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Top-Quality Investments Are Key to Our Future
BY MICHAEL J. QUARANTA
The economic damage brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic has been well documented. In response, the federal government has done several things, among them is economic assistance to states and municipalities around the country to stimulate the economy and support businesses. The State of Delaware has received unprecedented stimulus aid that if invested wisely, could have meaningful economic impacts for years. It is important to note that, not surprisingly, the federal aid came with parameters that largely dictate the options of permitted expenditures. Other federal funding could be headed
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our way, so the State Chamber believes it is important to identify investment ideas that could benefit the state for the long term. With that in mind, we asked our Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to meet and discuss ideas we could forward on to Governor Carney as his team deliberates over how best to spend these taxpayer dollars. The Committee met several times and discussed ideas amongst themselves and guests, including the economic development directors from the three counties and City of Wilmington, a representative of the Governor’s office, and Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki.
Among the ideas proposed by the Committee include (not a complete list):
Making Delaware Route 1 an Interstate Highway Many prospective new businesses from out of state inquire about sites in proximity to interstate highways, so changing Route 1 from a state to federal highway could help with development along that corridor.
Building a Bypass Road in Sussex County The beach area is interested in a bypass road that could divert throughtraffic from congesting downtown areas of the region.
Novem b e r / Dec em b e r 2021 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
