DRBA approves capital improvements and strategic plan

The Delaware River and Bay Authority commissioners have adopted the agency’s 2025 capital improvement program, along with an authority-wide five-year strategic plan for the agency’s airports and crossing facilities.

The 2025 CIP of $178.5 million consists of $131.7 million in authority resources and nearly $46.8 million in federal, state and local grant funds. The board action took place at the bi-state agency’s monthly meeting at the DRBA administrative complex in New Castle.

“A healthy, reliable infrastructure network is vital for economic growth and prosperity,” said Vince Meconi, DRBA chief operations officer. “Millions of people rely on our family of transportation services to move goods and services, get to a family vacation or commute to work every day. As public stewards of some important regional transportation assets, the authority will continue to make necessary and prudent investments in our family of transportation services that will benefit our customers. This CIP is an investment in our collective future.”

Long-term plans include the design and construction of a new vessel for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, partially funded by the U.S. Maritime Administration, along with primary vessel shipyard dry‐dockings, purchase of life-saving equipment, seating replacements, systems efficiency upgrades, generator overhauls and other improvements.

Major projects are also planned for the authority’s Delaware Memorial Bridge; the Forts Ferry, Wilmington Airport, Delaware Air Park and Dover Civil Air Terminal; and the Millville Executive and Cape May airports in New Jersey.

All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities. 

To learn more, go to drba.net.