Congressional Delegation on the Amended Reedy Point Bridge Repair Work Plan

WILMINGTON – Today, U.S. Sens. Tom Carper, Chris Coons and Congressman John Carney (all D-Del.), welcomed the Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to amend its plan to repair work on the Reedy Point Bridge in order to address concerns raised by the Congressional Delegation on behalf of the impacted communities. In response to calls from concerned residents and business owners in Delaware City and Port Penn, Del., earlier this week the Delegation wrote to the Army Corps of Engineers urging it to consider plans to reduce the impact that repair work on the Reedy Point Bridge would have on local communities. The Delegation also facilitated conversations between the Army Corps and local officials to discuss concerns about the negative impact of the proposed repair plan and explore alternatives.

“There’s no doubt that important infrastructure improvement projects like repairs to the Reedy Point Bridge are necessary to ensure safety and effectiveness and to support the local economies in Delaware,” said Sen. Carper. “At the same time, it’s important that the Army Corps of Engineers, DelDOT, and local communities work together to find a way to quickly do this critical work while not drastically impeding tourism and much-needed revenue for businesses located in Delaware City and Port Penn. I appreciate that the Army Corps took the time to listen to the concerns raised by residents and business owners and came up with a way to minimize the impact of this necessary bridge work.”

“The Delaware way is about supporting each other and pulling together, and I commend the Army Corps of Engineers for doing just that when scheduling repairs on the Reedy Point Bridge,” said Senator Coons. “Local residents and business owners spoke up about the significant impact that closing the bridge for an extended period of time would have had on tourism and the economy, and their voices were heard. The Army Corps of Engineers, DelDot and residents must continue to work together as these much-needed repairs are made. This revised schedule will go a long way in helping to keep local businesses afloat, and I encourage my fellow Delawareans to support our neighbors by checking out what Delaware City and Port Penn have to offer.”

“It’s critical to keep in mind both the safety of travelers using the Reedy Point Bridge, as well as the concerns of Delaware City small business owners who rely on visitors during the busy summer months,” said Congressman Carney. “The delegation felt it was important that the Army Corps and Delaware City residents discuss options for making the necessary repairs with as little impact on businesses and residents as possible. I’m pleased that the Army Corps is taking Delaware City’s concerns into account and have adjusted the construction schedule to address the needs of residents and business owners.”

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