Leftover state money reallocated

Close to $1 billion in last year’s state money will be reallocated under the mini bond bill signed into law Jan. 29.

The bill takes $977 million that was appropriated in the Fiscal Year 2026 capital budget for capital projects and allows the money to be used in other ways.

Under the new allocations, $7 million will go to expand the veterans cemeteries in Millsboro and Bear, adding 2,000 field vaults in Millsboro.

Rehoboth Beach Yacht and Country Club will get up to $10,000 for drainage work, and the Town of Georgetown will get up to $7,000 for a speed radar sign flashing in red and blue.

The bill authorizes the Office of Management and Budget to give a property title for Johnson’s School off Route 24 in Oak Orchard’s Indian Mission Cemetery, and give it to Indian Mission Properties. A provision would allow the property to revert to the state if Indian Mission Properties no longer has a use for it.

“In addition, the deed shall contain a provision whereby Indian Mission Properties Inc. agrees to convey any portion of the said land, exclusive of any improvements thereon, to the Delaware Department of Transportation, should such land be required in the future for public transportation-related projects, at no cost to the State of Delaware,” the bill reads.

The bill also changes the way the executive director of the Diamond State Port Corporation is selected, no longer subject to the approval of the governor. Instead, a board majority will select the executive director, who will serve at the pleasure of the board. The board will determine the executive director’s compensation.

A Legislative Building Committee will develop design standards and plans for improvements to Legislative Hall.

“The mini bond bill allows us to continue that work by reallocating and clarifying existing funds so these investments can be put to their best and most effective use without authorizing any new state spending,” said Rep. Debra Heffernan, D-Bellefonte, in a press release.

Meyer puts forth $934 million bond bill

In his Fiscal Year 2027 recommendation, Meyer earmarked $656.6 million for state capital projects and $277.8 for transportation.

About $157 million will go to school construction and renovation, with about another $30 million for school building deferred maintenance.

About $49 million is for improvements to higher education campuses, and $10 million for a stadium at Delaware State University. About $22 million will go to the New Castle County courthouse, and $13.5 million for both former family courts in Kent and Sussex counties.

A forensic science building is slated to receive $60 million, and about $90 million is for statewide facilities improvements. 

The Community Transportation Fund would get $20 million, and $5 million goes to the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund. 

Delaware Coastal Airport will get $1 million, and $1 million will go to statewide trails and pathways.