January 2022 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

Happy new year! As my colleagues and I prepare for the start of legislative session next week, I want to share a few legislative and community updates with you.

In this email, you’ll find information on legislation I sponsored, community news, and local resources.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Sincerely,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Behavioral Health Crises Care Task Force

Delaware, like so many other states, was facing real mental health crisis, particularly among our young people, long before pandemic.

Providing better services and resources for those struggling with mental health issues requires us to also confront the reality that many of our systems are ill-equipped to effectively help people experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. For far too long, our response has been to arrest and incarcerate rather than build a crisis service system based on solid principals of behavior health.

That’s why Rep. Valerie Maglio Longhurst and I formed the Behavioral Health Crisis Care Task Force to bring together mental health and substance abuse experts, health care providers, law enforcement officers, emergency responders and people on the frontlines of this crisis everyday to find better solutions that produce better outcomes for people in crisis.

Recently, we met with Annie Slease and Sue Mulhern from NAMI Delaware to learn more about best practices across the country. Read more about our work and how you can attend the next meeting here: https://bit.ly/3dvN5C8

Around the 12th District

Thank you for 100 years of service, Christiana Fire Company!

Read House and Gardens Visit

COVID-19 Update

Delaware is currently facing a winter surge that has led to a record-breaking number of positive COVID cases and hospitalizations, as well as an overwhelming increase in the demand placed on COVID testing sites. Our healthcare system, local businesses, and even testing sites are facing staffing shortages as the Delta and Omicron variants spread at increased rates.

All Delawareans — regardless of vaccination status — are encouraged to avoid social gatherings and mask up when you’re around others outside of your household.

If you have not done so already, please sign up now to get fully vaccinated and boosted. Click here to find a list of vaccination sites. Individuals over the age of 12 who received their second shot over 6 months ago are encouraged to get their booster shot. Click here to find out where to get your booster.

To access a comprehensive collection of resources, including updated guidance and other tools to fight the spread of COVID-19, visit de.gov/coronavirus

New Castle County Property Reassessments Underway

As a result of a Delaware Chancery Court ruling in 2020, property values throughout our state are being reassessed for the first time in decades.

Here in New Castle County, data collectors are now in the process of updating property assessments to more accurately reflect current values. Once the data has been collected, property owners can expect to receive a mailer with the findings for their property.

To check if there is a data collector currently in your area, contact the County Assessment Office at (302) 395-5520.

Delaware State Park Passes Delayed

Delaware State Parks 2022 annual passes and surf fishing permits have been delayed due to nationwide supply chain disruptions.

Due to this delay, 2021 surf fishing permits will be honored on surf fishing beaches through Jan. 31, 2022. Daily entrance to Delaware State Parks is free through Feb. 28, 2022.

Annual passes are expected to be available for purchase later this month.

To learn more or purchase your 2022 pass once available, visit: https://destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees

Welcome home, Louie!

Delaware’s animal rescues and shelters provide an invaluable service to our communities and our vulnerable four-legged neighbors. They also provide a great place to find a new member of your family.

My family and I recently welcomed our newest baby – Louie from Brandywine Valley SPCA. This sweet boy has already brought us all so much joy.

Many thanks to the Brandywine SPCA team for all you do to make sure pets around our state, like Louie, can find a safe and loving home.

DelDOT Update

The I-95 Restore the Corridor project entered its second “contraflow phase”
meaning northbound and southbound traffic are sharing the northbound side of the roadway.

Delaware residents and commuters are encouraged to sign up for project updates, delivered directly to your inbox or phone. To sign up, visit https://restorethecorridor.com/sign-up-for-alerts.

If you haven’t yet, be sure to download the DelDOT app on your mobile device to access real-time travel advisories and updates on current projects.

For a project guide, map of current closures, future closures, and more, visit: https://restorethecorridor.com/

Legislative Update

In Delaware, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. This year, our session will begin on Tuesday, January 11.

To watch Senate proceedings live or if you want to come back later to watch recordings of past proceedings, click here.

To view daily Senate Agendas, click here. To view upcoming committee meetings, legislative session start times, and more, click here.

Real Work on Broadband Begins Now

In the 21st century, broadband infrastructure is arguably just as important as the physical infrastructure we use to commute to work. Over the last two years, we have all seen firsthand just how critical the internet can be when it comes to helping our children complete schoolwork, reporting for work even when we’re remote, protecting our access to medical professionals, keeping in touch with our families and friends, and ensuring state government continues to serve Delawareans during a crisis.

For me, this isn’t partisan politics or abstract policy – it’s personal. As the mother of three kids – one born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy – I know universal broadband connectivity means that every family will have uninterrupted access to education, including special needs programs, and to world-class medical professionals via telehealth. Click here to read more.

