Delaware
Delaware’s largest data center proposal charges forward despite hurdles
Is a data center coming to Delaware City?
A large data center project is in the approval process in New Castle County. County Council is deciding how to regulate them.
Delaware’s largest data center proposal remains on the table despite state hurdles.
The data center would be 11 two-story data center buildings surrounded by electrical fields on two large land parcels north of Delaware City accessible by Hamburg Road, Governor Lea Road and River Road. It would be 6 million square feet of data center running 24 hours a day, seven days week. One land parcel needs to be rezoned, needing more approvals and a County Council vote.
One of its largest hurdles was the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s February ruling that the project cannot go forward because of the state’s Coastal Zone Act. The decades-old law prevents most large industrial projects from becoming a reality along shorelines on the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware River and Bay, Indian River Bay and more. The developer, Starwood Digital Ventures, has appealed that decision.
On March 4, the project was presented to the state’s Preliminary Land Use Service board, which coordinates state, county and local plans. They were originally slated to present to the New Castle County Board of Adjustment on March 5, but asked for a “continuance” and got it, according to New Castle County Land Use General Manager Dave Culver. The meeting is moved to a later date, and the county will get notes about the rezoning and plan in general after the state planning board meeting.
Now, the project’s developers are promoting their projects to New Castle County residents, political campaign style. Residents may have seen text messages and social media posts promoting Project Washington’s potential economic viability recently as the developers continue to trudge through the state and county processes to get the massive data center approved and moving.
“Let’s get Project Washington the green light to bring 3,500 construction and skilled trade jobs over the next ten years! Project Washington is fully consistent with the County’s Comprehensive Plan; we cannot afford to slow down job creation,” one automated text to New Castle County Council member David Carter said.
While meetings at all levels are looking at this project’s viability and potential regulations, Starwood Digital Ventures is confident in the project.
What is a data center and why could one come to Delaware?
Data centers house computer systems, servers and more to store, process and distribute information. Project Washington will be a larger-than-average data center campus serving many customers, and would comfortably be the largest data center in Delaware.
Delaware does not have the large data center campuses other states in the region have. Specifically, Virginia has become a hotbed for new facilities in the past few years since use of artificial intelligence began to skyrocket. Loudon County in Northern Virginia has become the data center capital of the U.S., and a report from the Northern Virginia Technology Council in 2024 said they can contribute billions to economic output and to tax revenue.
“Data centers are the major drivers of investment in Virginia,” the 2024 report reads. “This investment comes in the form of building and operating the data centers themselves, plus investments in Virginia made by businesses that supply and support data centers in the state, such as energy and utility providers and manufacturers.”
The report said data centers were responsible for more than 26,000 operational and construction jobs and over $16 billion in overall economic output.
Starwood thinks something like that will happen in Delaware. Jim Lamb, who is handling media relations for the project, said the project will generate about $76 million in annual revenue for the county once completed. He said $60 million of which will go toward public education and $15 million for the county’s general fund.
“If this was fully operational today, this project would be accounting for nearly 20% of the entire general operating fund for the county,” he said.
He said this will create 3,500 construction jobs and 700 permanent jobs, and that the project has the support of local trade unions. The permanent jobs will service and upgrade the systems continually. The estimated economic output is “almost $10 billion,” Lamb said.
“It’s unique in terms of the level of support,” he said. “There’s never been a project like this in Delaware that has had every union and trade in support.”
The project will have a “closed-loop” water cooling system as well. Data centers nationwide have been scrutinized for their water usage, but a closed-loop system recirculates water. Lamb said the data center, once up and running, will use 12.7 million gallons of water annually. He said this water system makes the project “state of the art.”
This, and the open space that will be built into the project and its location in a relatively unpopulated area of New Castle County, according to Lamb.
“We are in the perfect location for a data center campus,” he said “And if you look at other examples, you’ll see that this is really a unique opportunity for the county and the state.”
