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Karen's Plan: Ensuring Excellence In New Castle County Infrastructure

 

As your candidate for New Castle County Executive, I bring eight years of experience as President of the New Castle County Council, where I have championed numerous infrastructure initiatives. My commitment to enhancing our county's infrastructure encompasses key areas such as wastewater management, stormwater management, fleet and facilities management, and tree maintenance. I have supported critical wastewater projects serving over 122,000 customers, advocated for robust stormwater management to prevent flooding and improve water quality, and ensured the efficient operation of 58 county buildings and over 1,000 fleet vehicles. Additionally, I have promoted environmental stewardship through comprehensive tree maintenance programs. My vision for New Castle County includes investing in advanced technologies, sustainable practices, and innovative solutions to build a resilient, future-ready infrastructure that enhances the quality of life for all residents.

Ensuring Excellence in New Castle County Infrastructure: Wastewater, Stormwater, Fleet and Facilities, and Tree Maintenance

 

As your Candidate for New Castle County Executive, with eight years of dedicated service as President of New Castle County Council, I have tirelessly supported, advocated for, sponsored legislation, and voted for numerous innovative initiatives. My extensive experience and unwavering commitment to enhancing our County's infrastructure underscore my candidacy. Let's explore the critical services and programs that New Castle County Government provides in wastewater, stormwater, fleet and facilities, and tree maintenance—and how these services impact our community.​​​​

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Wastewater Management

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New Castle County's wastewater management system serves over 122,000 customers, handling 50 million gallons of water daily. The Wastewater Division is responsible for the design, construction, and maintenance of this extensive infrastructure, including:

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  • 45,000 manholes

  • 1,800 miles of sanitary sewer gravity collection pipes

  • 3 Wastewater Treatment Plants

  • 175 pump stations

 

Proper maintenance of this system ensures public health, environmental protection, and efficient wastewater treatment. Our Public Works employees are on call 24/7, maintaining pumping stations, cleaning sewer lines, and designing new infrastructure. Over the past eight years, I have championed funding and support for these vital services, and as County Executive, I will continue to prioritize investment in our wastewater infrastructure to meet future demands.

Stormwater Management

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Effective stormwater management is essential for flood prevention and water quality improvement. New Castle County enforces stringent stormwater regulations, ensuring that post-development runoff matches pre-development levels. Our stormwater management practices include:

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  • Wet ponds

  • Dry ponds

  • Bio-filtration systems

  • Underground storage tanks

  • Sand filters

  • Green roofs

  • Porous pavement

 

The Department of Public Works inspects over 2,700 stormwater management facilities annually, ensuring compliance with design standards. These inspections and subsequent maintenance prevent erosion, manage pollutants, and protect our waterways. I have supported legislation and initiatives to strengthen stormwater management practices, and as County Executive, I will continue to enforce and enhance these measures to safeguard our environment.​

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Fleet and Facilities Management

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The Fleet and Facilities Division oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of New Castle County's 58 buildings, totaling over 1.5 million square feet, including 11 public libraries. Additionally, the division manages:

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  • 1,000 fleet vehicles

  • 850 pieces of equipment

 

Proper management of these assets ensures that county operations run smoothly and efficiently. Over the last eight years, I have backed initiatives to modernize our fleet and facilities, ensuring they meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency. As County Executive, I will continue to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and sustainable fleet management practices.

Tree Maintenance

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Maintaining our County's green spaces is vital for environmental health and community well-being. Our tree maintenance programs include regular inspections, pruning, and removal of hazardous trees. These efforts enhance public safety, preserve natural beauty, and support local biodiversity. I have consistently advocated for robust tree maintenance programs, and as County Executive, I will expand these efforts, promoting green initiatives and enhancing our urban forest.

My Commitment to Infrastructure Excellence

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Throughout my tenure as President of New Castle County Council, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to improving our County's infrastructure. My experience and dedication have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to lead our County into a sustainable and prosperous future. As your County Executive, I will:

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  • Continue to fund and support critical wastewater and stormwater infrastructure projects.

  • Modernize our fleet and facilities to ensure efficiency and sustainability.

  • Enhance tree maintenance programs to promote a greener New Castle County.

 

Experience matters. As a mother of four and a long-standing public servant, I understand the importance of reliable infrastructure in enhancing our quality of life. Together, we can build a brighter future for New Castle County.

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Join me in this journey. Let's ensure excellence in our County's infrastructure and create a thriving community for all.​​

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