June 26, 2009

Markell Announces DelDOT Has Met Critical ARRA Deadline

DOVER -- The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has met the June 29, 2009 deadline to obligate at least 50 percent of the $85.2 million in the Transportation Enhancement and Flex funding category provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). As of this deadline, 22 projects are either completed, advertised, awarded or under construction within the 120-day deadline.

For all categories of projects, DelDOT has obligated approximately $63 million, said DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks. DelDOT will spend $140.9 million on projects funded through the federal Recovery Act, including $19 million for transit-related projects.

DelDOT Recovery Projects Status

• Three projects completed.

• Six projects under construction.

• Five projects have had bids received.

• Eight projects are currently advertised.

• Major projects such as the I-95 Toll Plaza, Dover Transit Center and South Market Street are in various phases of pre-construction from archeology and environmental work to design.

Note: As of June 25, 2009; View all ARRA projects at deldot.gov.

To memorialize the milestone achievement, Governor Jack Markell X'd out the date of June 29, 2009 on an oversized calender during an event held at the Route 299 Park & Ride lot in Odessa. Joining Governor Markell were: Lt. Governor Matt Denn, DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks; U.S. Senator Tom Carper, U.S. Senator Ted Kaufman, Federal Highway Administration's (FHWA) Delaware-Maryland Division Administrator Hassan Raza; Harmony Construction Vice President Joe Cannon; Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) Secretary Alan Levin; John Gilbert, a resident pleased with the first completed ARRA project; and, other local and state officials.

Governor Jack Markell said, "The DelDOT projects funded by the Recovery Act will strengthen our state's infrastructure and create jobs to get Delawareans back to work. My administration is working hard every day to get our economy going again because creating jobs is the only way to address the economic challenges facing Delaware."

DelDOT has completed three projects, has six others under construction, awarded five contracts, and advertised eight others. Major projects such as the I-95 Toll Plaza, Dover Transit Center and South Market Street in Wilmington are in various phases of pre-construction from archeology and environmental work to design.

While the majority of the advertising and construction work will begin in the next two months, already the projects have created or sustained almost 200 jobs.

Lt. Governor Matt Denn said, "We are in a time of historic economic challenges, and while our recovery projects won't solve those issues, it helps. Transportation jobs do matter. These Recovery Act projects and all DelDOT capital projects will continue to create and sustain jobs."

DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks said, "DelDOT is making good on its promise to deliver projects funded by the Recovery Act. We have more work to do, but in the coming months the public will see much more construction activity."

Delaware's U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Ted Kaufman said Delaware is to be commended for making good on the promise of delivering jobs and needed transportation improvements. "This is the good news we hoped for when we voted for the Recovery Act. Millions of dollars in local projects, quickly underway, and - most importantly - people back to work. We applaud Governor Markell and Secretary Wicks for taking fast advantage of the funding we were proud to help provide. This is the cooperation our state and nation need to get back on track."

Hassan Raza, FHWA's Delaware-Maryland Division Administrator, said, "The Federal Highway Administration and DelDOT have demonstrated a strong commitment to working together to meet the many guidelines and requirements required by the Recovery Act. We have been able to rise above many obstacles to reach this target date and I am proud to work with such a dedicated group of professionals. I have full confidence that DelDOT under the leadership of Secretary Wicks will meet these challenges in a timely manner and satisfy our national and State goals as shared by the Governor and our Congressional delegation."