May 18, 2009

DNREC is First State Agency to Win a Competitive Recovery Act Grant

Markell, Denn announce Recovery Act award of $153,895 for 40 new AmeriCorps part-time positions at Delaware State Parks

WILMINGTON - Governor Jack Markell and Lt. Governor Matt Denn announced that Delaware has received $153,895 through Federal Recovery Act funding for 40 new AmeriCorps members to work at Delaware State Parks. The grant is the first competitive grant won by a state agency in Delaware, and more competitive grant announcements are expected soon.

“My administration is going to compete hard for every possible dollar available to Delaware from the federal economic recovery package,” Governor Jack Markell said. “Today’s award will give DNREC additional dollars to complete important projects and fund AmeriCorps positions that will teach young people important lessons about the value of public service.”

“We are thrilled to announce this competitive grant award which creates new jobs, new training for AmeriCorps members, and helps conserve our state parks,” Lt. Governor Denn said. “AmeriCorps is a great program because of the strong sense of service to our community that it instills in our youth.”

The funds awarded by the Corporation for National and Community Service to Delaware State Parks AmeriCorps Recovery Youth Conservation Corps in the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control are available starting June 1 of this year, and must be obligated by May 31st of 2010.

These AmeriCorps members will join thousands of Delawareans whose efforts are helping to maintain critical services during this difficult economic climate.

The 40 new AmeriCorps members aged 17-26 will conduct and promote conservation in our state parks and include activities such as:

• Grounds and landscaping – maintaining critical recreational areas.

• Facility Maintenance – repairing buildings

• Environmental Stewardship – preserving Delaware’s environment

• Historic Site Preservation – maintaining and repairing cultural and historical sites

• Trail Building and Maintenance – allowing maintenance and continued development of 147 miles of trails for walking, running, hiking, and biking

 “We commend the state of Delaware for receiving this competitive grant,” said Sens. Carper and Kaufman. “Today, as the economic downturn causes added hardship for millions of Americans and their communities, we need national service more than ever. We strongly support efforts to strengthen and expand civic engagement and volunteer opportunities in Delaware and across the nation -- just another example of how the recovery package is helping Delawareans.”

In addition to the services provided by AmeriCorps members for Delaware parks, the members themselves will be able to participate in a job skills training program on-site conducted by Parks and Recreation staff members who are experts in their field. Further, the Sussex County Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) will present their “Bridges to a New Position” training to help members successfully search for jobs after their service. The Division of Employment and Training within the Department of Labor will be providing other job training resources to AmeriCorps members, including resume writing and interviewing tips along with a “Skills Inventory” which assesses different ability levels of a person and where improvement could be made. Yet another benefit for AmeriCorps members is the help after their AmeriCorps tenure from the Workforce Development Center which matches training and skills with job seekers into fields that are sustainable and long term in Delaware.

For more information on the AmeriCorps program, call 302-739-9179 or go to: http://www.destateparks.com/volunteers/americorps