FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 29, 2026
Contact: Joe Edelen (302) 743-7013
Senate passes FY 26 “Mini” Bond Bill
DOVER – Today, the Senate unanimously passed House Bill 270, sponsored by Joint Capital Improvement Committee Co-Chairs Representative Debra Heffernan and Senator Jack Walsh, to amend the FY 26 Bond and Capital Improvements Act – also known as the “Mini” Bond Bill.
The Mini Bond Bill makes adjustments to the allocation of existing appropriations within the $977 million FY 26 capital budget. It does not authorize or appropriate any new state funds, but instead refines the use of funds already approved.
Prior to its passage in the Senate, the House of Representatives unanimously approved House Bill 270 on Wednesday.
“By making necessary, targeted clarifications to the FY 26 capital budget, we ensure that appropriated taxpayer dollars are used as effectively and efficiently as possible to meet Delaware’s current needs – without spending any new funds,” said Senator Jack Walsh.
“This year’s Mini Bond Bill will fine-tune our investments in road and transportation infrastructure while ensuring that the significant Edgemoor Port Terminal expansion project can progress to deliver real economic impact for future generations of Delaware workers.”
Some of the highlights of the FY 26 Mini Bond Bill include:
- Reallocates $7 million in funding to expand the Bear and Millsboro Veterans Cemeteries. This will add 1,200 columbarium niches in Bear and 2,000 field vaults in Millsboro.
- Updates the mission of the Legislative Building Committee to develop design standards and plans for Legislative Hall
- Allows for DNREC funds to be used for a new mixed species exhibit at the Brandywine Zoo.
- Redirects funds in the Department of Corrections to be used for the HVAC project at the James T. Vaughn Correctional Center.
- Redirects funds in the KIDS Department for the Cleveland White Building Project.
- Authorizes residual funding from Delaware State Police building projects to be used toward improvements at the Delaware State Police Firing Range.
- Authorizes certain reimbursements from the Community Transportation Trust Fund.
- Authorizes the Diamond State Port Corporation, in consultation with DelDOT, to conduct a study to evaluate the feasibility of directing truck traffic to Hay Road when entering and exiting the new Edgemoor Port Terminal
- Clarifies that the Diamond State Port Corporation Executive Director is hired by and reports to the full Board.
“Each year, the Bond bill makes meaningful investments in communities across Delaware, supporting everything from infrastructure improvements to small businesses to school construction,” said Representative Debra Heffernan.
“The Mini Bond Bill allows us to continue that work by reallocating and clarifying existing funds so these investments can be put to their best and most effective use without authorizing any new state spending.”
Following its passage in the Senate, House Bill 270 now heads to the Governor’s desk for approval.
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