Senator Coons celebrates two $1M grants for wetlands conservation

NEAR BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Senator Coons joined federal and state officials and local conservation partners on Wednesday to celebrate the addition of nearly 750 acres of key coastal Bayshore lands to the Ted Harvey Conservation Area. The purchase and protection of the property, known as the Vance Morris Tract, permanently fills the gap in an otherwise contiguous network of more than 4,000 acres of protected wetlands and uplands in the critical St. Jones River watershed. 

Along with Congressman Carney, DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara, Delaware Department of Agriculture Secretary Ed Kee, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Deputy Director Steve Guertin, Senator Coons also announced new funding for the preservation of more than 2,000 acres of land across New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties. Both projects were made possible by two $1 million grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) program and more than $4 million in public and private matching funds.

Senator Coons touted the substantial leveraging power of NAWCA grants and the diverse range of Delaware partners – from Ducks Unlimited to DuPont – providing matching funds. He also recognized the Morris family for their contribution to Bayshore conservation efforts. 

“They are giving up significant potential future value on this land to preserve what is best about this land, which is its enormous value to our community, to the sporting tradition of this state, to the opportunity of future generations to really enjoy and love this land, and for that they are giving us an absolutely inestimable gift,” Chris said.

The North American Wetlands Conservation Act provides matching grants to organizations and individuals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico who have developed partnerships to carry out wetlands conservation projects that benefit migratory birds and other wildlife. Over the last two decades, NAWCA has been highly successful in generating matching funding to protect millions of acres of habitat across North America.

Senator Coons is a cosponsor of the North American Wetlands Conservation Extension Act, which would reauthorize the NAWCA program through FY 2017, and has led a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging robust funding for NAWCA for the past three years.

Since NAWCA’s passage in 1989, Delaware has received 13 NAWCA grants totaling $10 million for projects across the state, generating matching funds of more than $21 million. Projects supported by NAWCA will protect more than 10,000 acres of wetlands and other significant migratory bird habitats in Delaware. 

The Week Ahead for Senator Chris Coons: April 21 to April 23

Monday, April 21 at 1:30 p.m. – The Senator will deliver remarks at the second annual Jefferson Awards Salute to Service in Delaware luncheon. Created in 1972 by the American Institute for Public Service, the Jefferson Award for Public Service seeks to recognize, inspire and activate volunteerism and public service in communities, workplaces and schools across America. Hotel DuPont Gold Ballroom, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Jefferson Awards’ Nancy Leonard at 302-530-8722.

Tuesday, April 22 at 9:00 a.m. – In honor of Earth Day, the Senator will attend and plant trees at Mirror Lake as part of DNREC’s Mirror Lake remediation and restoration project. Mirror Lake, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Beth Shockley, DNREC Public Affairs at 302-739-9902.

Tuesday, April 22 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the unveiling of the Delaware Outdoor Trail, featuring a challenging and fun collection of walking, running, hiking, biking, nature watching and water activities across the state. Coastal Training Center (“The Barn”) at St. Jones Reserve, 818 Kitts Hummock Rd., Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact DEDO’s Eric Ruth at 302- 943-9508.  

Tuesday, April 22 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the Rehoboth Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and Green Force presentation. Kings Creek Country Club, 1 Kings Creek Circle, Rehoboth Beach, DE  – Open to press. Contact Kate Bell at 302-227-2233 x11.

Tuesday, April 22 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will announce a new bill designating the nation’s first coast-to-coast trail. The National Discovery Trails Act of 2014 would make the American Discovery Trail, the nation’s only coast-to-coast, non-motorized recreational trail, part of the National Trails System. The 6,800 mile American Discovery Trail stretches from Delaware’s Cape Henlopen State Park to Pt. Reyes National Seashore, California. Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-650-7858. 

