Tag: Transportation and Infrastructure

Delaware Railroad’s Key Role in Economic Opportunity

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What are the Effects of the Railroad on Travel in Delaware?

Since its first tracks were laid in the 1850s, the Delaware railroad has played a key role in accelerating economic opportunity in Delaware and increasing connectivity in the state and the Mid-Atlantic region. Delaware has extensive freight rail service throughout the Delmarva Peninsula, providing key linkages with not only the entire Northeast corridor, but also worldwide through Port Wilmington. Additionally, both high-speed and local passenger rail continue to serve northern Delaware, meaning residents can be in Philadelphia in a half hour and New York City or Washington, D.C. in just over an hour and a half. 

Gunpowder & Peaches 

Delaware’s reputation as an industrial hub and a major agricultural producer is very closely tied to the development of the railroad in the state. In northern Delaware, Wilmington’s location on the main rail line between New York and Washington, D.C. ushered in an era of industry and manufacturing in the 19th century with tanneries, carriage factories, textile mills, snuff mills, gunpowder mills, and more dotting the landscape. The legacy of these industry pioneers continues today, including at Eleutherian Mills, a gunpowder mill which grew into the DuPont company and is now part of the historic Hagley Museum and Library. 

In central and southern Delaware, expanded rail linkage propelled the agricultural industry and economic prosperity in the state. By 1875, Delaware was recognized as the first state from which peaches were a commercial crop, with over five million baskets of peaches transported annually. As agricultural output increased, towns began to pop up along the rail lines including many named after railroad executives and political supporters such as Felton, Harrington, and Clayton, DE. The railroad continues to transport agricultural products as well as construction materials from the Delmarva Peninsula, servicing major agricultural companies including Hanover Foods, Perdue Farms, and Mountaire Farms. 

While the Delaware railroad changed hands multiple times during the 20th century, since 2016 Delmarva Central Railroad (DCR) has been the primary short-line operator in central and southern Delaware. In northern Delaware, DCR connects to tracks operated by Norfolk Southern, linking the entire state via rail to the Northeast Corridor, one of the largest markets in the United States. Additionally, the railroad services Port Wilmington, a full-service deepwater port in a Foreign Trade Zone. 

The Delaware Railroad Connects Talent & Industry 

While freight rail has certainly shaped the landscape of economic development in Delaware, the existence of multiple passenger rail options has also positively impacted transportation accessibility and Delaware’s connectivity with the region. In northern Delaware, Amtrak stations in Newark and Wilmington connect to the entire coast as well as inland, with high-speed rail to Miami, New York, Boston, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Chicago, and more without the need to change trains. With an average of 65 Amtrak trains daily in 2022, Delaware remains highly connected and accessible to the surrounding region. 

Locally, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) also provides service to four transit stops in Delaware with an average of 18 trains daily during the work week in 2023. The Wilmington-Newark line ties Newark, Churchmans Crossing, Wilmington, and Claymont directly to Philadelphia as a low-cost commuter option quicker than driving, signifying the shared labor pool in the region and cross-border commuter patterns.  

Passenger rail service was terminated in central and southern Delaware by the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1957. However, efforts to revive the downstate passenger rail connections continue especially as the population continues to grow in these areas. In 2023, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announced plans to study the impacts of two no-build routes through the Delmarva Peninsula, ending in either Salisbury, MD or Berlin, MD. Results of the impact study are expected in 2025 at the latest. 

The railroad has been a cornerstone of Delaware’s development, weaving together the state’s industrial prowess and agricultural prosperity with its modern economic landscape. Rail infrastructure has not only enhanced Delaware’s connectivity within the Mid-Atlantic region but has also established critical links to national and international markets. This network has supported significant industrial and agricultural activities as well as connected a diverse and expansive labor pool. Going forward, the railroad will continue to be a vital artery for commerce, connectivity, and community development

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Port Expansion on Local and Regional Delaware Economy

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Port Capacity Boosts Delaware’s Economy through Trade, Job Creation and Opportunities

With its strategic location along the eastern seaboard and proximity to major urban centers, Port Wilmington has always played a strategic role in Delaware’s economy, development and international trade for the state. As North America’s largest banana port and a major gateway for imports of fresh fruit and produce, Port Wilmington has one of the largest refrigerated warehouse terminals in the United States. Additionally, port operator Enstructure recently announced a $635 million investment in a new container terminal just north of Port Wilmington, considerably expanding Delaware’s port capacity, promoting trade, job creation, business opportunities to expand Delaware’s Economy.

