Buildings named for Senator Tom Carper in Newark, near Smyrna

Lina PortmanJune 2, 2024

0 3 minutes read

Senator Tom Carper is recognized for his years of service to Delaware and the nation with not one, but two buildings named in his honor, both representing the programs he championed.

The Newark train station was dedicated to him on May 17, and the visitor center at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, southeast of Smyrna, will be named in his honor during a ceremony scheduled for May 31.

Carper's legacy in public service began with his time in the United States Navy with five years as a flight officer, three tours of duty during the Vietnam War, and an additional 18 years in the Naval Reserve.

In 1976, he began his career as an elected official, serving as state treasurer for six years, then a U.S. representative for ten years, governor for eight years, and now a U.S. senator for 24 years. He announced last year that he would not seek another term.

For his advocacy of rail travel in these roles, Carper was praised by Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.

“The senator. Carper has been one of Amtrak’s biggest supporters throughout his career as a Congressman, Governor of Delaware, former Amtrak board member and in the Senate,” Gardner said. “He has been a strong advocate for improving the Northeast Corridor and investing in passenger rail across the country so that American travelers can enjoy the benefits of rail as a convenient travel option , durable and comfortable.”

To name the station after Carper, the Delaware Legislature passed a bill that was signed into law by Governor John Carney, praising Carper as “a tireless advocate for passenger rail,” with his commitment “based on its support for environmental protection and economic development. and job creation.

Improvements to rail service in Newark were also praised by University of Delaware President Dennis Assanis, who said the transportation connection is important to the university and the advanced science, technology and research campus (STAR).

“It is only fitting that this station is named after someone who played such a fundamental role in helping us realize our shared vision for the STAR campus,” Assanis said. “We thank him for his service to the entire state of Delaware over the past 47 years.”

Learn more about the STAR Campus:What to know about Delaware warehouse and industrial projects planned for 2024

Carper spoke about the success of the STAR Campus at the site of one of Newark's and the state's biggest setbacks, the 2008 closure of the Chrysler auto plant.

“We rolled up our sleeves and got to work reinventing this neighborhood and bringing back jobs. We were able to do this in part because of this modern, accessible station that allows Amtrak and SEPTA passengers to come here to work and learn,” Carper said. “I am so proud that 3,000 employees and dozens of students come to work here every day. »

He thanked everyone at the ceremony: “This honor is undeserved, but it is not unrecognized. »

New visitor center at wildlife refuge named in honor of Carper

At Bombay Hook on May 31, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams is expected to announce that the visitor center will be named after Carper, “a longtime refuge advocate Delaware National Wildlife.”

In October, the Fish and Wildlife Service completed construction of the 7,300-square-foot center to replace the 4,500-square-foot facility built in 1980. Funds came from the Great American Outdoors Act supported by Carper.

Learn more about Bombay Hook:Overview of Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge's new visitor center

In addition to more space to accommodate visitors and nature programs, the new center will house more workers, consolidating employees who were at three different sites, including Bombay Hook staff, other Fish and Wildlife employees Delaware Bay Estuary Department and Program Office.

At the center's October 27 premiere, Williams welcomed Carper as the guest of honor, but Carper said the Bombay Hook star was nature.

“People come here from all over the country and all over the planet,” Carper said, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources for future generations.

“This new center will allow us to tell a story that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives, to pass it on to their children and grandchildren,” he said.

Lina Portman

Related Articles

Idaho Fishing Report: Here's where the fish are biting near Boise as summer approaches

Sarim Burney sent to prison on remand

Staff refuse medical care and deliberately trigger allergies

Want to be better at sports? Colgate has a proven secret weapon for you in its new “Game Face” campaign with VML and Wavemaker