Government officials announced Monday that more than $65 million in American Rescue Plan Act capital projects funding to be distributed to community centers and other nonprofit organizations throughout all three counties to benefit those hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding includes $20 million to redevelop a Seaford shopping center into a community services center.
The investments are funded by the American Rescue Plan Act passed by Congress and signed by President Biden
“We have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with ARPA capital funds to build a better future for the next generation of Delawareans,” said Governor John Carney. “The capital projects announced today aim to expand economic opportunities for Delaware families, dedicate resources to make sure children have access to the education they deserve, and large investments in our communities – especially those hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. I want to thank the Congressional delegation for their advocacy and look forward to seeing significant results from these investments.”
“I was proud to work on provisions in the American Rescue Plan that helps those working on the front lines with Delawareans that need help the most,” said U.S. Senator Tom Carper. “From my time as Governor, I’ve worked on strengthening families, and these funds are going to improve the organizations that help uplift so many families in our state. These organizations often invest so much of their resources into their missions – whether it’s providing shelter, services for our veterans, substance abuse treatment, job training or after-school activities for children – and these funds will help them improve their facilities so they can better serve our communities.”
The funding announced on Monday will provide:
- $1.57 million to Boys and Girls Clubs statewide to make capital upgrades to 9 facilities to meet Covid-19 needs, including improving HVAC systems, and upgrading outdoor playgrounds
- $20 million to Community Education Center South, to redevelop the former Nylon Capital Shopping Center in Seaford
- $150,000 to Child Inc. to upgrade three emergency shelters in Kent and Sussex Counties
- $4.5 million to the Christina Cultural Arts Center to purchase and develop a new headquarters to serve children and families
- $1.8 million to the Hockessin Police Athletic League (PAL) of Delaware for a new HVAC system in the gymnasium to provide STEM and fitness activities to the community, and provide year-round educational courses
- $4 million to the Claymont Community Center to upgrade outdoor community facilities, upgrade the HVAC, and provide client transport vehicles
- $4 million to Kingswood Community Center for multi-purpose community space in Wilmington to enable work, education, and health monitoring
- $500,000 to First State Community Action Agency in Bridgeville for HVAC repairs, purchase of vehicles to transport youth from underserved communities for programming, case management for community service employment and reentry programs
- $7 million to Forum to Advance Minorities in Engineering (FAME) for a new headquarters to enhance FAME’s skills training, job placement, education programs, workforce development programs, and health awareness
- $700,000 to the Gaudenzia Foundation to combat and prevent child abuse by treating parents with substance abuse disorders
- $150,000 to Our Youth Inc. to help renovate the youth center to use as a community hub and community service facility
- $6.4 million to the Mary Campbell Center to renovate medical facilities, filtration, and other COVID-19 upgrades to their existing building and to support children and youth programming
- $300,000 to the Junior Achievement of Delaware to purchase a mobile unit to serve Kent and Sussex Counties and support the Junior Achievement Innovation hub
