WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), the first Delaware Senator in more than four decades to serve on the critical Appropriations Committee, secured $80 million in funding for Dover Air Force Base and $33 million in funding for the Delaware River deepening project in the annual Military Construction/Veterans Affairs and Energy and Water Development appropriations bills respectively. These bills passed out of the Appropriations Committee and are now ready for debate by the full Senate.

“When I was first elected to represent Delaware in the Senate, I made it a priority to gain a seat on the important Appropriations Committee to make sure Delaware’s needs and priorities are addressed in our federal spending bills like this one,” said Senator Coons. “I’m thrilled this bill includes funding for critical Delaware priorities. It will support the Delaware River deepening project, a smart investment that will mean new jobs and new business for the Port of Wilmington and the Delaware Valley, and Dover Air Force Base to improve both the functions of the base and the quality of living of families stationed at the facility. It will also provide funding for National Guard military construction, which supports civilian authorities in Delaware and U.S.national security”

Support for Dover Air Force Base:

Senator Coons fought for $39 million for the Dover Air Force Base Aircraft Maintenance Hangar. Dover is a key strategic airlift hub for the United States military. However, its coastal location makes it prone to high winds, which frequently renders runway maintenance difficult. Between 2009 and 2014, Dover lost 6,000 hours of lost mission capability due to weather or facility shortages. An aircraft maintenance hangar will improve the speed and quality of maintenance on Dover’s C-5 and C-17 fleet and benefit the base’s airlift mission.

Senator Coons also fought for $41.115 million for the replacement of Welch Elementary School and Dover Middle School in Dover, Delaware.  The Dover Air Force Base community relies on both schools, built in 1960.  Department of Defense engineers have rated them in poor condition. This funding will ensure the next generation of Dover Air Force Base families has access to modern, safe education facilities.

Investing in the Dover Air Force Base has a significant impact on Delaware’s economy as it is the state’s fifth largest employer. Supporting these projects will also strengthen the relationship between the local community and the Air Force Base, a relationship that has long been recognized as one of the strongest of its kind in the country.   

Support for the Delaware River Deepening project:

Senator Coons fought for an additional $33 million to finish deepening the Delaware River to 45 feet from 40, a project that will help create and retain thousands of jobs in Delaware and make it possible for larger ships to come to Delaware. Senator Coons has helped advocate for and secure over $100 million for this project through his position on the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee. He’s also advocated for this project with Administration leadership at the Office of Management and Budget and the Army Corps of Engineers.

Support for the National Guard

Senator Coons sought $143.95 million for Air National Guard military construction and $232.93 million for Army National Guard military construction. This funding will support various missions vital to both Delaware and broader U.S. national security. It ensures Guardsmen are able to fulfill their dual missions of supporting civilian authorities at home and U.S. military efforts abroad.