Redistricting

This fall, the Senate returned for a special session to vote on redistricting legislation – the redrawing of legislative district boundaries using the most recent decennial data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The final maps were approved by both the Senate and the House on November 1.

To learn more about the redistricting process and to view the final maps, click here.

Infrastructure Investments in the 12th Senate District

Friends and neighbors,

Before 2021 is over, I want to give you an update on several job-creating transportation projects underway in the 12th Senate District thanks to the $1.35 billion Bond Bill passed by the Delaware General Assembly in June – the largest infrastructure improvement and jobs creation act in Delaware history.

As the co-chair of the Joint Capital Improvement Committee, also known as the Bond Committee, I successfully secured funding for dozens of critical infrastructure projects that will advance the safety and welfare of commuters, as well as the economic health of our state.

Below is a list of just some of the major Delaware Department of Transportation projects occurring in the 12th Senate District.

Be sure to click on the blue links for more information about each project.

Happy New Year,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Update on Major DelDOT Projects in the 12th Senate District

Boyds Corner Road, Cedar Lane Road to U.S. 13

Project Description: This project will improve Boyds Corner Road to four, 12-foot-wide lanes with 10-foot-wide shoulders and a 20-foot-wide median, using a combination of open and closed drainage systems, and building a 10-foot multi-use path on each side of the roadway.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2028

Project Update: Design is underway. This project is part of the Southern New Castle County Transportation Improvement District.

Cedar Lane, Marl Pit Road to Boyds Corner Road

Project Description: This project will widen the road to provide shoulders, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and replace of two bridges. Intersections at each end will be constructed under separate projects.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2028

Project Update: Design work currently on hold.

Dragon Run tide gates replacement

Project Description: Replacement of tide units.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: Fall 2023

Project Update: Design is underway.

Lorewood Grove Road, Jamison Corner Road to Del. 1

Project Description: This project will improve Lorewood Grove Road to add shoulders and a multi-use path on one side of the roadway, from Jamison Corner Road to Del. 1.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2027

Project Update: Design work is currently on hold as traffic projections related to the Southern New Castle County Transportation Improvement District (TID) are being re-evaluated as part of a regular TID update.

Del. 1 widening, Del. 273 to the Roth Bridge

Project Description: Identify and prioritize cost-effective short, mid-and long-term transportation infrastructure improvements along Del. 1 from the Roth Bridge to south of I-95 that reduce congestion and travel times and improve safety, while minimizing environmental impacts.

Project Phase: Planning

Construction Completion: TBD

Project Update: Planning for the widening of Del. 1, including various interchange improvements, has been ongoing. A project of this magnitude takes many years of planning, environmental approvals, public outreach, design, and ultimately construction. Fortunately, DelDOT has been able to implement several smaller-scale upgrades while the larger project continues through the process. A virtual public workshop was held on October 27, 2021, to present the recommended preferred alternative and updates to the noise study and other environmental efforts.

Del. 72, McCoy Road to Del. 71

Project Description: Widen Del. 72 to four lanes, with bike lanes and sidewalks, and provide a center turn lane.

Project Phase: Construction

Projected Construction Completion: 2024

Project Update: Construction for the utility relocation work began in March 2019 and was substantially completed in November 2021. Construction for the roadway contract is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2022. A virtual public information update is available on the project website, and additional information is available at SR72improvements.com.

Del. 9/Delaware Street (N-055) Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements

Project Description: This project in the City of New Castle will replace the existing hot mix at-grade crossing surface on Del. 9/Delaware Street, perform drainage improvements at the crossing, close Eighth Street at Delaware Street and improve both the railroad and roadway signals to improve safety, visibility and meet current standards. The closure of Eighth Street will prevent vehicles from stopping on the tracks while making turns and remove an intersection that is too close to the tracks.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: Summer 2022

Project Update: The proposed detour of Del. 9/Delaware Street will make use of Moores Avenue, Boulden Boulevard, DuPont Highway, and I-295. A public workshop was held in 2018 and meetings with the Town Council have been held in 2018 and 2019. Initial meetings were held with emergency management services but will continue as the project schedule gets closer.

St. Georges Streetscape Phase III

Project Description: The project will provide streetscape improvements along Broad Street within the town. Improvements to include repaired/replaced sidewalk, curb and curb ramps and improved signage.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: Fall 2021

Project Update: Work began on August 2, 2021. Construction is nearly complete.

U.S. 40/Del. 72 Intersection Improvements

Project Description: Reconstruct and widen the intersection of U.S. 40 and Del. 72 to provide operational and safety improvements.

Project Phase: Construction

Projected Construction Completion: Fall 2021

Project Update: The project is substantially complete.

