August around Delaware

Dear Friend, 

There’s a lot of work to be done in Washington, but since Congress has been back in their home districts this month, I’ve been able to travel up and down Delaware to see the incredible work Delawareans have been accomplishing in the First State.

On August 5, I joined officials from the Town of Smyrna to kick-off the expansion of the new Smyrna police station. Funding for this project was made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development loan program. We rely on our police officers to keep us safe – we owe it to them to provide the facilities and tools they need. The federal support from USDA will bring all the Smyrna police officers under one roof and help them serve the community more efficiently.

Later that week, I visited the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Wallops contractors and NASA have partnered with numerous Delaware companies and universities to create cutting-edge technology that will keep our economy on the move. It was a wonderful opportunity to see the work that the folks at Wallops are doing and I’m excited for their continued partnership with Delaware in the future.

On August 18, I joined Senator Chris Coons and Representative John Carney to cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of the Westside Family Dental Center in Dover. Westside is a federally qualified health center serving all three counties in Delaware. The center received a federal grant through the Affordable Care Act and will provide thousands of Delawareans with the care they need.

On August 21, I had the chance to tour the Sussex County Airport. Through federal, state and local funding, the main runway was expanded to 5,500 feet and critical upgrades were made around the facility. The project will make the airport accessible to larger aircraft, improve safety and accessibility and bolster the Sussex County economy.

I have had the chance to catch up with some impressive Delawareans over the past few weeks, but one of my most memorable experiences has been connecting with our state’s veterans. Earlier this week, I teamed up with the Delaware Delegation to host a jobs fair for veterans in Milford. Nearly 100 veterans came out to check out the resources offered by over 35 employers and organizations, all hiring for jobs in the public, private and non-profit sector. Our next job fair for veterans will be held on Monday, August 25, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Middle Town Volunteer Hose Company, 27 W. Green St. in Middletown. If you know someone who fought for our country and is looking for employment help us spread the word!

Tom Carper