Boosting Delaware’s Commerce and Trade

The development of the new Port Delaware Container Terminal greatly increases Delaware’s strategic advantage over neighboring states due to its proposed location on the Delaware River and its enhanced capabilities. Port Wilmington is already the first major port on the Delaware River, only 63 miles or 5 hours from the Atlantic Ocean. With highway connection to I-495, I-95, I-295, NJ Turnpike and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and direct access to Norfolk Southern rail lines, importers and exporters in Delaware can reach one third of the country’s population within a day’s drive. Plus, both the existing and new facility at Port Wilmington benefit from tax advantages provided to importers and exporters in Foreign Trade Zones.

With over 20 million cubic feet of cold storage on-site, Port Wilmington already offers a substantial edge for businesses handling food and other temperature sensitive products. Aligning with global trade trends favoring larger vessels and consolidated shipments, the new container terminal is designed to handle larger New Panamax ships up to 45-ft in depth. By accommodating these larger ships, Delaware can attract more trade and remain competitive in international shipping. Enhanced port facilities will also streamline logistics and reduce transit times, making Delaware an even more attractive destination for importers and exporters. This increased trade activity will not only boost Delaware’s economy but also contribute to the economic vitality of the entire Mid-Atlantic region.

Job Creation and Business Opportunities for Delaware’s Economy

One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of the port expansion is job creation for Delaware’s economy. The construction phase alone is expected to generate approximately 4,000 jobs, contributing about $42 million in state and local tax revenues. Once operational, the new port is projected to create 6,000 jobs, with about half directly at the port and the rest in support roles such as trucking and warehousing. These jobs are expected to generate around $40 million in annual tax revenues​​ and carry salaries upwards of $100,000 a year.

The expanded port facilities also present numerous opportunities for businesses, both local and international. Improved logistics capabilities make it easier for companies to import raw materials and export finished goods, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. By enhancing trade capabilities, Delaware can attract a more diverse array of businesses, leading to a more resilient and dynamic economy. Additionally, the port expansion supports the growth of Delaware’s logistics and distribution industry, potentially spurring growth and establishing Delaware as a leader in this industry.

The expansion of Delaware’s ports represents a transformative development with far- reaching economic implications. By boosting trade, creating jobs, and enhancing business opportunities, the port expansion with significantly contribute to the local, regional, and global economies. As Delaware strengthens its position as a key player in international trade, residents, businesses, and the entire Mid-Atlantic region stand to benefit from the resulting economic growth and prosperity.

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DPP Signs MOU with UK’s Port of Blyth

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DPP Signs Memorandum of Understanding with UK Port to Further Innovation, Market Growth

Port of Blyth CEO Martin Lawlor, left, and Delaware Prosperity Partnership Global Advisor David Smallman sign the five-year memorandum of understanding at the Port of Blyth offices in Northumberland, England.

Partnership aims to support economic development and growth of energy transition opportunities in both regions

November 4, 2024

Delaware Prosperity Partnership (DPP), the lead statewide economic development organization for Delaware, and the Port of Blyth (PoB), a leading offshore energy base in the North East of England, have signed a cooperative agreement to leverage the strengths of both organizations to foster innovation, facilitate market expansion and enhance workforce capabilities in both Delaware and Blyth.

The five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlines areas of action for a partnership that will enhance the visibility of both DPP and the Port of Blyth while also supporting economic growth for Delaware and the North East of England. The agreement, which was signed in Northumberland, England, aims to drive mutual benefits through potential economic development, knowledge sharing, promotion and consulting services.

