A little more than a year ago, the Nanticoke Indian Association celebrated the groundbreaking of an expansion project to its community center. At the time, the goal was to have construction done in a year. However, utility-related delays are preventing completion of the project.

There have been substantial external challenges, but the Nanticoke Indian Cultural Community Center continues to move forward with strong momentum, said Chief Avery Johnson. Site development is progressing steadily, with utility coordination representing the final major hurdle before full interior completion, he said.

“Structural work is complete, interior systems are advancing and sustainability features are being integrated,” said Johnson.

Located off Route 24 east of Millsboro, the new community center is being built onto the existing building, which served as a school from 1921 to 1962. A Delaware Public Archives historic marker recognizing the school was installed in front of the building in 2021.

When completed, the community center will have a new commercial kitchen, restrooms and a food bank; renovated office space; and flex space for children’s programs and a community computer workspace.

There are two critical utility-related issues affecting the project that have the potential to delay progress by several months, said Johnson. There is a Verizon pole positioned directly in the center of the newly proposed entrance, and Delmarva Power must install a new transformer, he said.

These utility dependencies represent the most significant challenges to the project schedule, said Johnson. They’re delaying site work and interior finish work, including flooring, paneling, HVAC, kitchen installation and solar integration, he said.

The project has a budget of $2.9 million, with funding coming from a number of sources – federal and state appropriations, the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, the Longwood Foundation, the Welfare Foundation, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.

The project team remains committed to responsible stewardship of grant funds, regulatory compliance and transparent communication with all stakeholders, said Johnson. Community support continues to be a vital source of strength as the project approaches its next phase of development, he said.