Wednesday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend an event hosted by DNREC announcing the purchase of the Vance Morris Property, a key coastal conservation area. The 748-acre Vance Morris Tract will provide outdoor enthusiasts with new hunting, birding, and recreational opportunities. The purchase, conservation and protection of this property was made possible by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act.. The Vance Morris Tract, Ted Harvey Wildlife Area, just north of Bowers Beach, DE – Open to press. Contact DNREC’s Jennifer Fitzsimmons at 302-739-9902.

Thursday, April 23 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at Powerful Partnerships: 20 Years of the Violence Against Women Act and the Path Ahead, a conference hosted by Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence and the Department of Women and Gender Studies at the University of Delaware. University of Delaware, Newark, DE – Open to press. Contact DCADV’s Carol Post at 302-658-2958.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

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Senator Coons honors Delaware Air Force Major, WWII veteran with medals for outstanding service

WILMINGTON, Del. – WWII Army Technician Fifth Grade Francis “Franny” Weaver thought he was coming as a spectator to a ceremony hosted by Senator Coons on Thursday honoring his nephew, Air Force Major David Strawbridge.

But Senator Coons and Maj. Strawbridge had a special surprise in store for the WWII veteran. After presenting Maj. Strawbridge with the Bronze Star – one of the military’s highest honors – for his distinguished service in Afghanistan, Senator Coons surprised Weaver with five long-overdue medals for his service during the Second World War.

Maj. Strawbridge, who earned the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, came to Senator Coons with the idea to surprise his uncle after first attempting, unsuccessfully, to recover Weaver’s medals from the U.S. Army. Although Weaver’s military records were destroyed in the National Archives fire of 1973, Senator Coons’ staff were able to research enough evidence to issue the medals.

Senator Coons presented Weaver with the Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, and Philippine Liberation Medal for his exemplary service as a member of the Army 23rd Infantry Division between 1944 and 1946.

“One of the things that is the hallmark of the Greatest Generation is their humility,” Chris said. “That they returned home from service to our country around the world and simply got about the business of living.” 

“One of the most satisfying parts of this job is being able to help America’s veterans receive the honors that they have earned and that they so richly deserve,” he continued.

Senator Coons first met Maj. Strawbridge during his visit to Kabul, Afghanistan in late January 2013. The two struck up a conversation and have kept in touch ever since.

“I am deeply grateful for your service to our nation and I appreciate everything that you’ve done for our freedom, for our world, and for the United States in your service in Afghanistan,” Senator Coons told Maj. Strawbridge during the ceremony.

Senator Coons applauds launch of new company employing former foster care youth

WILMINGTON, Del. – Senator Coons joined Governor Markell, Congressman Carney, and local community leaders Thursday for the grand opening of popdot, a new sign production and installation company in Wilmington’s West End neighborhood that has committed to hiring disadvantaged youth.

The business was launched as a partnership between Sir Speedy Wilmington and West End Neighborhood House – with help from a $160,000 Community Economic Development Projects (CED) grant from the Department of Health and Human Services – and is dedicated to providing career opportunities for former foster care youth in Wilmington.

Danielle Cunningham is one such youth, who shared the story of her journey after aging out of the foster care system and finding herself homeless at age 18. Danielle took advantage of housing through West End Neighborhood House and job training opportunities at Wilmington’s Bright Spot Ventures and is now beginning her career as a popdot employee.

 “What was most striking to hear from you, Danielle, was that this is a place where you can work together, and not just have great skills, not just have an opportunity at employment, but have a family, have a place where at work you are sharing with each other your values and your journey,” Chris said.

popdot is one of just 20 ventures across the country to submit a successful competitive CED grant application this year. The objective of the CED program is to support businesses that develop new products and services and create jobs for low-income individuals. To meet these goals, popdot has pledged to employ 75 percent low-income staff, provide full-time jobs with benefits that pay livable wages, and reinvest 51 percent of its profits into the community.

“Many of us recognize that it is small business owners, its entrepreneurs, its people who work hard day in and day out who create most of the jobs in our country and who are the real engines of vitality in our communities,” Chris said. 