U.S. 40 and Del. 896 Improvements

Project Description: Construct a grade separated interchange to improve safety and reduce congestion.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2026

Project Update: Design is underway for Alternative 1. A live virtual public workshop was held on September 22, 2020. Workshop displays are available on the project website.

U.S. 40, Salem Church Road to Walther Road

Project Description: Provide an additional travel lane in each direction and multi-use paths on U.S. 40 from Salem Church Road to Walther Road.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2025

Project Update: Design is underway. The proposed improvements were presented at a virtual workshop from May to June 2020. Workshop materials are still posted on the project website for those who were unable to attend.

U.S. 13 median treatments – U.S. 40 to I-495

Project Description: This project includes the construction of median barriers to encourage pedestrians to cross U.S. 13 at the signalized intersection.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2023

Project Update: Various options are still under consideration and design is underway.

December 2021 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

As we approach the holidays, I want to share a few community updates with you.

In this email, you’ll find updates on local DelDOT projects and upcoming community events to celebrate the holiday season.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

DelDOT Update

Del. 9/Delaware Street Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements

Project Description: This project in the City of New Castle will replace, in-kind, the existing hot mix at-grade crossing surface on Del. 9/Delaware Street, perform drainage improvements at the crossing, close Eighth Street at Delaware Street and improve both the railroad and roadway signals to improve safety, visibility and meet current standards. The closure of Eighth Street will prevent vehicles from stopping on the tracks while making turns and remove an intersection that is too close to the tracks. The proposed detour of Del 9/Delaware Street will make use of Moores Avenue, Boulden Boulevard, DuPont Highway and I-295

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: Summer 2022

Click here for more info

Nearly Completed Projects

St. Georges Streetscape Phase III: The project will provide streetscape improvements along Broad Street within the town. Improvements include repaired/replaced sidewalk, curb and curb ramps and improved signage.

U.S. 40/Del. 72 Intersection Improvements: This project will reconstruct and widen the intersection of U.S. 40 and Del. 72 to provide operational and safety improvements.

Upcoming Events

The Spirit of Christmas & A Dickens Experience

Be sure to head to New Castle from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 11 for The Spirit of Christmas and A Dickens Experience!

The Spirit of Christmas, sponsored by the New Castle Presbyterian Church, is a free event that features tours of New Castle’s historic museums decorated for the holidays, concerts, a winter festival and vendors market, and of course, Santa Claus!

A Dickens Experience adds two performances of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and the chance to meet a variety of Dickensian townsfolk wandering about New Castle.

Click here for more info

Annual Festival of Lights Holiday Parade

Head to Battery Park in Delaware City at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 18 for the annual Festival of Lights Holiday Parade!
The parade will start at the corner of 4th and Clinton Street precisely at 6 p.m. The parade route will head north on Clinton to Harbor Street, and then turn left on Harbor Street. The parade will end at the corner of Harbor and Washington Street.
This year’s parade will feature a wonderful selection of floats and of course, Santa! Come early and shop their quaint waterfront commercial district or stay late and dine in town!

Click here for more info

Fall 2021 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

The second leg of the 151st General Assembly is only a few short months away! In the meantime, I want to share a few legislative and community updates with you.

In this email, you’ll find updates on legislation I sponsored, local DelDOT projects, and two historic events that acknowledge and celebrate Delaware’s women’s suffragists.

As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, comments, community concerns, or just to say hi. I can be reached by email at nicole.poore@delaware.gov, on Facebook, or by calling my Senate office at (302) 744-4164.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

Legislative Updates

In Delaware, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. To watch recordings of past proceedings, click here.

SB 12 Signed by the Governor

SB12 will expand the SEED scholarship program to working adults looking to develop new skills through Delaware Tech’s non-credit workforce development programs or its academic credential courses.

SB 123 Signed by the Governor

SB 123 expands the death benefit to all surviving spouses of persons killed in the course and scope of employment in order to ensure that all surviving spouses, including those who decide to remarry, are treated equally under Delaware’s Workers’ Compensation laws.

HB 125 Signed by the Governor

HB 125 adds Delaware to a growing list of states banning “ghost guns”, firearms made at home with kits or 3D printers to avoid background checks.

HB 122 Signed by the Governor

HB 122, also known as the Jamie Wolf Employment Act, ends the unfair practice of paying people with disabilities at a lower rate than Delaware’s minimum wage.

DelDOT Update

All Way Stop Control Pilot – Delaware Street and Sixth Street

Project Description: The existing traffic signal is being evaluated for removal and the traffic signal will be converted to an all-way stop control as part of a one-year pilot study.

Project Justification: In 2016, a traffic engineering study concluded that the existing traffic signal was not warranted based on traffic volumes and crash trends. The study also found that all-way stop control operations should satisfy safety concerns, operational expectations, and field condition considerations.