Created in 2017, Delaware Prosperity Partnership is the nonprofit public/private organization that leads Delaware’s statewide economic development efforts to attract, grow and retain businesses; build a stronger entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem; and support private employers in identifying, recruiting and developing talent.

Located on the East Coast of the UK, the Port of Blyth is a leading offshore energy support base, an important hub for the movement of a range of project, containerized, dry bulk and break-bulk cargoes as well as a key location for offshore decommissioning. The Port is a single day’s drive from all mainland UK destinations and is used as a strategic hub by shippers serving Northern England and Scotland.

“The Port of Blyth is one of the leading ports in the world that really know how to handle companies in the energy transition space, and DPP is eager to tap into its expertise,” said Kurt Foreman, President and CEO of DPP, who attended the signing virtually. “Formalizing our cross-Atlantic relationship will allow DPP to leverage the port’s considerable capabilities and experience and enhance our ability to assist companies from Delaware and abroad, build further connections and, where possible, aid in creating more jobs and more revenue both here and overseas.”

Representing DPP at the signing on-site was DPP Global Advisor David Smallman, who worked with DPP Director of Innovation Noah Olson – who also attended virtually – to craft the agreement. Representing the Port of Blyth was PoB CEO Martin Lawlor.

“We look forward to working together with DPP to share best practices and explore new markets,” said Lawlor. “The signing of the MOU reflects a strong commitment to building a collaborative framework that prioritizes mutual benefits, innovation, and sustainable growth for both the Port of Blyth and DPP.”

North East England includes Northumberland, County Durham and Tyne and Wear. The Port of Blyth has a strategic central location on the east coast of the UK and is well placed for offshore wind-related opportunities in the North Sea and beyond.

DPP has a longstanding relationship with the region and the organizations that support its business community. DPP previously had signed an MOU with the former North East Local Enterprise Partnership in Newcastle Upon Tyne.

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Delaware’s Central Location Drives Market Expansion and Business Growth

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I-95 Corridor & Delaware’s Connectivity to Infrastructure 

Delaware’s central location in the Mid-Atlantic along the I-95 corridor provides unparalleled connectivity, making it an ideal location for businesses looking to relocate or expand. Not only does the state offer proximity to major airports, international ports, and one of the busiest Amtrak hubs, but Delaware’s direct access to I-95 itself provides businesses in the state with a huge competitive advantage in terms of reaching customers and attracting workers. For growth or expansion, Delaware is where the world chooses to do business. 

Easy Access to Multiple Large Markets

The I-95 corridor stretches from Washington, D.C. to Boston, encompassing the counties and metropolitan areas developed around this premier north-south roadway. New Castle County, part of the Philadelphia metro area, sits along I-95 at the midpoint of the corridor—less than 150 miles from New York City and Washington, D.C., and under 100 miles from Baltimore. With over 100 million people within an overnight drive (500 miles) of Delaware, businesses can accelerate their speed to market and experience fewer supply chain difficulties with Delaware’s central location (Stats America).  

In Delaware, the connection to I-95 not only supports businesses servicing customers in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions but also facilitates access to broader domestic markets and international customers. The shipping terminal, warehousing, and cold storage at Port Wilmington, a full-service deepwater port on the Delaware River, are accessible directly from an I-95 bypass route. The port also features a rail terminal serviced by CSX and Norfolk Southern. As a longshoreman might joke, there’s only one stoplight between Port Wilmington and the rest of the country. For businesses looking to expand their market reach or relocate to a more cost-efficient site, Delaware is a prime location to consider.

Premier Region for Talent Attraction

At the center of the I-95 corridor, Delaware presents a compelling case for attracting and retaining talent. The population of the region from Boston to D.C. is about 50 million, indicative of the large labor pool from which companies located in Delaware can build a skilled workforce. Additionally, the region boasts a higher percentage of its adult population over 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher compared to the nation. 

While some workers commute from nearby Pennsylvania, Maryland, and New Jersey, Delaware offers workers one of the lowest costs of living among cities and counties in the Northeast, providing ample motivation for workers to move to the state. Additionally, access to I-95 directly connects and draws skilled workers from Philadelphia and its densely-populated suburbs, as well as Baltimore and its surrounding counties in northern Maryland. Other key roadways, such as I-295 and US 202, connect Delaware with the talented workforce of southern New Jersey and the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania, respectively.

