While the state Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget was signed into law on Tuesday, two of the state’s other major annual funding bills, which provide funding for public works projects and nonprofit groups, cleared the General Assembly early Wednesday morning.
The $1.256 billion FY 2027 capital budget (House Bill 500) is the fourth-largest in state history, falling just below the FY 2022, 23 & 24 budgets. However, it’s a nearly 29% increase over the $977 million capital spending plan it replaced.
Also known as the Bond Bill, because a portion of the appropriation is supported through the sale of bonds, the legislation pays for the construction and maintenance of public schools, roads, bridges, and state facilities.
The measure includes $20 million for the Community Reinvestment Fund, which will help pay for capital projects benefiting nonprofits and municipalities. Other noteworthy aspects of the capital budget include the following:
- $110 million for the new container terminal project at the Port of Wilmington.
- $60 million for renovating the former Emily P. Bissell Hospital to serve as the new Division of Forensic Science Facility.
- $15 million (total) to renovate and repurpose the former Family Courthouse buildings in Kent and Sussex counties.
- $34.5 million for Delaware State Housing Authority programs to create workforce housing, affordable housing, and conduct urban redevelopment.
- $55 million (total) for maintenance and construction projects at DelTech, Delaware State University, and the University of Delaware.
- $35 million to add public meeting spaces to the State Capitol.
- $168 million for road projects.
- $269 million for public school construction, upgrades, and renovations
The FY 2027 Grants-in-Aid Bill is a record-setting $99.4 million. It is a marginal increase of $900,000 over the assistance package it replaced. The omnibus measure issues grants to hundreds of Delaware nonprofit groups performing work ranging from historic preservation and substance abuse treatment to emergency services and programs for veterans, seniors, and youths.
Senate Bill 337 includes the following:
- $22 million to support paramedic services.
- $9.9 million to aid more than 40 senior centers statewide.
- $15.5 million for Delaware fire companies and public ambulance services.
- $1.7 million for senior transportation services.
- $2.5 million for programs benefiting municipal and county police agencies.
