Blunt Rochester, Carper, Coons Announce over $2.5 Million to Replace Bancroft Mills Pedestrian Bridge

WILMINGTON, Del. - Today, Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), alongside Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons (both D-Del.), announced that the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) will receive a $2,740,499.10 award from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to replace the Bancroft Mills Pedestrian Bridge in Wilmington. This funding is authorized under Section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

"Hurricane Ida made a significant impact on Delaware when it struck in 2021 and we are still feeling some of its effects today," said Rep. Blunt Rochester, member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. "I am grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration for directing this federal funding to our state and look forward to a brand-new Bancroft Mills Pedestrian Bridge for the people of Wilmington to enjoy."

"As the lowest lying state in the country, Delaware is no stranger to extreme weather and flooding, and Hurricane Ida dealt Wilmington a particularly devastating blow," said Senator Carper, Chair of the Environment and Public Works Committee in the Senate. "As we continue to rebuild several years later with help from federal funding, we must also continue to address the root causes of climate change and extreme weather through lowering emissions and investing in an all-of-the-above energy approach."

"Delaware knows too well the devastating impact frequent flooding has on our communities. I'm glad that FEMA is taking future flood risks into consideration and enhancing resilience in flood-prone areas," said Senator Coons, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Senate Climate Solutions Caucus. "Our local communities are already experiencing the impacts of climate change and must prepare for further consequences like rising sea levels, and it's important that the federal government invests in making Delaware more resilient against increasing extreme weather events."

The Bancroft Mills Pedestrian Bridge was damaged during the high winds, heavy rains, and consequent flooding during Hurricane Ida. The new bridge will be designed to eliminate susceptibility to future flood and debris-related damage.

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