Delaware’s strategic location along the I-95 corridor, combined with its robust infrastructure and access to a highly educated workforce, makes it an exceptional choice for businesses aiming to optimize their operations and expand their market reach. Companies seeking a logistical advantage and a thriving talent pool should look no further than Delaware, the gateway to opportunity in the United States. 

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State Joins in on $635M Port Delaware

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State Teams with Enstructure in Public-Private Enterprise to Build New Delaware Port Terminal

Expanded facility estimated to create 6,000 Delaware jobs

May 10, 2024

WILMINGTON, Del. – The State of Delaware will join the private operator of the Port of Wilmington, Enstructure, to build a new port terminal at a site in Edgemoor, Delaware. The Edgemoor industrial site was purchased in 2017 by the taxpayer-owned Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC) which subsequently secured the necessary permits to construct a new port terminal.

This historic $635 million infrastructure project will be largest shipping terminal in Delaware since the current Port of Wilmington opened in 1923. The new state-of-the-art “green port” will ensure the long-term success of Delaware’s maritime industry, vastly improving the State’s competitiveness by quadrupling the port’s capacity for container cargo and enabling new and larger ships to be serviced. Construction of the Edgemoor port will take about three years.

The new Edgemoor terminal is estimated to create nearly 6,000 new jobs, including more than 3,100 direct jobs. Total state and local taxes generated from Edgemoor are estimated at $39.4 million annually. In addition, building the new facility will create more than 3,900 construction jobs and generate $42.3 million in tax revenues.

Once completed and fully operational, “Port Delaware,” including both the existing and new terminals, will generate a total of about 11,480 jobs and $76.2 million in tax revenues for the state, making it one of Delaware’s largest employment centers.

The existing Port of Wilmington is a significant source of high-paying jobs to support Delaware families. Many of its longshoremen earn annual incomes of more than $100,000, with a recent national report estimating the average annual salary of a maritime worker at $98,000.

Construction of the new port facility will be conducted in three phases, with the first to be completed over an estimated 32-month period. Much of the early work in the first phase will be focused on waterside construction – building a seawall, high deck and associated dredging. Landside construction of the actual terminal will come later with proactive public participation and community engagement. Phases two and three of the project will be built by Enstructure when business justifies the additional capacity.

The State will take on responsibility for approximately 31 percent of the cost of building the facility, or $195 million. Enstructure will pay most of the construction and equipment costs, beginning with $170 million to support Phase 1 of the project and an additional $165 million to complete phases 2 and 3, which equals 53 percent of the entire project. Remaining costs will come from federal sources and the DSPC. State funds will come from excess abandoned property revenues made available in previous state bond bills for specific one-time uses, including maritime terminal development.

A detailed explanation of the project, its benefits and the economic impact can be viewed here.

State leaders and Enstructure joined in their support of the new port:

“For decades, jobs at the Port of Wilmington have been a gateway into the middle class for thousands of workers and their families— the kind of jobs our state and country were built on,” said Governor John Carney. “This investment to expand the Port will position Delaware to compete for container cargo and larger ships. It will bring new, good-paying union jobs to Wilmington. I am pleased to see strong bipartisan support for this important and necessary next step in making the planned Edgemoor expansion a reality.”

House Speaker Valerie Longhurst said, “Investing in this new port is investing in Delaware’s future. One of the most important jobs we have as legislators is growing Delaware’s economy and keeping it strong. We need to build this new port to keep our maritime economy competitive in the years ahead. The benefits of this new port will be felt for generations by thousands of Delaware families who will be able to buy a house, send kids to college and improve their quality of life.”

