Drivers on Route 13 and Route 1 on Smyrna's north side can see work progressing on the shiny metal framework of a large structure, but what’s it for?
The 28,800-square-foot building will be the new food storage warehouse for the Delaware Government Support Services section that administers the U.S. Department of Agriculture food distribution program in the state. That includes child nutrition programs in schools and other sites, food and meal programs for the elderly and for organizations that help people in emergencies.
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The current warehouse at the Fort DuPont property in Delaware City is 35 years old and in need of upgrades, said Peter Korolyk, Government Support Services director.
“The replacement meets several needs including replacing an aged building with a new, more efficient building and systems” in a more central location “capable of serving all of Delaware more efficiently,” Korolyk said.
The current warehouse will be used by the Fort DuPont Redevelopment and Preservation Corporation “for their redevelopment vision,” Korolyk said.
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The new warehouse is under construction at 5412 DuPont Parkway (Route 13 North), next to the Delaware Surplus Services store near the north Smyrna Route 1 interchange, north of the Smyrna rest area. The entrance will be at the surplus store entrance at 5408 DuPont Parkway.
The $18.7 million project will include a food storage warehouse with cold storage rooms, loading docks, truck parking, car parking, an access road and storm water management area. Funds are from the fiscal year 2024 bond bill approved by the state legislature.
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The bid was awarded to Kimball Construction Company of Baltimore with an expected completion date of May 2026.
The plan lists “fleet services parking” of 296 spaces. That will be mainly for the food distribution program vehicles and for Delaware Surplus Services. In addition to operating the food program and the surplus program, Government Support Services also runs the Office of Fleet Services for state agencies.
Reporter Ben Mace covers real estate, development and business news. Reach him at [email protected].