(Video) Markell signs Fort DuPont legislation

117
Advertisement


Gov. Jack Markell signed legislation to advance the revitalization of the Fort Du Pont complex.

House Substitute 1 to House Bill 310, sponsored by Representative Valerie Longhurst (D-Delaware City, Bear) and Senator Nicole Poore (D-Delaware City, New Castle), creates the Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation to spearhead the renovation, redevelopment and preservation of the Fort DuPont complex.

“Fort DuPont’s rich history, distinctive architecture, and abundant natural resources serve as a solid foundation for the site’s rebirth,” said Markell. “By strategically breathing new life into the Fort DuPont complex, we can create a destination that connects with the majestic Delaware Bayshore, Fort Delaware State Park, the Michael Castle C&D Canal Trail, and the many exciting new projects now under way in Delaware City.

The legislation sets the stage for the reuse and rehabilitation of the under utilized former military facility, which played a role in both World Wars and housed a military community for decades. The fort was actively used as a military base from the Civil War through World War II. The renovation, redevelopment and preservation plan was outlined in the Fort DuPont master plan unveiled last spring.

DNREC partnered with Delaware City to coordinate a diverse group of state and local stakeholders and community members who worked together to develop a master plan, which aims to preserve the site’s historic buildings and landscapes while accommodating new private sector and institutional uses to reactivate the sit. The new Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation will oversee the master plan’s implementation.

Advertisement

The master plan focuses on reuse and redevelopment strategies for the portion of the Fort DuPont complex located northeast of Route 9. The Fort DuPont property has a waterfront location, a network of riverside trails, recreational amenities, and historic buildings and landscapes.

The corporation will be comprised of an 11 member Board of Directors, including the cabinet secretaries of Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, the Department of Health and Social Services, and the Department of State, or their designees.

In addition, the Office of State Planning and Controller General will have spots along with four appointees from the Mayor and Council of Delaware City. The Governor will appoint a chair. The law also provides for a 13 member Advisory Council that will assist the board in carrying out its duties through specific expertise in areas such as historic preservation, parks and recreation, and real estate.

The master plan seeks to make Fort DuPont into a model “live-work-learn-play-visit” community. It emphasizes expanding recreational opportunities, restoring wildlife habitat, restoring historic buildings, removing blight and creating opportunities to increase tourism.

The plan also calls for significant analysis of the hydrology of the site, which has experienced flooding in the past.

Any future development of the complex will be required to meet strict standards of flood plain management and sea level rise adaptation.

The 325-acre complex is located along the Delaware River with the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal on the south and the Branch Canal, currently separating it from Delaware City on the north.

The final draft of the Fort DuPont master plan is available for review or download on the DNREC website.

 

Advertisement
Advertisement