Ready in Six is on the Horizon

BY REPRESENTATIVE WILLIAM G. BUSH IV

WHEN A COMPANY MAKES THE CHOICE to move to Delaware or grow its footprint in our state, our whole economic ecosystem stands to benefit. One business’ decision can create a wealth of new job opportunities, help revitalize a town or community, create new markets for goods and services, and add stability to our tax base.

But our state has a major liability that is causing some site selectors, investors, and small businesses to think twice before making the decision to move or expand here. In some cases, it could take up to two years to complete the permitting processes required for a medium- or large-scale project and finally get a shovel in the ground. This inefficiency is costing us. It is estimated that even a six-month delay in the permitting process for certain projects can result in the loss of millions of dollars in potential wages for hardworking Delawareans. Site selectors have told me, my fellow state legislators, and Governor John Carney’s administration in no uncertain terms that our permitting process must be cut down if Delaware wants to remain competitive.

As a small business owner, a member of the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, and chair of the House Economic Development Committee, I understand the value of a strong private-public partnership and our state’s role in supporting a healthy business environment. During my first meeting with Governor Carney after being elected, I stated one of my priorities was to expedite the permitting process and improve economic development. I have been engaging with stakeholders and working on legislative measures since that time.

One major opportunity for reform we’ve identified is within our Preliminary Land Use Service (PLUS) process, which reviews all major land use projects before they are sent to local governments. The PLUS process has plenty of benefits when it comes to smart planning and coordination among government agencies, but sometimes it can hold up big projects coming to the state. I’m working on legislation that would expedite that process, while retaining the core value of PLUS.

I’m also working with DelDOT to expedite the issuance of temporary entrance permits for economic development projects. These entrance permits allow a developer to start work on their site faster and complete their project in less time. We need to let developers start moving dirt, at their risk, while waiting for unattached approvals.

The creation of an economic development liaison within state government to ensure development projects are not being delayed and are proceeding forward in an efficient and expedited manner is essential to improving our timelines for projects. This person will help strengthen interagency communication, streamline the permitting process, and assist in eliminating delays. Part of the liaison’s role should be to develop an online tracking system for projects.

Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) improve the development process. They provide predictability and certainty for site selectors and businesses. We need to look no further than the success of Middletown and its use of a TID. With the size of our state, we should be able to create a statewide district. Assistance in creating TID’s is part of the improvements we are setting forth.

Finally, there are reviews and processes within state government that can be streamlined. Multiple reviews and approvals of a singular element is not needed and delays the permitting process. We have tried to identify inefficiencies and eliminate them in legislation that will be proposed.

After years of talks, collaboration, and forging new partnerships, the pieces are finally coming into place. Taken together, these measures will allow us to move closer to our shared priorities and goal of continuous improvement. The release of legislation and implementation of new administrative policies is on the horizon for this legislative session.

As our economy continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic, Delawareans are looking to the future, and we need to ensure that future includes good-paying jobs, vibrant towns and cities, and a strong pattern of economic growth. Governor Carney has made many internal changes within State agencies to expedite the process. However, it is time to take it to the next level so we can attract more businesses that provide great jobs and help us have an even stronger and more robust economy.

Reducing our permitting process timeline significantly isn’t going to happen overnight, but I’m encouraged by the direction we’re heading and I’m looking forward to continuing this important work.

Representative William G. Bush IV represents the 29th House District.