DOVER — At 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 1, both chambers of the Delaware General Assembly had successfully passed the $1.25-billion fiscal 2027 bond bill.
Provisions within the bond bill, or House Bill 500, include:
- $273.3 million to complete transportation projects statewide
- $235 million for school construction projects in New Castle County
- $164 million for various capital improvement projects throughout state facilities, such as maintenance, safety enhancements and roof replacements
- $110 million for a Port of Wilmington expansion
- $35 million for a Legislative Hall addition
On the bond-drafting Joint Capital Improvement Committee, three of four Republican members had removed their sponsorship from HB 500: Rep. Mike Smith of Pike Creek, Sen. Bryant Richardson of Seaford and Sen. Dave Wilson of Lincoln.
Although he ultimately voted in favor of HB 500, Smith said during its floor vote that he did not believe right now was the appropriate time for a $35-million Leg Hall expansion. He also expressed concerns with the Port of Wilmington expansion, which is being funded in the bond bill from special escheat funds…