Project Timeline: Scheduled to begin on November 5, 2021.

Project Update: New stop signs, warning signs, and pavement markings will be installed along both Delaware Street and Sixth Street. Motorists should expect delays leading up to the conversion date, due to the presence of flaggers for the installation of signing and pavement markings.

Lane Closures on St. Georges Bridge for Deck Repairs

Deck repairs will be made to both directions of the St. Georges Bridge.

Project Timeline: The northbound lane closure will begin on Monday, November 8 from 7 a.m. and is scheduled to conclude by midnight on Wednesday, November 24, pending weather. The southbound lane closure will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 29 and is scheduled to conclude by midnight on Friday, December 24, pending weather.

Message boards will be posted and detour signage will be posted for motorists.

Click here for more info

Dedication of the Equal Suffrage Study Club Historical Marker in Delaware City

The Equal Suffrage Study Club was founded in 1914 by and for Black women advocating for women’s voting rights and the inclusion of Black women in the suffrage movement. Earlier this month, we celebrated the Club’s ties to the 12th District.

As one of the most active suffrage organizations in the state, the Club led many lobbying efforts, marches, and community outreach initiatives. On April 13, 1920, with the encouragement of two Delaware suffragettes, Florence Bayard Hilles and Alice Dunbar-Nelson, a verbal resolution in support of the 19th Amendment was passed by the Club right here in the 12th District, at a colored schoolhouse formerly located near the site of a newly erected historical marker along the Michael N. Castle Trail.

It was an honor to join Rep. Longhurst, Jackie Griffith, and Dick Carter to recognize the work and leadership of the Equal Suffrage Study Club, Mrs. Bayarad Hilles, and Mrs. Dunbar-Nelson, to secure our right to vote, advance women’s equality, and make our state a better place for all women.

Where to find the marker: South of Kathy’s Crab House along the Mike Castle Bike Trail in Delaware City.

Unveiling the Delaware Women’s Suffrage Centennial Monument at Legislative Hall

Looking back 101 years, the ratification of the 19th Amendment seems so obvious to us now. But like all rights won by women, our right to vote did not come without a fight.

Brave women, strong women, like Mary Ann Shadd Cary, Alice Dunbar-Nelson, Blanche Stubbs, Ethel Black and so many others whose names we know and whose names have been forgotten to time fought and fought hard to have their voices heard.

They were shunned. They were arrested. They took up legal action again and again and were told to sit down and shut up.

Nevertheless, they persisted.

Earlier this month, we celebrated their determination and their legacy that has allowed women not only to be empowered, but in power, with the dedication of a monument at Legislative Hall.

Delaware Coronavirus Updates – 11/3/2021

Friends and neighbors,

Starting today, Delaware’s vaccine providers are now administering the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 pediatric vaccine to children ages 5 to 11.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact your child’s pediatrician to schedule a vaccination appointment. If your pediatrician is not offering the vaccine at this time, children also can be vaccinated at a limited number of large chain pharmacies, at federally qualified health centers if you are a patient, or at the following Division of Public Health pop up sites:

This announcement from the Delaware Division of Public Health comes after the FDA and CDC approved the Pfizer vaccine for children in this age group.

The reduced Pfizer dose for children was found to be more than 90% protective against developing symptomatic COVID-19.

For a complete list of locations where adult vaccines are available, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.

MORE INFORMATION

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Infrastructure Investments in the 12th Senate District

Friends and neighbors,

Several job-creating roadway and construction projects are underway in the 12th Senate District, with more just around the corner thanks to the $1.35 billion Bond Bill passed by the Delaware General Assembly in June – the largest infrastructure improvement and jobs creation act in Delaware history.

As the Chair of the Joint Capital Improvement Committee, also known as the Bond Committee, I successfully secured funding for dozens of critical infrastructure projects that will advance the safety and welfare of commuters, as well as the economic health of our state.

Below is a list of just some of the major Delaware Department of Transportation projects occurring in the 12th Senate District, along with an update on the neighborhood paving projects planned over the next year.

Our Progress,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Update on Major DelDOT Projects in the Second Senate District

U.S. 13 paving and pedestrian improvements, Llangollen Blvd. to Bacon/Boulden Blvd.

Project Description: This project includes improvements to address multi-modal needs and pavement rehabilitation in this highly traveled section of U.S. 13 between U.S. 40 and Del. 273.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2025

Project Update: Design is underway.

U.S. 13 median treatments – U.S. 40 to I-495

Project Description: This project includes the construction of median barriers to encourage pedestrians to cross U.S. 13 at the signalized intersection.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2023

Project Update: Various options are still under consideration and design is underway.