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: April 14 to April 17

Monday, April 14 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will visit the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk with members of the Delaware Small Business Administration. As winter finally comes to a close, Delaware’s beach season is fast approaching. The SBA will provide the Senator with a walking tour of the area, highlighting new businesses that are growing or seeking assistance through the SBA’s resources. Rehoboth Beach, DE – Open to press. Contact Jennifer S. Pilcher (SBA) at 302-573-6294×222.

Monday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will visit the U.S. Coast Guard Station in Indian River Inlet with Capt. Kathy Moore, Commander, Sector DE Bay. The Senator will tour the station and meet with active duty USCG men and women. 39373 Inlet Rd. Rehoboth Beach, DE – Closed to press. 

Wednesday, April 16 at 6:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend and speak at the 58^th Annual Delmarva Poultry Industry Booster Banquet. Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, 500 Glen Ave, Salisbury, MD – Open to press. Contact Lori Morrow at morrow@dpichicken.com  

Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at Glasgow High School while attending a World Cultures class on Africa. He will address the class of 30 Junior ROTC students about current affairs on the continent and how the U.S plays a role in different regions. 1901 S. College Ave, Newark, DE – Open to press. Contact Major Barry Horton at HORTONB@christina.k12.de.us

Thursday, April 17 at 10:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the grand opening of popdot event. popdot is a large output printing/graphics company and will employ young people from Wilmington’s West End. 1010 North Union Street, Wilmington DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054. 

Thursday, April 17 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will host a Bronze Star Medal Ceremony for David Strawbridge. David is receiving the Bronze Star for his activities in Afghanistan from the Defense Intelligence Agency and the Air Force. 1105 North Market St. Suite 100, Wilmington, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054 or David Strawbridge at 302-562-9665.

Note: Schedule is subject to change.

Senator Coons talks financial responsibility with Shortlidge Elementary School students

Photo credit: Evan Krape, University of Delaware

Senator Coons, along with members of the Delaware Bankers Association, visited with 4th grade students from Shortlidge Elementary School as part of the 16th annual Teach Children to Save Day. Chris joined Mrs. Mahotiere’s class and read from the book The Great Investo and The Secret Saver.

The Teach Children to Save program is a state-wide outreach program sponsored by a partnership of the Center for Economic Education & Entrepreneurship and the Delaware Bankers Association. The goal of the program is to draw attention to the importance of teaching children about saving at an early age. The program is held in April as part of Financial Literacy Month. More than 285 volunteer bankers are visiting 92 schools this week to teach a lesson on saving using the Great Investo book.

This year’s Teach Children to Save Day lesson is based off Greg Koseluk’s new book The Great Investo and the Secret Saver. The book was written and illustrated by Koseluk, a member of the Delaware Bankers Association. Koseluk created the book specifically for the 2014 Teach Children to Save Day event with the assistance of a grant from Capital One.

Senator Coons touts new report on economic impact of Northeast Corridor rail service

Senator Coons, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a daily Amtrak rider, touted a new report released this week on the economic impacts of rail service in the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The report, produced by the Northeast Corridor Infrastructure and Operations Advisory Commission, describes the NEC as “an engine of economic activity” for the region and details the immense costs associated with service disruptions along the corridor.

“The Northeast Corridor rail network is a vital economic artery for Delaware and the entire region,” Chris said. “While ridership has steadily increased, critical infrastructure investments needed to sustain Amtrak’s growth have been repeatedly deferred. This report demonstrates just what we stand to lose if we fail to invest in repairing and modernizing our infrastructure. Our economy, our communities, and millions of jobs depend on safe and efficient rail service along the Northeast Corridor. We’ve got to make strong, sustained investments now to ensure this vital service will be there for generations to come.”

The 457-mile NEC is one of the busiest and most complex rail corridors in the world, carrying 750,000 daily commuter rail and intercity passengers and 350,000 car-loads of freight each year. Workers traveling the NEC contribute $50 billion annually to the American economy. According to the report, the unexpected loss of the NEC, even for a single day, would cost up to $100 million per day as a result of higher congestion on roadways and lost productivity.

