

Representative Andria Bennett said, “Delaware’s wide array of pristine multi-use trails have proven to be a great success, allowing residents to experience the beauty of our state while enjoying the great outdoors. With the completion of the Capital City Trail, which runs through the heart of historic Kent County, our community will be connected in a way that benefits locals, visitors, and businesses alike. I’m grateful for DelDOT’s commitment to expanding and improving this important trail, which showcases the vitality of our area while providing people of all backgrounds with an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.”

“I want to thank DelDOT’s efforts to improve the pedestrians and bikers’ safety on the road. Throughout the state, we need to make a conscientious effort to improve the safety of our roads, and this is a step forward in central Kent County,” said Representative Lyndon D. Yearick.

Mayor Tracy Torres said, “I think it’s fantastic to have a trail providing accessibility to the parks and historic attractions in this area as well as the Dover Air Force Base. This provides options for those who desire a healthy lifestyle, it’s a safe way for families to explore the area. I’m very happy this connection will soon include Camden.”

Phase II-Capital City Trail is a new multi-use path along Route 10 from Gateway Shopping Center to South State Street for pedestrians and cyclists. This work included the following: sidewalks, transit improvements, ADA curbs, gutters, paving, fencing, signage, and landscaping. The section of this trail is part of the overall Capital City Trail which connects Downtown Dover, Camden/Wyoming, DAFB Housing, Brecknock Park, Caesar Rodney High School, Schutte Park, Danner Campus, and points between.

The entire length of the trail once complete will be approximately 14.5 miles in length. The remaining section of the trail from South State Street to US 13 is scheduled to be constructed in conjunction with the Camden Bypass Project. The pathway is another example of additional to our low stress multi-model network. The next phase of the trail is scheduled to begin next year from South State Street to a connection point with the Camden Bypass. The state of Delaware has more than 500 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails.

Rehoboth Beach, Del. – Delaware Grown Week – a campaign highlighting the fruits, vegetables, and value-added agricultural products produced in The First State – officially launched with a kick-off event at the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market including Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse, state legislators, and other officials.

State Rep. Lyndon Yearick, R-Camden-Wyoming, authored the legislation creating Delaware Grown Week in 2015. He said one of the goals of the partnership between the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) and the Delaware General Assembly is to facilitate closer relationships between farmers and local consumers.

“Fresher food translates into better nutrition, better taste, and the potential for creating healthier eating habits,” Rep. Yearick said. “And when consumers spend their food dollars locally, they support Delaware’s family farms and spur our economic activity.” While fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs are a highlight of farmers’ markets, about half of Delaware farmers’ market sales are typically tied to agricultural products such as meats, cheeses, jellies, breads, salsa, eggs or honey, facilitating small business start-ups.

“We know consumers – both Delawareans and visitors to our state– are seeking out local food options because they are more and more interested in where their food is produced. Having an array of locally grown, fresh in-season produce encourages consumers to try new fruits and vegetables and eat healthy,” said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “With the kickoff of Delaware Grown Week today, I am pleased to announce the release of the new Delaware Grown website. Through the use of an interactive map, DelawareGrown.com helps consumers find local products from fruits, vegetables, herbs and honey to Christmas trees and other value-added products. This is also a resource where citizens can go to learn how to cook using locally grown produce, meet many of our farm families, and learn neat tidbits about the specialty crops we grow here in Delaware.”

Elected leaders and agricultural officials will conduct smaller, targeted activities throughout Delaware Grown Week emphasizing the numerous ways citizens can connect with local farms and enjoy Delaware farm products, such as:

• Shopping at one of the more than 90 onsite farmstands throughout the state.
• Visiting and purchasing locally grown products at one of the 20 community-run farmers’ markets operating in Delaware this year.
• Enjoying time with family and friends at a Delaware “u-pick” operations that offer a satisfying experience for patrons to get the freshest fruit and vegetables possible by harvesting it themselves.
• Participating in a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, providing shareholders with fresh produce weekly during peak harvest seasons.

Take the opportunity to stop off at a local farmers’ market or on-farm market where there is a variety of fruits and vegetables in season. This is an opportunity to connect with Delaware family farmers that take pride in growing the freshest produce. Many farmers’ markets accept Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) transactions, the Women Infant and Children Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program – expanding the availability of healthy, fresh fruits and vegetables.

For more information, visit https://delawaregrown.com.

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Media Contacts:

• Stacey Hofmann, Chief of Community Relations, Delaware Department of Agriculture, 302-698-4542, stacey.hofmann@delaware.gov
• Joe Fulgham, Communications Officer, House of Representatives, 302-744-4184, joseph.fulgham@delaware.gov