South New Castle News

Delaware City is getting an inrush of cash for much needed environmentally friendly projects that residents mentioned to city officials in 2019.

The Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) is giving Delaware City $150,000 to fund many green technology projects, energy conservation projects and other environmental initiatives proposed by residents and city officials.

When asked what the money would be used for, DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin told Delaware Public Media it would be used for sustainability investments.

Garvin mentioned the poor drainage system that the community center parking lot has. He also said the basketball court at the center collects groundwater during heavy rains.

"One is going to be looking at the community center parking lot and the basketball court so they can put in the pervious pavement, which is basically pavement which allows the water to run through the pavement and return to the groundwater,” Garvin said.

He also said that this work is only part of what Delaware City plans to do at the community center. 

“There's also installation of rain gardens in and around the property. Also money for a comprehensive energy audit for town hall and the community center," he said. 

There are so many roads and highways in Delaware City that need repaving and the city has some ideas on how to reuse some of the old road material that will be green-friendly, Garvin said.

Deleware City officials are excited about getting started on these new green-friendly projects right away.