A Look Back on August Recess

Throughout my time in public service, I have worked hard to meet with folks all over Delaware in order to understand the needs of our state and how we can work together to build a better future. This past month, with the Senate out of session, I once again had the privilege of traveling up and down the First State to see how I can best serve Delawareans during my final months in office.

Since the beginning of my career, I have worked to create a nurturing environment for job growth and job preservation. One project that I have long supported, along with many advocates in Kent County, is the Central Delaware Aviation Complex, which is now well-positioned to expand operations with the signing of a Joint Use Agreement between the Delaware Department of Transportation and the U.S. Department of Defense. This agreement, which I was thrilled to help bring across the finish line, will open the doors for more flight activity at the Central Dover Aviation Complex. This agreement will also generate more revenue and business activity across Kent County for years to come, ushering in a new era of prosperity for central Delaware.

This past month, I also visited several small businesses that are providing a lifeline for our local communities. In New Castle County, I had the opportunity to visit the Delaware City Marina, as well as Honey Wedding Spa and Salon. Whether it’s been serving as your treasurer, congressman, governor, or senator, I have always worked to create a nurturing business environment in our state, and it was great to hear from these small businesses about how I can best serve them in Washington. As my friend President Joe Biden says, starting a small business is an act of hope – and I’m proud that working hand-in-hand with the Biden-Harris Administration, we’ve seen a record 18 million small business applications all across America in just the past 3 years!

Along with growing our economy, I have long focused on strengthening Delaware’s communities. That’s why I was proud to announce millions of dollars in funding that will go toward community projects all across our state, including a $1.8 million grant that will help Sussex County’s Habitat for Humanity build and restore affordable housing throughout southern Delaware. I was also proud to join Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester to secure $13 million for the new Kingswood Community Center in Wilmington, a facility that is worthy of the revitalization efforts happening around it! Additionally, I had the opportunity to see the federal transportation investments I worked so hard to secure that will improve the safety and efficiency of Kent County’s roads while also reducing emissions. From the East Camden Bypass to the Kenton Road Project, along with a variety of other community investments, it’s clear that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal funds secured by Delaware’s congressional delegation are improving our infrastructure and putting people to work.

An important aspect of my work to strengthen our communities is meeting people who work day-in and day-out to improve each and every corner of our state, including our most vulnerable populations. This past month, I met with the Georgetown Millsboro Rotary Club to discuss federal investments helping to grow the Sussex County economy, as well as the work ahead to boost investment in southern Delaware. I also had the opportunity to sit down with staff from CAMP Rehoboth Community Center to discuss the needs of Delaware’s LGBTQ+ community. Our state has done great work to uplift our LGBTQ+ friends and loved ones, but the work never stops to ensure we are fostering a fully inclusive environment.

After meeting with so many folks on the ground and seeing the impact of federal investments all across our state this past month, I’m excited to continue delivering for Delaware. It’s never been more clear that our small state punches well above its weight. As I run through the tape in the months ahead to serve the people of our great state, I’m looking forward to taking these valuable conversations and insights with me back to my work in Washington.

Thank you,

Tom Carper