Other key findings from the report:

• Seven million jobs are located within five miles of a NEC rail station, almost a third of all jobs in the NEC Region.
• More than half of flight delays nationwide originate at New York and Philadelphia area airports.  Amtrak relieves this pressure by carrying more intercity passengers for trips within the NEC Region than all airlines combined.
• The NEC connects the national freight rail network to east coast ports, linking manufacturing plants in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, and North Dakota to international customers.
• Automobile manufacturers, including Ford, Toyota, and Mitsubishi, use the NEC to bring their products to market. For one major automobile manufacturer, approximately 60 percent of its total exports use the NEC to reach ports in Maryland and New Jersey.
• Within one mile of NEC stations, 59 percent of all jobs are in knowledge industries – a far higher rate than the national average of 42 percent.
• 263 colleges and universities are located within five miles of NEC stations, totaling 435,000 students. The region is also home to a concentration of some of the nation’s top hospitals, medical research institutions, and cultural attractions. 

The complete report is available here: The Northeast Corridor and the American Economy.

Senator Coons spoke on the Senate floor on April 10 urging his colleagues to support critical investments in Amtrak. Click here to watch and read his remarks.

The Senator’s Week Ahead Schedule: April 7 to April 13

Monday, April 7 at 8:00 a.m. – The Senator will co-host the annual Congressional Youth Conference with members of the Delaware Congressional delegation. More than 70 Delaware high school juniors and seniors will join the Congressional delegation for breakout sessions on cybersecurity, leadership through service, and digital media’s impact on news. Delaware State University Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Center, 1200 N. DuPont Highway, Dover, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054.

Monday, April 7 at 11:15 a.m. – The Senator will visit Poly Technical High School to tour the school, visit with students, and eat lunch at the school’s student-run restaurant, the Looking Glass. Poly Technical High School, 823 Walnut Shade Rd, Woodside, DE  – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054.

Tuesday, April 8 at 2:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee business meeting. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703. 

Wednesday, April 9 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will address 4-H youth and leaders at the 4-H Congressional Breakfast honoring program alumni. 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, committed to empowering youth of all backgrounds to reach their full potential. G-50 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, April 9 at 11:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend a Judiciary Committee hearing examining the Comcast-Time Warner Cable merger and the impact on consumers. 226 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Judiciary Committee’s Jessica Brady at 202-224-7703. 

Wednesday, April 9 at 12:00 p.m. – The Senator will speak at a Sickle Cell/Lung Disease Briefing hosted by the NIH Lung and Blood Institute and the American Thoracic Society. SVC 210-12 Capitol Visitors Center, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Wednesday, April 9 at 2:00 p.m. – The Senator will preside over the Senate until 4:00 p.m. Senate Chamber, U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. – Open to press who wish to sit in the Senate Gallery.

Thursday, April 10 at 9:00 a.m. – The Senator will speak at an event on trade-secret theft hosted by the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and CREATE. Senator Coons will discuss the challenge of trade secrets theft, identify solutions, and discuss best practices. 592 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Thursday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend a hearing of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies on the FY 2015 Budget Request for the Department of Commerce. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker will testify. 192 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Appropriations Committee’s Vince Morris at 202-224-1010. 

Thursday, April 10 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will attend a hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on International Development Priorities in FY 2015 Budget. USAID Administrator Dr. Rajiv Shah will testify. 419 Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. – Open to press. Contact Foreign Relations Committee’s Adam Sharon at 202-224-4651. 

Thursday, April 10 at 12:30 p.m. – The Senator will attend the 2014 National Make a Difference Day Awards Luncheon.  The event will honor America’s top volunteers and special guests who inspire volunteerism across the nation. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave NW, Washington, D.C. – Open to press.

