Delaware congressional delegation secures more than $40 million for First State in three appropriations bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representative Sarah McBride and Senators Chris Coons, Lisa Blunt Rochester, (all D-Del.) today celebrated Senate passage of three appropriations bills that make critical investments in public safety, scientific research, clean energy, water infrastructure, and coastal resilience, rejecting the devastating cuts proposed by the Trump administration. Additionally, the three bills, which fund aspects of the government related to Commerce, Justice, and Science; Energy and Water; and Interior and Environment, contain significant funds for Delaware through congressionally directed spending programs, often referred to as earmarks. These earmarks were delivered through an open, bipartisan, bicameral appropriations process.

The delegation secured over $40 million in funding for more than 30 projects across the First State. The bills now head to the president's desk for his signature.

"This funding is about showing up for Delawareans and delivering real results," said Rep. McBride. "When the Trump administration proposed devastating cuts to our state, our delegation worked together to secure more than $40 million for public safety, clean energy, water infrastructure, and coastal resilience across our state. These investments will keep families safe, lower their costs, protect our vital coastal economy and strengthen our future. I'm proud of the bipartisan work that has made this possible."

"As Delaware's sole appropriator, I'm proud to have worked with so many communities and organizations from Wilmington to Seaford to get them the resources they need to continue serving the First State," said Senator Coons. "Through months of effort, we secured more than $40 million in direct investments to make our communities safer and healthier, while making our water cleaner and our economy stronger. These projects come directly from Delawareans for Delawareans, because you know best what our state needs."

"I am so proud to have worked with Senator Coons and Representative McBride to deliver these historic investments," said Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee. "These projects will make real progress on the issues that matter most to Delawareans - from keeping our communities safe, to strengthening our water infrastructure, and so much more. Together, we will create jobs, lower costs, and improve the quality of life across the First State."

Delaware Funding Highlights Include:

1. Over $17.7 million for 7 projects through the Energy and Water Development bill
2. Over $10.8 million for 14 projects in the Commerce, Justice, Science bill
3. Over $12.2 million for 13 projects in the Interior and Environment bill

Specific Key Investments Across Delaware:

1. Public Safety & Law Enforcement

• Over $5 million to support police and public safety initiatives, helping local departments protect communities and modernize equipment

1. Water Infrastructure

• Funding for critical water and wastewater projects that improve reliability, protect public health, and help lower rates for Delaware families

1. Clean Energy & Innovation

• $5 million for clean hydrogen-related investments, supporting the University of Delaware's Center for Clean Hydrogen

1. NIIMBL
   • Over $3 million to support the National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals (NIIMBL), a public-private partnership on the University of Delaware's campus focused on advancing biopharmaceutical production with private and public members across the country.
2. Coastal Resilience

• $12 million for beach replenishment, protecting replenishment on the Delaware coast from Cape Henlopen to Fenwick Island, and communities in Dover, Wilmington, and along the coast from erosion and flooding.

A complete list of projects can be found here.

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