DNREC continued to diversify marine habitat for angling and diving experiences on Delaware’s renowned artificial reef system today by sinking two vintage vessels – a retired City of Baltimore fireboat and a World War II-era tugboat – onto Reef Site 11, the Redbird Reef, that also contains 750 retired NYC "Redbird" subway cars.

Dover, Del. – July 22, 2024 –The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) and Discover Bank announced a significant milestone in their long-standing partnership to expand homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate-income residents across the state. Over the past decade, the collaborative lending program has provided more than $500 million in mortgage financing to 2,780 first-time homebuyers with […]

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will host a community workshop at the Cape Henlopen State Park (CHSP) Officer's Club Wednesday, July 31, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to give community members and park visitors the opportunity to share feedback about the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation’s planned capital projects in the park. Community members can drop in any time during the workshop to review informational display boards for the capital plans in CHSP.

Monday, July 22, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the recipients of the innovative “Climate Pollution Reduction Grant” (CPRG) program, created under the Federal Inflation Reduction Act to invest in a cleaner and safer future. The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is proud to announce that the Clean Corridor Coalition is among the […]

Two Delaware students were recognized today with Young Environmentalists of the Year Awards, presented by Governor John Carney and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin at the Delaware State Fair, along with three winners of the annual Youth Fishing Tournament.

Two districts and two charter schools will benefit from the federal Rural and Low Income Schools program grant to provide rural districts and schools with financial assistance for initiatives aimed at improving student achievement.

A DNREC grand opening today of a new boat ramp facility at Records Pond near Laurel in Sussex County. Construction began earlier this year on the new facility – which includes a new boat ramp with courtesy dock, expansion of existing parking lots to accommodate boat trailers, and new decking for an existing fishing pier on Records Pond.

Public information meetings are planned this month on the update to the State Energy Plan.

According to Secretary Scuse, there was no better person to receive his very last Secretary’s Award than Dr. Mark Isaacs. In selecting this year’s honoree, he felt that Isaacs deserved to join the long list of people who have positively impacted Delaware agriculture through his service as a farmer, researcher, and educator.

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is excited to unveil the latest edition to their online services at dmv.de.gov, Della the Chatbot. Della began assisting customers on the website in early June 2024. DMV partnered with Google Cloud and SID Global Solutions Digital in the development of the AI-powered chatbot that will provide customers […]

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney has appointed Caesar Rodney High School student Sage Sawhney to serve on the State Board of Education. He has reappointed Dr. Megan Szabo, the Assistant Principal at Magnolia Middle School, to serve a third term on the board. “We need students and educators to be at the table when […]

Today the Delaware Tourism Office (DTO) announced a new grant program, the Tournaments, Events, and Athletic Meets Sponsorship (TEAMS) Program, designed to expand the office’s resources in recruiting sporting events to Delaware. The program aims to attract new regional, national, and international sporting events at amateur, collegiate, and professional levels while ensuring that current sports events maintain their place and continue to grow for years to come in Delaware.

Dover, Del. August 7, 2024 – The Delaware State Housing Authority  (DSHA) has awarded over $5,000,000 in Housing Stability Program (HSP) grants to eight community partner organizations throughout the state. HSP’s mission is twofold: to prevent imminent evictions by offering emergency rental assistance to households facing court dates, and to secure new housing opportunities by […]

The Delaware Department of Education has developed guidance for districts and charter schools on generative artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom.

NEW CASTLE, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday, August 7, joined Speaker of the House Valerie Longhurst, Secretary of Education Mark Holodick, other elected officials, and advocates to sign two pieces of legislation that support student mental health in schools.   Governor Carney signed House Bill 200 and House Substitute 1 for House Bill 5 at […]

Groundbreaking ceremony touted $56 million for early education, senior care, and community programs   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney joined U.S. Senator Tom Carper, State Senator Darius Brown, State Representative Stephanie T. Bolden, other elected officials, and community members at a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Kingswood Community Center.   Kingswood Community Center, managed by […]

The Office of Marijuana Commissioner (OMC) is pleased to announce that it will begin accepting online applications using the Salesforce platform starting Monday, August 19, 2024, and closing on Monday, September 30, 2024. 125 licenses are available: Marijuana Cultivation Facility- 60 LT-1: Open Cultivation License: 20 LT-2: Social Equity Cultivation (≥2500 ft2): 10 LT-3: Microbusiness […]

More than 100 Delawareans, from newborns to seniors, attended story time at the Dover Public Library to wish Smokey Bear a happy 80th birthday on August 9, which marks Smokey’s official birthday.

The Delaware Department of Agriculture announced the 28th round of easement selections by the Delaware Agricultural Lands Preservation, preserving 40 farms and 2,262 acres of farmland. With this announcement, the Carney administration has preserved 403 farms, the highest number in the program’s history.