“This announcement is a major step forward in our efforts to make the City of Wilmington a major engine of Delaware’s economy and a source of strong union jobs once again,” Joint Capital Improvement (Bond) Committee co-chair Senator Jack Walsh said on behalf of the Senate Democratic Caucus. “I want to thank Governor John Carney for his unwavering commitment to expand the Port of Wilmington. This investment in our future fulfills that promise and will help thousands of Delaware workers support their families with good-paying union jobs. My colleagues and I on the Bond Committee are committed to working with Enstructure and our next governor to see this project through to completion for future generations of Delaware workers.”

Senate Republican Leader Gerald Hocker added, “Investing in modern public infrastructure is a great way to ensure a strong economy for the future. The existing port has created jobs and small business opportunities for over 100 years. This new port will be a critical piece of strengthening Delaware’s economy for the next hundred years.”

“Our Port generates thousands of great paying jobs statewide from Delaware River & Bay Pilots in Sussex to longshoremen in Wilmington,” said House Republican Leader Mike Ramone. “Investing in Delaware’s infrastructure is a top priority. This state-of-the-art ‘green port’ terminal will not only result in the productive re-use of a highly visible but vacant industrial site, it also assures future Delawareans have access to maritime careers of the future.”

“I am excited for the opportunities this new port site will bring to Delaware. Thousands of Delawareans including many of my constituents will benefit from this construction whether directly through jobs or indirectly from the increased economic activity in their communities,” stated Bond Bill Chair Representative Deb Heffernan. “As I have said since this project was first theorized, a project of this size and scale only works with constant and consistent communication with the community. DSPC and Enstructure have made guarantees to hold community meetings, establish a community advisory board made up of local community members, and develop and continually update a website with information on the construction process. I will be watching to ensure these promises are kept and our community is kept up to date on this project that has the potential to benefit us all.”

“We are excited to partner with the State of Delaware, the Diamond State Port Corporation, the Delaware Building Trades and the International Longshoremen’s Association to significantly expand Delaware’s port infrastructure,” said Enstructure Co-CEOs Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny. “The Port Delaware Container Terminal will broaden Enstructure’s terminal network and logistics services, while enhancing our ability to serve our customers.”

This article was originally posted on the State of Delaware website at https://news.delaware.gov/2024/05/08/delaware-to-join-public-private-partnership-to-build-new-port/.

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Sustainable Infrastructure

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Delaware’s Strategies for Sustainable Infrastructure

The growing risk of rising sea levels and more unpredictable weather underscore the critical need for sustainable multi-modal transportation and resilient infrastructure in coastal communities across the United States. Leveraging over $1 billion in federal funds accompanied by state legislation, Delaware is making significant advancements in fostering innovative initiatives to reduce emissions and promote environmentally-friendly infrastructure solutions.

The 2023 Climate Action Implementation Report

As directed by the Delaware Climate Change Solutions Act of 2023, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) assembled the first Climate Action Plan Implementation Report in 2023. This report details a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and maximizing resilience to the impacts of climate change. Significant programs include $44 million dedicated to new bike and pedestrian infrastructure to encourage green transportation and $27 million towards reducing on-road transportation emissions. These investments showcase Delaware’s proactive approach to supporting sustainable transportation infrastructure and will help the state reach its goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030.

Electric Vehicles and Alternative Energy

Delaware is also taking strides to encourage green transportation options. The Clean Transportation Incentive Program, complemented by federal tax incentives, offers a cash rebate to Delaware families for the purchase or lease of new electric vehicles (EVs) and for the installation of Level 2 EV charging stations. With 8,000 EVs registered and 281 public charging ports as of October 2023, EV adoption in Delaware continues to grow. Additionally, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has plans to further this progress with an almost $18 million investment in a network of fast charging stations along major highways like I-95 and Route 1. The state is also on track to convert 20% of its vehicle fleet to electric by 2025, setting a positive example for residents to follow.

Additionally, though still in the preliminary stage, the federally-recognized Mid-Atlantic Hydrogen Hub (MACH2) partnership between Delaware, southeastern Pennsylvania, and southern New Jersey aims to generate clean hydrogen to supply various industries. A key transportation-related component of the proposal is the use of hydrogen-powered vehicles by DART, Delaware’s multi-modal transit system, as well as potential hydrogen refueling stations for long-haul trucks that operate on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Another key alternative energy proposal is a biogas project spearheaded by Bioenergy Devco in Sussex County which received necessary land permits in late 2023 to transform organic waste from the poultry industry into renewable natural gas, or biogas. This biogas will supply Sussex County customers through local utility provider Chesapeake Utilities, supporting the reuse of materials previously discarded.