Friday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend Teach Children to Save Day, an event led by the Delaware Banker’s Association as part of a national effort to educate elementary school children about financial literacy. Senator Coons will join representatives from Delaware banks who will be volunteering at local schools to teach lessons on personal finance. Shortlidge Elementary School, 100 W 18th St, Wilmington DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054.

Friday, April 11 at 1:00 p.m. – The Senator will host the second in a series of roundtable discussions entitled, “Winning the Fight Against Urban Unemployment” with a focus on generating actionable ideas for solving the problem locally and legislatively. Goodwill, 300 Lea Blvd, Wilmington DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054.

Saturday, April 12 at 10:30 a.m. – The Senator will deliver keynote remarks at the Annual Meeting of the Greater Lewes Foundation. The GLF will present its annual Community Service awards during the meeting. Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave, Lewes, DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054.

Saturday, April 12 at 6:00 p.m. – The Senator will attend the Annual Gala for Exceptional Care for Children. Chase Center, Wilmington, DE.

Sunday April 13 at 11:00 a.m. – The Senator will attend the Homecoming Ceremony for the 198th Expeditionary Signal Battalion. The unit’s 324 members have served in Afghanistan since June 2013. Delaware State University Alumni Stadium, 1200 North DuPont Hwy, Dover DE – Open to press. Contact Brian P. Cunningham at 302-573-6054.

Note: Schedule is subject to change. 

Senator Coons convenes bipartisan roundtable on innovation

Senator Coons, along with Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and John Thune (R-S.D.), met with chief executive officers and senior executives from the nation’s leading technology, venture capital, and e-commerce, companies Tuesday to discuss key issues affecting American innovation. Executives from Bloom Energy, CISCO, Oracle, and other leading technology firms shared their perspectives on proposed trade agreements, corporate tax reform, intellectual property protection, and other policy priorities.

“America is the world’s leading source of cutting-edge technology,” Senator Coons said. “The technology companies represented today employ nearly a million Americans and are key drivers of our innovation economy. Congress can and should support American innovators by working together to open up markets abroad, protect intellectual property, and build a competitive tax code that incentivizes innovation. I am grateful to all the industry leaders who participated in today’s conversation and look forward to continuing to work with them to promote our global competitiveness.”

Senator Coons has established himself as a leader on innovation policy by introducing a series of bills that support research and development, and help innovative small businesses grow to create jobs. He introduced the Innovators Job Creation Act with Senator Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) earlier this year and the Startup Innovation Credit Act with Senator Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.) last January to help startups and other small companies take advantage of valuable R&D tax credits.

He also teamed up with Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) this year to introduce legislation that would modernize the United States’ national lab system to make the innovation pipeline more efficient and give labs new flexibility to partner with the private sector.

Senator Coons was recognized as a 2014 TechVoice Champion earlier this year by CompTIA and TECNA, two technology policy groups representing thousands of U.S. technology firms, for his work in support of innovation and America’s small and medium-sized technology firms.

Senator Coons’ office accepting summer 2014 internship applications

Interested in working for Senator Coons in Washington or Delaware? The Office of Senator Chris Coons is seeking interns for offices in Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, and Dover, DE for the summer of 2014. Responsibilities include answering phones, greeting visitors, sorting mail, handling requests for flags and tours, and assisting front office as well as legislative staff. Summer internship positions are full time. Please note that all positions are unpaid, but may qualify for academic credit if eligible. 

This position requires outstanding organizational abilities, strong communication skills, attention to detail, poise, flexibility, and an ability to prioritize in an extremely fast-paced office. Motivated, hard-working, and professional applicants looking to get a taste of Capitol Hill or state congressional offices are encouraged to apply.

Interested candidates should e-mail Eric Wall at Eric_Wall@coons.senate.gov with the subject line reading “Intern” and include a cover letter, resume, and one brief (2-3 pages) writing sample. Applicants should also specify which offices they are interested in applying to. Applications received by May 15 will be given priority. Delaware ties a plus, but not required. Absolutely no walk-ins or phone calls.