Del. 1 widening, Del. 273 to the Roth Bridge

Project Description: Identify and prioritize cost-effective, short, mid- and long-term transportation infrastructure improvements along Del. 1 from the Roth Bridge to south of I-95 that will reduce congestion and travel times and improve safety, while minimizing environmental impacts.

Project Phase: Planning

Construction Completion: TBD

Project Update: Planning for the widening of Del. 1, including various interchange improvements, has been ongoing. A project of this magnitude takes many years of planning, environmental approvals, public outreach, design, and construction. Fortunately, we have been able to implement several smaller scale upgrades while the larger project continues through the process. The new auxiliary lane on southbound Del. 1 between Del. 273 and U.S. 40 is open. A live virtual public workshop was held on November 19. Workshop materials are posted on the project website for those who could not attend.

U.S. 40, Salem Church Road to Walther Road

Project Description: Provide an additional travel lane in each direction and multi-use paths on U.S. 40 from Salem Church Road to Walther Road.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2025

Project Update: Design is underway. The proposed improvements were presented at a virtual workshop from May to June, 2020. A live WebEx session was held on June 4, 2020. Workshop materials are still posted on the project website for those who were unable to attend

US 40 and SR 896 Improvements

Project Description: Construct a grade-separated interchange to improve safety and reduce congestion.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2026

Project Update: Preliminary design is underway for Alternative 1. A live virtual public workshop was held on September 22, 2020. Workshop displays are available on the project website.

US 40 / SR 72 Intersection Improvements

Project Description: Reconstruct and widen the intersection of US 40 and SR 72 to provide operational and safety improvements.

Project Phase: Construction

Projected Construction Completion: Fall 2021

Project Update: Most work associated with the original contract is complete. Additional paving of SR 72 between Del Laws Road and the railroad tracks north of Willamette Drive is scheduled to start in late September 2021.

Del. 72, McCoy Road to Del. 71

Project Description: Widen Del. 72 to four lanes, with bike lanes and sidewalks, and provide a center turn lane.

Project Phase: Construction

Projected Construction Completion: 2024

Project Update: Construction for the utility relocation work began in March 2019 and is anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2021. Construction for the roadway contract is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2022 once the utility contract is complete. A virtual public information update was uploaded on the project website in Spring 2021.

Dragon Run tide gates replacement

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: TBD

Project Update: Design is underway.

St. Georges Streetscape Phase III

Project Description: The project will provide streetscape improvements along Broad Street within the town. Improvements to include repaired/replaced sidewalk, curb and curb ramps and improved signage.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: Fall 2021

Project Update: Work began on August 2, 2021. Construction is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Lorewood Grove Road, Jamison Corner Rd to Del. 1

Project Description: This project will improve Lorewood Grove Road to add shoulders and a multi-use path on one side of the roadway, from Jamison Corner Road to Del. 1.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2027

Project Update: Design work is currently on hold as traffic projections related to the Southern New Castle County Transportation Improvement District are being re-evaluated as part of a regular update.

Cedar Lane, Marl Pit Road to Boyds Corner Road

Project Description: Widen the road to provide shoulders, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and replace of two bridges. Intersections at each end will be constructed under separate projects.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2028

Project Update: Design work currently on hold.

Boyds Corner Road, Cedar Lane Road to US 13

Project Description: This project will improve Boyds Corner Road to four, 12-foot-wide lanes with 10-foot-wide shoulders and a 20-foot-wide median, using a combination of open and closed drainage systems, and building a 10-foot multi-use path on each side of the roadway.

Project Phase: Design

Projected Construction Completion: 2028

Project Update: Design is underway. This project is part of the Southern New Castle County Transportation Improvement District (TID).

Neighborhood Repaving Projects

The Delaware General Assembly created a new program in 2019 to help repave more local neighborhood streets and ensure the safety of our community streets. The program prioritizes the worst-rated roadways with an emphasis on streets near schools, libraries, post offices, and the entrances to neighborhoods.

This year, the Joint Capital Improvement Committee dedicated a record $30 million toward the Pilot Subdivision Paving Program.

Here in the 12th District, nine neighborhood roadways are slated for repaving in the coming year.

Caravel Farms
Caravel Drive from DE Laws Road

Clay Acres
Emelia Drive from Porter Road

Glasgow Pines
Whitburn Place from Ashkirk Place to Ashkirk Place

Llangollen Estates
Dudley Place from Wooddale Avenue to Llangollen Boulevard

Marines Watch
Mariners Way from Kirkwood St. Georges Road to Starboard Drive

Porter Square
Jayson Drive from Worthy Down Avenue

Wilmington Manor Gardens
Fordham Avenue from Notre Dame Avenue to Lasalle Avenue

Wrangle Hill Estates
Carlotta Drive from Porter Road to Laramie Drive
Laramie Drive from Granger to Cheyenne

Summer 2021 Newsletter – Updates from Senator Nicole Poore

Friends and neighbors,

Fall is right around the corner! As Summer 2021 comes to a close, I wanted to share a few legislative and community updates with you.

