Delaware officials recently signed a joint use agreement that paves the way for more civilian and commercial flights at a portion of the Dover Air Force Base. The agreement, negotiated over several years by the Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware River & Bay Authority, was signed with the U.S. Department of Defense, allowing for an increase in the maximum number of operations from 13,500 to 25,000. This agreement, which will run for 50 years, is seen as a significant opportunity to attract more developers to central Delaware.
DelDOT Secretary Nicole Majeksi expressed optimism about the economic benefits of the agreement, noting that it could lead to the creation of hundreds if not thousands of new jobs in the area. Senator Chris Coons also emphasized the untapped potential of increasing civilian and commercial flights in Delaware, citing the state’s competitive advantage.
With the previous lease agreement lasting 25 years, state leaders are hopeful that doubling the length of the new contract will encourage more companies and developers to partner with the terminal. The Central Dover Aviation Complex, formerly known as the Civil Air Terminal, boasts two of the largest runways in the state, positioning it as an attractive hub for increased flight operations.
Officials are optimistic that the new agreement will not only benefit the local economy but also attract more diverse activities to the area, such as traffic from NASCAR, music festivals, and events at the DE Turf Complex. Overall, the joint use agreement represents a significant step forward in expanding economic development and opportunities in central Delaware.
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