Delaware State Treasurer Colleen Davis, alongside U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons, celebrated the first-ever ABLE Savings Day, highlighting the importance of Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. This new initiative aims to boost awareness and participation in ABLE accounts, which are instrumental in enhancing financial independence for individuals with disabilities. “ABLE accounts […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney and First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney on Wednesday joined Dr. Annie Norman, State Librarian of Delaware, Casey Family Programs, literacy and early education advocates, and students to launch a Reading Tour. This Reading Tour will highlight the importance of literacy and encourage children and families to take advantage of the […]

New statewide student assessment results reinforce students’ continued need for help to recover from pandemic school building closures.

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that special hunting permits for Delaware State Parks can now be conveniently purchased wherever hunting licenses are sold in the state. The special permits are available online at Digital DNREC, at DNREC’s main campus in the Richardson and Robbins Building in Dover, and at more than 40 licensing agents statewide. The special permits, which cost $10 for residents and non-residents can now be purchased when buying a Delaware hunting license. These park permits will no longer be available for sale at Delaware State Parks offices.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney joined members of the General Assembly and advocates on Thursday, August 15, to sign a package of bills that will make Delaware’s neighborhoods and higher education campuses safer.   Legislation signed Thursday includes House Bill 311, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 342, House Substitute 1 for House Bill 270, and House Bill 155. […]

From August 16 to September 2, police officers will be patrolling statewide to remove impaired drivers off Delaware roadways. This initiative aligns with the busy Labor Day Holiday weekend. If your celebrations include drinking, make sure to plan a safe and sober ride home.

The Delaware State Fire Commission is thrilled to announce the Groundbreaking Ceremony for our new building scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11:00 am. The ceremony will be held at the Delaware Fire Service Center, 1463 Chestnut Grove Road, Dover, Delaware. “Our long-awaited new building will replace the current one attached to the rear […]

Attorney General Kathy Jennings announced on Monday that a Maryland resident was arrested for allegedly stealing the identity of a registered nurse (“RN”), and then trying to use those credentials to fraudulently obtain employment in Delaware nursing homes.  “The licensing system for healthcare professionals is crucial to patient safety,” Attorney General Jennings said.  “The Delaware Department of […]

Delaware wildlife artist Richard Clifton and Nebraskan artist Dennis Arp took top honors in DNREC's annual Waterfowl Stamp and Trout Stamp art contests, with Clifton's painting of a Canada goose for the 2025/26 Delaware Waterfowl Stamp and Arp's painting of a brook trout for the 2025 Delaware Trout Stamp.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney and First Spouse Tracey Quillen Carney joined Senator Coons, members of the General Assembly, Mayor Mike Purzycki, the Christina School District, the Delaware Department of Education, the Wilmington Learning Collaborative, educators, students, families, and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy. “The brand-new Maurice Pritchett Sr. Academy […]

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will reopen a stretch of oceanside beach at The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park Sunday, Sept. 1. The Point’s bayside beach will remain closed until Oct. 1 for use by shorebirds migrating south for the winter. The DNREC Divisions of Parks and Recreation, Fish and Wildlife, and Watershed Stewardship have worked together since 1990 to implement a management plan to increase beach-nester and migratory shorebird populations. Thus far in 2024, 24 species of shorebirds, 10 species of terns including the federally threatened roseate tern, and seven species of gull are among the species observed at The Point.

JOINT PRESS RELEASE by Delaware, Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Wisconsin and 25 other states Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, Texas, Wisconsin, their coalition partners, and other states will take possession of more than $190 million in unclaimed property. August 28, 2024 – Officials from the state of Delaware, and officials from the states of Arkansas, Pennsylvania, California, […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney was joined by Senator Darius Brown, other members of the General Assembly, and advocates on Thursday, August 29, to sign Senate Substitute 1 for Senate Bill 254, which creates the Delaware Grocery Initiative and addresses food insecurity in urban and rural food deserts. The bill signing was held at the Kingswood Food Bank Mobile […]

Killens Pond State Park in Kent County will be host site for the 2024 Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) program the weekend of Oct. 4 to 6, DNREC announced, with registration opening Sept. 4. The three-day event is expected to sell out quickly, with registration closing Sept. 18.

To celebrate September as National Preparedness Month, more than 45 public safety agencies, nonprofits, and utilities will join together for the 18th Annual Family Emergency Preparedness Day on Saturday, September 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Brecknock County Park, 80 Old Camden Road, Camden, Delaware. There is no cost to attend and free parking is available onsite at the park. There is no rain date. The event offers attendees a chance to meet first responders and public safety experts in a fun, friendly environment where families can find a wealth of information and resources to promote emergency preparedness and help them “make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed” by visiting PrepareDE.org. Family Emergency Preparedness Day is sponsored by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA), Kent County Parks and Recreation, Kent County Department of Public Safety, Delaware State Fire School, and the Delaware Division of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness.