In this email, you’ll find updates on legislation I sponsored, local projects funded in the Fiscal Year 2022 Bond Bill, and upcoming events in our district.

Please feel free to send me your questions and comments in a reply email, and I will do my best to respond to each of you.

For more updates, please be sure to follow me on Facebook here:
https://www.facebook.com/SenatorNicolePoore

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

Legislative Update

In Delaware, our regular legislative session runs each year from the second Tuesday in January through June 30. This fall, the Senate will return for a special session for redistricting. To watch recordings of past proceedings and check for updates on our special session this fall, click here.

SB 160 to receive Ceremonial Signing in September

Senate Bill 160, signed privately by Gov. Carney on Aug. 10, allows for expanded insurance coverage including lump sum and monthly income benefits for volunteer and paid firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics.

SB 12 to be Signed by Governor Carney

SB12 will expand the SEED scholarship program to working adults looking to develop new skills through Delaware Tech’s non-credit workforce development programs or its academic credential courses. Stay tuned for a signing date!

SB 93 Signed by the Governor

SS1/SB 93 finally offers us a way to protect consumers from unknowingly entering into service contracts with hidden automatic renewals, known as “evergreen” clauses.

SB 85 Signed by the Governor

SB 85 allows for the establishment of a special fund through the collection of fees for the Office of the Public Guardian to serve additional vulnerable Delawareans.

Bond Bill Funding Around the 12th District

The Joint Capital Improvement Committee is responsible for preparing the annual Bond Bill. As chair of the Committee, I am pleased to share the following projects and groups here in the 12th SD that received funding from the FY22 Bond Bill, totaling over $6.3 million here in our community.

  • Brandywine Valley SPCA: New Castle Facility
  • City of New Castle
  • Delaware City
  • DNREC: Dredge
  • New Castle Senior Center
  • Read House
  • Fort DuPont (Redevelopment of Strategic Sites)
  • New Castle Pier, Dock, and Ramp

DelDOT Update

US 40/SR 72 Intersection Improvement Project

Project Description: Reconstruct and widen the intersection of US 40 and SR 72 to provide operational and safety improvements.

Project Justification: The US Route 40 Corridor is expected to experience worsening congestion and safety problems because of planned growth. The Corridor also has minimal accommodations for pedestrians and bicyclists. This project is part of the US 40, Maryland State Line to US 13 Program. These improvements are needed to address operational problems at the intersection.

Current Phase: Construction

Project Timeline: Scheduled for completion this fall.

Project Update: Most work associated with the original contract is complete. Additional paving of SR 72 between Del Laws Road and the railroad tracks north of Willamette Drive is scheduled for Summer/Fall 2021.

Click here for more info

Upcoming Events

Vet Fest 2021

Vet Fest is annual event to uplift and educate by bringing military and civilian communities together to benefit active duty and military families. This year’s Vet Fest will serve as a fundraiser for Stop Soldier Suicide and The 22 in 22 Challenge.

Virtual Component: Friday, September 24 to Sunday, September 27

Live Event: Saturday, September 25th, 2021
8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Location: Town of Whitehall, 801 Mapleton Ave., Middletown, DE 19709

To learn more and register to attend or volunteer, visit: https://www.whitehallde.com/events/vet-fest/

Delaware’s 23rd Annual Chautauqua

Click here for more info

Delaware Coronavirus Updates – 8/11/2021

Friends and neighbors,

COVID-19 cases are on the rise once again with the Delta variant causing a spike in hospitalizations, particularly among unvaccinated Delawareans.

Vaccinated Delawareans are less likely to suffer severe symptoms, but they can still contract the virus and spread the disease to others. Hospitals in COVID-19 hotspots are also reporting a spike in hospitalizations among children, sparking concerns that the now predominant Delta variant might pose a more serious threat to young people.

To help contain the spread, Governor John Carney this week announced that masks will be required indoors at Delaware K-12 schools and childcare facilities regardless of an individual’s vaccination status, starting Monday, Aug. 16. This requirement is consistent with guidance from the CDC.

Starting Monday, masks also will be required for state employees and visitors to Delaware state facilities.

We all saw last year how COVID-19 cases can ramp up in the fall.

If you have not been vaccinated already, please do your part now to save lives in the coming weeks and months by joining the roughly 72% of Delawareans 12 and older who have received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have been vaccinated, encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do soo, too.

Click here to find a free COVID-19 vaccine provider near you.

