Delaware Congressional Delegation Announces Transportation Training Grants

WILMINGTON – Today, Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Rep. John Carney (all D-Del.) announced that Delaware received two grants from the U.S. Department of Transportation for training and consulting in the transportation industry in Delaware.

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) received $171,108 in funding to continue improving business opportunities for certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms on federally assisted projects. The grant will assist DelDOT in an initiative to provide networking opportunities with prime contractors and consultants to facilitate the development of positive business relationships. It will also provide individualized targeted financial consulting to improve the financial posture of selective DBE firms.

DelDOT received another grant in the amount of $99,972 to improve minority and female representation in the highway construction industry at the pre-career, entry-level and managerial levels.

“Investing in the people who build and operate America’s transportation network is as important as investing in the infrastructure itself,” said Sen. Carper. “These investments to assist women and minority-owned transportation industry firms are an important step toward building a stronger workforce. They also ensure that the best and brightest are working to rebuild America and will help businesses to grow and thrive in a way that will allow our nation’s economy to continue to recover.”

“A level playing field is important, both within our government agencies and in accessing government contracts,” said Sen. Coons. “Our state’s talented workforce has so much to offer that efforts to expand communication and knowledge-sharing will improve efficiency and the delivery of services. The government must be a leader in expanding opportunity for all and I am pleased that these grants will help do just that.”

“As we’re investing in the infrastructure that makes up the backbone of our economy, we also need to invest in those Americans who design and build these projects,” said Congressman Carney. “Ensuring equal access to government projects helps us take better advantage of our state’s skilled workforce and the innovative ideas that Delawareans can provide.”

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