Delaware Treasurer Colleen Davis has announced the distribution of this year’s Aspire529 awards. Aspire529 is a program for youth in or aging out of the foster care system to help them pay for expenses related to higher education. This year’s recipients, two from New Castle County, two from Kent, and one from Sussex plan to […]

DOVER – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and a coalition of partners will elevate awareness about Delaware 988 — the state’s suicide and crisis lifeline — and foster a supportive community environment for mental health during September, National Suicide Prevention Month. DHSS has organized a Week of Action as part of […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney joined Senator Stephanie Hansen, other members of the General Assembly and advocates on Thursday, September 5, to sign a package of bills that further Delaware’s efforts to protect the environment and support clean energy. Legislation included Senate Bill 265, House Bill 9, House Substitute 2 for House Bill 13, Senate Bill 237 and House […]

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and Delaware SHA/SHIP Partnership Coalition are seeking public input on the draft 2023 Delaware State Health Assessment (SHA), a statewide assessment identifying the primary health needs of Delawareans. The SHA is conducted every five years and will inform the co-creation of a State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) with […]

The Delaware Department of Elections is informing voters that automatically registered voters may declare their party at the State Primary Election, September 10, 2024. Delaware is a Closed Primary State, meaning that only voters affiliated with the Democratic or Republican parties may vote in their party’s Primary Election. Eligible Voters must vote at their assigned Polling Place, and Polling Places are open from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Primary Election Day.

MONEY MATCH is One of Several Ongoing Initiatives to Increase the Return of Unclaimed Property to Owners The second week of September means it is time for back-to-school, pumpkin spice lattes, football, cool fall weather, and the State of Delaware’s annual MONEY MATCH check program. This week, the Delaware Office of Unclaimed Property will return […]

Delaware State Fire Commission’s Investigative Division received a complaint regarding official misconduct involving a member of the Lewes Fire Department. The complaint alleged that a member used a racial slur over the radio while communicating with other personnel. Pursuant to Delaware Administrative Code, 709, Fire Service Standards, the affected company shall have 30 days to […]

The Fire Prevention Commission was honored by a visit from Senator Carper on September 13, 2024.  This was an opportunity for the Fire Commission to celebrate Senator Carper and the years of support and dedication that he’s shared with first responders both nationally and in Delaware. Representing the Delaware Fire Service Center was the Fire […]

DOVER, DEL. (Sept. 16, 2024) – The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention’s Falls Prevention Team asks Delawareans to reduce broken bones, head injuries, and disabilities by preventing falls. Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long proclaimed Sep. 23 to 27, 2024 as Falls Prevention Awareness Week. A fall can impact a person’s mobility, functionality, and […]

Filings and affordability standard reporting reviewed by Department, consumers continue to benefit from increased competition, Inflation Reduction Act, and 1332 Reinsurance Waiver After welcoming new entrants for two consecutive years, the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace is experiencing stability in carriers, plans, and rates for the 2025 plan year. Consumers will choose from 45 plans offered […]

The 2024-2025 school year marks the 20th anniversary of Poetry Out Loud®, an arts education program and dynamic poetry recitation competition for high school students that lifts poetry off the page, creating community and connection. A partnership of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), Poetry Foundation, and state and jurisdictional arts agencies, Poetry Out Loud takes place in all 50 states, American Samoa, District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The OWAA's Delaware Women Status Report highlights advances in women's leadership and health while noting ongoing issues like wage gaps and high childcare costs. Read the full report at OWAA’s website.

The Dual Employment Performance Audit for fiscal years 2020-2022 is the most comprehensive such report issued by a Delaware State Auditor. For Immediate Release: September 17, 2024 Contact: Samuel Barry, Policy Advisor (302) 382-0651, Samuel.Barry@delaware.gov Click here to view, search, and download Delaware Audit Reports online.   Dover, DE – Delaware Auditor of Accounts Lydia […]

DNREC will hold a community information session on Tuesday, Sept. 24 to discuss the upcoming dredging and beach and dune replenishment project on the north side of the Indian River inlet. The session will run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at Bethany Beach Town Hall at 214 Garfield Parkway, and the public can stop by at any time to join the conversation about the north side of the inlet.

DNREC encourages nonprofit groups, conservation districts, community organizations and homeowners’ associations to submit project proposals to be considered for matching grant funds from DNREC’s Community Water Quality Improvement Grants program. Funding for grant award projects in this cycle is expected to range from $25,000 to $75,000

Insurers approved to offer plans with benefits equal to or greater than the forthcoming state plan Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro announced today that the Department of Insurance has approved Delaware’s first private Paid Family Medical Leave plans. These filings, reviewed by independent actuaries and against state requirements, provide options for businesses who wish to purchase […]