For people who are unvaccinated, testing is the key to identifying and preventing additional infections.

Please get tested at least once a week if you choose to remain unvaccinated or have an underlying health condition that prevents you from getting vaccinated.

Click here for a full list of testing locations and options.

All schools and early learning facilities throughout the state are also offering free rapid antigen testing for staff and students.

You also can download the free COVID Alert DE app to your phone. The app will help alert you if you have come in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.

Click here to download the app today.

Please stay safe and healthy!

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

Delaware Coronavirus Updates – 7/6/2021

Hello friends and neighbors,

I hope everyone enjoyed a wonderful Independence Day, one of the first major holidays back with family and friends.

After 16 long months, Delaware is winning the fight against COVID-19.

On July 1, the First State reached President Biden’s target 70% immunization rate that many experts believe is needed to reach herd immunity. As of Monday, 70.4% of adults in Delaware had received at least one dose of the vaccine, including 92% of seniors 65 and older.

On July 13, Governor John Carney will fully lift the COVID-19 State of Emergency Order, a significant step closer to bringing the pandemic to an end.

We know from experience that COVID-19 cases will likely rise again in the fall, which is why we need to take steps now to protect our health the best we can. More Delawareans still need to get vaccinated so we don’t face a resurgence. Nearly all new hospitalizations across the country are unvaccinated Americans and nearly half of those cases involve the more severe Delta variant. People between the ages of 18 and 34 are now at the greatest risk for contracting the virus and spreading it to others.

Vaccinations are freely available to any Delawarean ages 12 and older at dozens of walk-up sites, community clinics, state service centers, local pharmacies and area health centers.

Testing sites also will remain active throughout Delaware to help control the spread of COVID-19 and its many variants. Click here to find the closest testing site near you.

Thanks to the tremendous success of Delaware’s vaccination program, I will be pausing these COVID-19 updates for the time being. I want to thank Governor Carney, DHSS and neighbors like you who pulled together and did what was needed to get our state through these difficult times together.

Please feel free to reach out to me anytime with any questions or concerns you might have about COVID-19 or anything else impacting the lives of you, your family and your neighbors.

Have a wonderful summer and look out for future updates about our ongoing work to make Delaware a better place to live, work and raise a family for all.

In this newsletter, you will find updates on:

  • Reaching our 70% vaccination goal
  • The DEWins! grand prize
  • Delaware’s Accelerated Learning Plan
  • Summer travel tips
  • Vaccination and testing sites near us
  • Food resources and rental assistance
  • And more!

Be well and stay safe!

Nicole Poore
Senator, 12th District

VACCINATION GOAL ACHIEVED

Delawareans have done their part to end the pandemic by getting vaccinated to protect their families, friends and communities.

We reached President Biden’s goal of 70% of adults receiving at least one shot of the vaccine by July 4.

There is still more progress to be made. Vaccines are the best protection we have against COVID-19 and its many variants.

Those who are unvaccinated are strongly encouraged to get a shot and continue to wear a mask in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE CLOSEST VACCINE PROVIDER

DELAWARE’S ACCELERATED LEARNING PLAN

The Delaware Department of Education is making tremendous progress in helping schools, families and community groups to support students make up ground on unfinished learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Every K-12 student in Delaware now can use their school credentials to read required and recreational digital books in the OverDrive Education Sora student reading app. Students also have seamless access to age-appropriate ebooks and audiobooks from the Delaware Libraries’ OverDrive digital collection.

Delaware students already have checked out close to 10,000 books and read for nearly 4,000 hours.

On demand math lessons are available through Zearn Math.

One-on-one tutoring is also available to about 5,000 students at 38 sites through DOE’s partnerships with 13 community-based organizations.

A language line also has been launched to provide over-the-phone interpreting in 195 languages available on-demand 24/7. In just one month, the line received an average of 24 calls per day.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

DE WINS! INCENTIVES STILL AVAILABLE

Nearly two dozen vaccinated Delawareans earned cash and prizes through the DE Wins! incentive program.

Winners of the grand prizes of $302,000 and two low-digit license plates were drawn on June 30, but have not yet agreed to have their names announced.

Click here for a list of prize winners.

While the drawings may be over, Delawareans can still earn discounts and rewards by bringing their vaccination cards to local businesses.

CLICK HERE FOR INCENTIVES AVAILABLE NEAR US

SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS

Summer is a popular time to travel and many Delawareans are no doubt eager to take a well-deserved vacation as the pandemic winds down.

Before you travel, please keep the following in mind:

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control strongly discourages travel for unvaccinated people, especially for international trips. If you are unvaccinated or not yet fully vaccinated and must travel, please follow the CDC’s recommendations.

International travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants. Click here for more information.