Resilient Infrastructure

To prepare for the impacts of climate change and invest in resilient infrastructure, DelDOT developed a Resilience Improvement Plan that focuses on segments of the transportation network most susceptible to flooding. This plan provides a roadmap for thoughtful investment in an equitable transportation system, considering both the design and maintenance of roadways to mitigate the impact of adverse climate events as well as evaluating the impact of sea level rise and natural hazards. DelDOT is currently completing an improvement plan along State Route 1 south of Dewey Beach to the Maryland border and will develop a similar roadmap on State Route 9 between New Castle and Kent County.

Delaware is also making critical investments in electric infrastructure. The Grid Resiliency Grants program allocates funding to utility companies for improvements to the electric grid as the transition to electric home heating and EVs increases the strain on the current network. This strategic investment provides $3 million to ensure grid stability and reduce the likelihood of service disruptions. Additional goals of the program include investing in efficient and clean energy infrastructure, supporting work-based learning opportunities, and engaging communities historically underserved by existing energy infrastructure.

Looking Toward the Future

Through strategic investments in electric vehicles, green transportation systems, and resilient infrastructure, Delaware is moving toward its goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable future. While change does not happen overnight, Delaware has an actionable plan to mitigate climate risks while supporting economic development.

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UD Hosts SABRE Center Groundbreaking

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Focused on the Future

University of Delaware leadership, members of the UD Board of Trustees and elected officials break ground for the SABRE Center on UD’s STAR Campus.

UD marks milestone with SABRE Center groundbreaking

Article by Karen B. Roberts
Photos by Evan Krape

April 26, 2024

University of Delaware leaders, Delaware’s Congressional delegation and members of the life sciences industry gathered Monday, April 22, to mark the next chapter in the development of the Securing American Biomanufacturing Research and Education (SABRE) Center.

Despite the chilly breeze, there were smiles all around at the event, held on the University’s Science, Technology and Advanced Research (STAR) Campus.

The groundbreaking kicks off the construction phase of the SABRE Center, a pilot scale biopharmaceutical manufacturing facility that will sit adjacent to the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), which is housed in UD’s Ammon Pinizzotto Biopharmaceutical Innovation Center. The SABRE Center will complement the biopharmaceutical research and development activities of NIIMBL and the larger biopharmaceutical industry in Delaware and the broader region.

The project is supported with federal and state funding and directly aligns with the State of Delaware’s priority of economic growth in the biopharmaceutical industry, and the larger life sciences sector. Together, SABRE and NIIMBL will provide Delaware with a unique position in the region of having resources to support research and development, pilot scale production and workforce training.

While still in the design phase, the SABRE Center is envisioned as a place to scale up and mature manufacturing innovations and technologies that are essential to ensuring broad access to novel biopharmaceutical medicines. It also is viewed as a place to design, develop and disseminate best practices and workforce training programs for people who want to develop the skills necessary to work in a biomanufacturing environment.

“I personally believe that the SABRE Center is going to mark an inflection point in our national competitiveness in this advanced manufacturing industry and to our resilience in the face of future public health threats,” said Kelvin Lee, UD interim vice president for research, scholarship and innovation and NIIMBL director, in opening remarks. “I also believe that the SABRE Center marks our local region’s journey moving from having a strong biotech community to ultimately being recognized as a home to a vibrant industrial ecosystem.”

UD President Dennis Assanis thanked the Congressional delegation and other dignitaries in the audience for their contributions to UD and the instrumental role they have played in fostering the biopharmaceutical ecosystem in Delaware. Groundbreaking ceremonies, he added, signal hope and the promise of new endeavors and exciting achievements to come, from the development and manufacturing of new products that can save lives and advance wellness to the creation of new manufacturing jobs that don’t yet exist.

