Park expansion among Sussex accomplishments
Almost lost in the March 7 discussion concerning Sussex County Council priorities was another report updating progress of priorities from 2021.
On the list are millions of dollars in wastewater treatment plant upgrades, construction of a new, state-of-the-art emergency operations center, plans for new paramedics stations and progress in economic development initiatives.
Planning & zoning: Completed coastal area cluster ordinance; introduction of master plan district ordinance; new planning & zoning document management program is in place.
Sewer: Inland Bays treatment plant upgrades are pending Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control approval; wetlands and drainage improvement plans for Inland Bays have been approved with construction scheduled to be completed in August 2024; South Coastal treatment plant expansion is in its final stages, with completion by the end of this year; Rehoboth treatment plant upgrades are complete; Wolfe Neck treatment plant conversion from spray irrigation to fixed-head spray units is on hold pending a decision by the Lewes Board of Public Works for future partnership.
Economic development: The town showcase video program continues with Selbyville scheduled next. Videos have already been created for Greenwood, Bridgeville and Seaford, with filming completed in Laurel and Delmar.
Seven economic development loans have been awarded totaling more than $6 million, with 214 jobs created or retained. The fund has been replenished with $16 million to provide more loans.
Work is nearing completion at the county's kitchen incubator project.
Delaware Coastal Business Park: Atlantis, the first tenant, is looking at expanding; Creative Flooring construction is complete; Great Outdoor Cottages is open for business and has leased another park parcel for expansion; Phase 2 infrastructure is compete.
Housing: New affordable rental units ordinance passed; housing trust fund established; housing rehabilitation ongoing with additional American Rescue Plan Act funding.
EMS stations: Seaford station is complete with Millsboro station scheduled for construction in late 2023. Land for future stations in Ellendale and Milton has been purchased. Discussion is underway with Dewey Beach officials for a possible station in the new town hall.
Delaware Coastal Airport: Thirteen new tie-down airplane parking spaces for light aircraft with a section for light to medium aircraft have been completed; the airport master plan will be completed by June; airport management has started developing a strategic plan for the marketing and users of the airport.
The county has contributed $100,000 to Phase 2 of the James Farm master plan. New bathrooms were installed in spring 2021 and the Center for the Inland Bays is finalizing the design for Phase 2 for the natural area near Ocean View.
Construction of the new Emergency Operations Center is expected to be completed in late spring or early summer.