All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling. Click here for more information regarding specific destinations.

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. Get your vaccine before you get your tickets!

CLICK HERE TO FIND THE CLOSEST VACCINE PROVIDER

THE LATEST COVID-19 DATA IN DELAWARE

Delaware’s rate of COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are now at their lowest since the first weeks of the pandemic in spring 2020.

As of Monday, the rolling 7-day average of new COVID-19 cases was 26.9, down 4% from two weeks ago and the lowest rate of the entire pandemic. The average percentage of people who got a positive test result increased slightly to 5.7, up from 5.2 last month.

The cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in Delaware reached 109,891 over the weekend – a 0.3% increase from two weeks ago. Statewide, the rate of infection is now 1,176.6 cases per 10,000 people.

As of Monday, there were 23 people hospitalized due to COVID-19 complications, down from 24 people two weeks earlier. The number of people in critical condition rose to 4, one more than two weeks ago.

Delaware documented 12 additional Coronavirus-related deaths over the last two weeks, bringing the total number of fatalities to 1,695. Of those total deaths, 45% were residents of long-term care facilities.
Visit Delaware’s Coronavirus Data Dashboard for all the latest information about COVID-19’s spread throughout the First State.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE STATE-LEVEL DATA

FOOD RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO DELAWAREANS

The Food Bank of Delaware’s monthly mobile food pantries are returning this month.

Advance registration is suggested, but not required.

Friday, July 9
11 a.m. – Dover International Speedway, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, in Dover
Pre-register: July9KentCounty.eventbrite.com

Monday, July 12
11 a.m. – Delaware Technical Community College, 400 Stanton Christiana Road, near Newark
Pre-register: July9NewCastleCounty.eventbrite.com

COVID-19 RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE

The Delaware Housing Assistance Program is offering financial support to eligible renters impacted by COVID-19.

DEHAP provides up to 12 months of financial assistance for rent owed as far back as April 2020. An additional three months of extended help is also available under certain conditions.

Income restrictions apply and all payments are made directly to landlords.

Click here to review income eligibility by county and other program requirements or call (866) 935-0407. A list of frequently asked questions and their answers also can be found here.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

H.E.L.P. LOAN PAYMENTS

The Delaware Division of Small Business recently announced it is deferring repayments for anyone who received assistance through the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program, up to $10,000 of zero-interest assistance available to qualified businesses since the earliest days of the pandemic.

Initially deferred until July 1, payments on outstanding H.E.L.P. loans will not be required until September 1 at the earliest.

LEARN MORE

STAY ON THE LOOKOUT

Delawareans across our state pulled together to protect the health of one another during the pandemic.

My hope is that this community effort can continue as we face challenges great and small over the coming months and years.

MYSTERIOUS SONGBIRD ILLNESS

Delaware is among at least six mid-Atlantic and central states where wildlife experts are investigating reports of sick and dying songbirds infected with an unknown disorder characterized by swollen and crusty eyes, erratic flight and stumbling.

Wildlife experts believe congregating birds may contribute to the spread. They recommend temporarily halting the use of bird feeders or bird baths. Be sure to also keep your pets away from sick or dead birds.

If you see a live wild bird exhibiting the symptoms described above, contact Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research by calling (302) 737-9543. If you find a dead wild bird you suspect of being infected, contact the DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife at (302) 735-3600.

Click here for more information.

RABID SKUNK FOUND NEAR NEWARK

Two people were potentially exposed to a skunk killed by their dog that later tested positive for rabies.

The Delaware Division of Public Health is warning anyone who lives or spends time in the area west of Route 273, near South Brownleaf Road, Sonant Drive and Stature Drive in Newark to be on the lookout. Anyone who thinks they might have been bitten, scratched or come into contact with a skunk in that area should call the DPH Rabies Program at (302) 744-4995.

Click here for more information.

DEADLY HEMLOCK FOUND IN SUSSEX COUNTY

Two deadly species of hemlock recently were found in wetlands areas of Sussex County.

Poison hemlock is an invasive biennial, while spotted water hemlock is a native. All parts of both plants — leaves, stems, flowers and roots — are poisonous to humans and animals. The sap also can cause skin irritation.

Do not attempt to eradicate the plants yourself.

Click here for more information.

LISTERIA FOUND IN RECALLED TYSON FOODS PRODUCTS

DPH has confirmed one case of Listeria associated with a multi-state outbreak linked to Tyson Foods ready-to-eat chicken products. Two other cases have been confirmed in Texas.

The frozen, fully cooked chicken products were produced between Dec. 26, 2020, and April 13, 2021. The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. P-7089,” and include chicken strips, diced chicken, chicken wing sections and fully cooked pizza with chicken.

Click here for more information.