“Through the SABRE Center, NIIMBL and many other public and private entities in the life science industry, Delaware is well on its way to becoming a unique and vibrant hub for biopharma research and manufacturing … a place where brilliant ideas become realities,” Assanis said.

UD President Dennis Assanis, joined by Delaware’s Congressional delegation, addresses UD leaders, members of the life sciences industry and other guests.

20 years in the making

Delaware’s strategic investment into the life sciences sector began about two decades ago, with the recruitment of private-sector investment to the state and higher education institutions with the goal of establishing a biotech community. One early outcome of that strategy was the formation of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute.

U.S. Sen. Tom Carper reflected on the bold and promising new direction that is developing on the STAR Campus to provide access to medicines and biopharmaceuticals that can help people lead healthier lives.

“Today’s groundbreaking builds upon all the years of work that have gone into transforming the once-shuttered Chrysler plant into the research and development hub it is today,” Carper said. “This facility will be a training center for our future biopharmaceutical workforce, as well as a testing center for biopharma companies to test their products in an FDA-regulated environment — giving us a competitive advantage to attract companies and researchers to the First State. I’m so proud of the different ways Delaware is continuing to be a force in R&D. Here, we have a vibrant research community at the University of Delaware, especially in the life sciences, thanks in large part to the Delaware Biotechnology Institute. This has served as a great model for collaboration among education, and the private and public sector.”

In 2017, UD launched NIIMBL, a national-scale public-private partnership focused on biopharmaceutical manufacturing and innovation to advance new technologies, to secure domestic supply chains and to train the biomanufacturing workforce.

A passionate advocate for economic growth, social justice and innovation, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons remarked on the more than 200 companies that are part of NIIMBL and the over $230 million in federal investment that already has been devoted to creating a biopharmaceutical ecosystem and the additional $350 million in private sector co-investment.

“But the potential is far greater. We’re about to do a groundbreaking for what is the next phase of this project. It’s not a manufacturing facility, but a test bed, a place where the new techniques of manufacturing are going to be tried out, proven out and demonstrated,” Coons said. “Spinning out from that will be a remarkable next generation of opportunities for Delawareans to work in biotech and manufacturing, for companies to be launched here and regionally and for [Delaware] to continue to be not just regional or national but global leaders in innovation.”

Kelvin Lee, UD interim vice president for Research, Scholarship and Innovation and director of NIIMBL, said the SABRE Center will mark “an inflection point” in national competitiveness in the advanced manufacturing industry.

Turning vision into reality

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, a leading voice on issues related to the economy and the future of work, pointed to the SABRE Center’s planned 70,000 square feet of research space and modern technology that will one day train Delaware workers in manufacturing biopharmaceuticals.

“This is about turning vision into reality for our health, our economy and our future,” Blunt Rochester said. “It’s about safety and effectiveness. It is about the jobs of today and [the jobs] of the future. It’s about strengthening our supply chains.”

The need to create more domestic capacity for manufacturing is a reality that came into sharp focus during the coronavirus pandemic. Bringing lifesaving technologies and products to market is challenging. It requires infrastructure, investment and intentionality. Collaboration is key. These activities can be bolstered by marrying academia with the private and public sectors, Blunt Rochester said.

Designed as a current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) environment, the SABRE Center will serve as both a testbed for new technologies and a hands-on training facility on STAR Campus, helping to bring lifesaving or life-enhancing medicines and vaccines to scale and ultimately into the market. In this way, the SABRE Center will support the innovation and R&D happening at NIIMBL, while filling the gap between developing new technology in a lab setting and commercializing it in a full-scale manufacturing facility.

“SABRE exemplifies the power of state and federal investments that support jobs and nurture innovation. This project, located right in a bioscience ecosystem, supports the First State’s student pipeline and ever-growing biopharmaceutical workforce,” added Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long, the state of Delaware’s representative on NIIMBL and a professor of nursing at UD. “I’m competitive, so I want Delaware to excel regionally, be a destination and provide the best quality of life for our residents. SABRE is a solution to sustain and create jobs for the state as well as respond to industry and global challenges. As a research scientist and STEM champion, this is a big deal.”

