Delaware would fund schools, roads, housing, and public buildings

Lawmakers would authorize the 2026 project schedule and allow the state to issue bonds to help fund it. The schedule covers public buildings, schools, housing, and transportation across Delaware. If issued, state bonds would raise $339.5 million for part of the work. School districts could choose bonds to cover $90.8 million of their local share of school costs. The schedule is for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. State bonds would mature within 20 years of issue.

Transportation officials would be authorized to withdraw up to $673.6 million for the capital program. The program covers roads, bridges, transit, and local transportation projects. The limit includes $255.2 million in state funds, $395.7 million in federal funds, and $22.7 million from other sources. The funding applies to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

The Delaware State Housing Authority would manage $40.5 million for housing programs. The programs cover affordable rentals, workforce housing, downtown projects, and housing work in distressed areas. Money for affordable rentals is intended to draw in other funding. The amounts appear in the fiscal 2026 project schedule.

The state would limit the added school building space it funds and would not provide extra funding for rising costs on certain projects. These rules cover public school construction projects with state approved plans. Districts would pay with local funds for space beyond 1% of an approved project's size. For plans approved in November 2023 or later, districts would use local funds or reduce the work if costs rise.