Friends and neighbors,
As my colleagues and I prepare to go back into the legislative session in a few weeks, I want to share a few community updates with you.
In this email, you’ll find information on legislation I sponsored, community projects, 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 Crisis Care Task Force
Delaware faces a real behavioral health crisis –particularly among our young people, which began long before the pandemic.
For far too long, our state was not equipped to address this crisis in a meaningful and comprehensive way, which lead to serious consequences for our health care system, criminal justice system, and our economy. It is crucial that we take this opportunity to provide better services and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.
That’s why Rep. Val 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.
Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 1. Read more about our work and how you can attend the next meeting here: https://bit.ly/3dvN5C8
DelDOT Update
Boyds Corner Road Railroad Crossing Safety Improvements
Project Description: This project involves the reconstruction of the existing highway at-grade railroad crossing to improve the surface and improve rideability. The project will replace the existing railroad crossing surface, install drainage improvements and updated roadway striping, perform sidewalk modifications, and install new railroad warning signals.
The current schedule will close Boyds Corner Road at the Delmarva Central Railroad crossing beginning at 5 a.m. on Saturday, March 10, weather pending. The roadway is scheduled to be re-opened by 10 p.m. Thursday, March 24.
Detour signs will be posted in the area. The westbound detour will direct traffic onto Cedar Lane Road to Marl Pit Road to Summit Bridge Road back to Boyds Corner Road. The eastbound detour will direct traffic onto Summit Bridge Road to Marl Pit Road to Cedar Lane Road back to Boyds Corner Road.
Del. 72 Improvements
Project Description: This project will reconstruct deteriorating pavement, widen Del. 72 to increase traffic capacity and operations, add pedestrian, bicycle and transit facilities, and improve safety. The posted speed limit will be reduced from 50 mph to 45 mph, the travel lane widths will reduce from 12 feet to 11 feet, and curbing is proposed on both sides of Del. 72 to promote traffic calming.
Project Timeline: Improvements will begin in March and are expected to be completed by Summer 2024.
Historic New Castle Restaurant Weekend
Head to Historic New Castle for the inaugural Historic New Castle Restaurant Weekend! Each of the participating restaurants will offer a three-course dinner each day from 5-10 p.m. Click here for more information.
Investing in Our Nonprofits
Community Reinvestment Fund
Our community of nonprofits are invaluable partners in the state’s continuous efforts to provide critical services to our fellow Delawareans. As co-chair of the bipartisan Joint Capital Improvement Committee, I have been working hard to make sure Delaware is supporting them, just as they have supported Delaware.
That’s why my fellow co-chair Rep. Debra Heffernan and I launched a formal application process for nonprofits, community organizations and other groups to seek state grants for projects that will help improve the economic, cultural, historical and recreational health of Delawareans.
Click here to read more about the Delaware General Assembly’s Community Reinvestment Fund grant program: https://bit.ly/3BtY4Hu