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Sussex County Council backs $100,000 match to pursue DNREC park-and-trail grant for Forest of the Broadkill Preserve
Summary
The council approved a resolution supporting a $100,000 DNREC OPRT grant application from the Sussex County Land Trust to fund Phase 1 access and trail improvements at the Forest of the Broadkill Preserve, committing a $100,000 county match already budgeted.
Sussex County Council on Tuesday approved a resolution to sponsor a $100,000 Outdoor Recreation Parks and Trails (OPRT) grant application to develop Phase 1 public access for the Forest of the Broadkill Preserve.
Finance Director Gina Jennings told the council the county must adopt a resolution endorsing the Sussex County Land Trust's application and provide a $100,000 local match that is already budgeted. "The resolution must also assign a project manager," Jennings said, identifying the land trust executive director as the project manager for the application.
Sarah Bloom, executive director of the Sussex County Land Trust, presented the project scope and timeline. She described Phase 1 work as construction of a formal entrance with DelDOT approval, stabilization of an existing one-way access road, an ADA-accessible gravel parking area, signage and stormwater management. She estimated Phase 1 costs at $200,000 to $250,000 and said the land trust has secured just over $90,000 in state CRF funding for FY26. "If we get the award, we would find out in December 2025," Bloom said, adding that construction could occur spring–summer 2026 with a ribbon cutting the following fall.
Bloom framed the project as the preserve's first public access point and said it would expand recreation near Milton while protecting habitat and aligning with the state's comprehensive outdoor plan. Jennings read a resolution authorizing the county to submit the OPRT application and to partner with the Sussex County Land Trust on implementation and long-term operation.
A council member moved to adopt the resolution; it was seconded and carried on a recorded vote.
The council's approval sends the grant application to DNREC for consideration. If the grant is awarded, the county and land trust plan further community engagement and master‑planning steps before construction begins.
