Delaware receives $65 million in ARPA funding
More than $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act capital projects funding will be distributed to community centers and other nonprofit organizations throughout Delaware to benefit those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The largest award is $20 million to Community Education Center South to redevelop the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center in Seaford.
The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, which was championed by Delaware’s congressional delegation – U.S. Sens. Tom Carper and Chris Coons, along with Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester. ARPA was passed by Congress and then signed into law by President Joe Biden March 11, 2021.
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ARPA capital funds to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans,” said Gov. John Carney. “The capital projects aim to expand economic opportunities for Delaware families, dedicate resources to make sure children have access to the education they deserve, and make large investments in our communities – especially those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank the congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”
“These projects will help unlock the potential of every Delawarean and bring long-awaited support to families across our state. It will mean more slots for parents seeking affordable childcare, new air-conditioning systems and playgrounds for our community centers, and upgraded healthcare centers serving low-income Delawareans and seniors. It will mean expanded education and job training opportunities for our young people, people struggling with homelessness and substance use disorder, survivors of domestic violence, and more,” said Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.
Funding for Sussex and Kent counties projects includes:
Focus on children
• $1.57 million to Boys & Girls Clubs statewide to make capital upgrades to nine facilities, including improving HVAC systems and upgrading outdoor playgrounds
• $20 million to Community Education Center South to redevelop the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center in Seaford
• $150,000 to Child Inc. to upgrade three emergency shelters in Kent and Sussex counties
• $500,000 to First State Community Action Agency in Bridgeville for HVAC repairs, purchase of vehicles to transport youth from underserved communities for programming and case management for community service employment and reentry programs
• $300,000 to Junior Achievement of Delaware to purchase a mobile unit to serve Kent and Sussex counties and support the Junior Achievement Innovation hub.
Investing in communities
• $89,890 for Kent-Sussex Industries to expand and open a new location in Georgetown to enable work, education and health monitoring
• $5.5 million for the Food Bank of Delaware to build a new Milford Food Bank location
• $35,000 for the Teach a Person to Fish Society to expand meal delivery services and provide educational and job training services.
Carney previously announced $40 million in ARPA capital projects funding to be distributed to libraries throughout all three counties.
In total, Delaware will receive $925 million in ARPA funds, including $342 million for statewide technology and broadband; $133 million for hospitals and healthcare; $105 million for housing development and emergency housing; $105 million for higher education; $100 million for capital projects for nonprofits and libraries; $50 million for workforce development; and $50 million for COVID-19 response and mitigation.
Learn more about the capital project funding investments in Delaware at de.gov/cpf.
