Delaware Delegation Secures $6.5 Million in Federal Funding for Delaware Housing, Infrastructure Needs, Delegation gets $2.5 Milion to help build high-tech aerospace facility

WASHINGTON, DC – Delaware’s Congressional Delegation today announced that they secured federal funding in the Fiscal Year 2002 VA-HUD (Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Housing and Urban Development) Appropriations Bill, for various housing and infrastructure needs throughout Delaware’s three counties. This legislation is expected to be voted on by the House and Senate and sent to the President’s desk for signature into law within a week. Among other projects, the bill includes $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art aerospace technology and learning center in Kent County. “These projects will help us address some pressing needs in our communities from adequate housing to soil quality improvements,” said Biden. “I am particularly pleased that we were able to secure funding for the Aerospace Technology Center in Kent County. This facility will be good for Delaware, and Delaware — with our growing scientific community, stellar educational institutions and supportive corporate citizens — is a natural fit for the facility. I’m certain that this center will draw people from all over our state and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region.” “Delaware sets the standard when it comes to creating partnerships to strengthen our communities. This is great example of the federal government empowering local communities to make a real difference,” Carper said. “The bill helps the Boys and Girls club build character in our children. It helps the YMCA start people down the road to permanent homes. It expands the study of science in technology in Delaware to help us meet future challenges. It helps Millsboro fulfill the promise of more effective wastewater disposal. The funds available in the VA-HUD bill are an invaluable investment in Delaware’s future.” “Delaware is proud to have such strong communities throughout our state and it is our job at the federal level to supply the reinforcement when needed. From the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, to keeping our water clean and healthy for our citizens, this funding will be put to good use in building a better and healthier Delaware,” Castle said. “The Aerospace Technology Center expands our high-tech capabilities, making Delaware a leader in science and research in the Mid-Atlantic region.” The federal funding breaks down as follows: – $750,000 for the YMCA of Delaware for renovations to the Central Branch YMCA, funding will be used to renovate single-room occupancy units for low income individuals. – $300,000 for the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware for facility construction and renovation. – $1,000,000 for the Center for the Study of Metals in the Environment to study impact on soil for various activities including nutrient pollution from poultry operations. – $2,000,000 for the Town of Millsboro, Delaware, for wastewater infrastructure needs to reduce nutrient pollution. – $2,500,000 for the Kent County Delaware Aerospace Education Foundation, a scientific complex to provide area youth with education and learning facilities to promote scientific and technical literacy.