Additionally, the UD STAR Campus’ location along the I-95 corridor and proximity to other biopharmaceutical activity nearby from New York to Greater Washington, D.C., is a tremendous opportunity for Delaware to add capacity in a key location along the East Coast.

Delaware Gov. John Carney, who was unable to attend the groundbreaking, is a long-standing champion of UD research and helped to secure funding support for the SABRE Center and NIIMBL, among other projects. In a statement, Carney illustrated the value of supporting such programs and the partnerships and collaboration necessary to bring them to fruition.

“Our partnerships with institutions of higher education have never been more important,” Carney said. “We need to support programs that build the future workforce and encourage businesses to land and grow in the First State. SABRE will complement the nationally recognized work in biosciences happening at NIIMBL and the University of Delaware. I look forward to SABRE’s contribution in Delaware’s science and technology sector.”

This article was originally posted on the University of Delaware website at: https://www.udel.edu/udaily/2024/april/biopharmaceutical-manufacturing-research-education-center-sabre-niimbl/.

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What the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is Delivering for Delaware

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US Infrastructure Bill will revitalize Delaware’s transportation systems

The November 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, spearheaded by President Biden and Vice President Harris, promises to revitalize Delaware’s transportation systems. With a focus on climate change mitigation, safety, equity, and resilience, this historic legislation is set to usher in a new era of progress for Delaware’s public transportation.

Repairing and Rebuilding Roads and Bridges will revitalize Delaware’s surface transportation systems

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law addresses the dire state of Delaware’s roads and bridges. With 19 bridges and over 253 miles of highways needing repair, this legislation is the largest dedicated bridge investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. Delaware stands to receive approximately $1.4 billion over five years for highway and bridge repairs, representing a significant increase in federal funding. In addition, Delaware can also expect to receive approximately $27 million over five years in formula funding to reduce transportation-related emissions.

Enhancing Safety

Safety is a crucial aspect of the transportation infrastructure. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law invests billions directly into improving roadway safety, which also installs programs to help improve driver behavior, and reduce deaths and injuries from motor vehicle-related crashes. Local governments can also access funding through the Safe Streets for All program to reduce crashes and fatalities, with a particular focus on protecting cyclists and pedestrians.

Improving Public Transportation will revitalize Delaware’s public transportation systems

By increasing accessibility and efficiency, Delaware aims to promote sustainable transportation while improving equity in communities where non-White households are more likely to depend on public transit. The state is expected to receive approximately $186 million over five years to enhance public transportation options and address the outdated transit vehicles and help reduce commuting times for residents.

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law emphasizes the need to transition to electric vehicles (EVs) to combat the climate crisis. To support this shift, Delaware will receive around $18 million over five years to expand its EV charging network. This funding is part of a $7.5 billion national investment to build the first-ever EV charger network across the United States. By encouraging the adoption of EVs, Delaware will reduce carbon emissions and support domestic manufacturing jobs.

Modernizing Rail and Air Travel

The law includes significant investments in passenger and freight rail, benefiting Delaware’s transportation system. The provision of $102 billion aims to eliminate the Amtrak maintenance backlog and modernize the Northeast Corridor while extending rail service to areas beyond the northeast and mid-Atlantic. In addition, Delaware’s airports will receive approximately $6 million over five years for infrastructure development, ensuring the improvement of runways, terminal development, airfield safety, and noise reduction projects.

Revitalizing Delaware’s infrastructure and transportation systems

In conclusion, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law brings a new light to Delaware’s transportation infrastructure, addressing long-standing issues and driving progress across various sectors. With substantial funding allocations for road and bridge repairs, safety enhancements, public transportation improvements, EV infrastructure, and rail and air travel modernization, Delaware is poised for a transformative era. These investments will create good-paying jobs, enhance safety, reduce commute times, and promote sustainable transportation options, ultimately improving the lives of Delaware residents.

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United States of America Department of Transportation. (2022 April). The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Will Deliver for Delaware. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2022-01/BIL_Delaware.pdf

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