DNREC to data center: Drop dead
Delaware’s environmental agency put the brakes on this project in February by saying it violates Delaware’s Coastal Zone Act.
For Project Washington, the pitfalls were the more than 500 backup diesel fuel tanks and generators, which would store 2.5 million gallons of fuel, the report reads. The most backup generators on any project in Delaware’s coastal zone is eight, the report says.
“Indeed, a proposal to operate more than 500 backup generators at a single location with more than 2.5 million gallons of stored diesel fuel appears to be entirely unprecedented, and would have been inconceivable just a few years ago,” the report says. “The large tank farm that is incorporated into this proposal will pose exactly the types of risks that justify the categorical exclusion of such a tank farm from the Coastal Zone as a prohibited use.”
The tanks are for power emergencies, and would only run 37 to 45 minutes per month just to test if they are operational, Lamb said.
The appeal from Starwood’s attorneys said the original DNREC decision “solely focuses on alleged environmental risk and worst-case emissions, and does not fairly weigh or explain these countervailing factors in light of regulating criteria.”
The official appeal mentions countervailing factors including avoiding wetlands, no direct surface water discharges, and projected economic benefits.
The appeal will be heard on March 24, and if needed, March 25, in Dover.
New Castle County Council member wants rules for data centers
David Carter has been leading the charge toward data center regulation for months, and he’s not stopping now.
The council member who represents Middletown and Townsend in New Castle County Council is drafting legislation that would require closed-loop cooling systems and clarifies noise levels that data centers can produce. It also restricts data centers into land parcels zoned “heavy industry,” “industry” and “extractive use.” This came from months of compromises within New Castle County Council over how to regulate data centers in the future.
He said Project Washington’s situation in Delaware is much different from others in states like Virginia. New Castle County does not have a Business Tangible Personal Property tax on “computer structural equipment” or have a project’s sales tax, making the project’s tax revenue potentially smaller, more like $2 million to $5 million.
“I think this is a real bad deal for Delaware,” Carter said. “It ain’t adding up to be positive.”
This project could add demand to an already expensive power grid in Delaware. The state produced the second-least amount of electricity in the country in November 2025 according to Choose Energy, a website with electricity rates and data.
In his official podcast in December 2025, Gov. Matt Meyer said he supports having data centers as long as they don’t come at the expense of residents. A proposed “large load tariff” from Delmarva Power and Light would require high energy users like data centers to pay a larger share of the transmission and infrastructure costs associated with their substantial electricity needs.
To Carter, comparing Project Washington to other data centers in the region is more than comparing apples and oranges.
“It’s comparing apples to elephants,” he said.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at slbrennan@delawareonline.com.
Slithery intruder makes appearance on beach
A huge snake was spotted making its way across the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. Luckily, the reptile was not venomous.
It could be one of your worst nightmares.
You’re enjoying a summer day in the water when you feel something brush past your leg. You turn, and there’s a snake.
While the chances of that scenario playing out are highly unlikely, there is a good chance the waters you enjoy playing in are also inhabited by snakes.
The danger level might not be as high as Florida’s, but it’s still something to be aware of when you go into the outdoors.
Here’s a look at the snake-infested lakes and ponds in Delaware, according to worldatlas.com.
Nanticoke River
The Nanticoke River runs 64 miles from southern Delaware to the Chesapeake Bay, winding through marshlands, forests, and farmland along the way. The habitat is perfect for the Northern watersnake. The snakes are nonvenomous, but they will defensively strike if you corner them or try to hold them.
The Brandywine
This is where you need to be very careful. The Eastern copperhead is a confirmed and documented presence, and a small group exists at Alapocas Run State Park along the water near Wilmington. The snakes won’t chase you, but if you step too close or don’t see them, they will strike. You should watch your step near log piles and rocky outcrops.
Millsboro Pond
Millsboro Pond is the home to perch, black crappie and frogs, which is the perfect food for snakes including northern water snakes, plain-bellied water snakes, queen snakes and common ribbon snakes.
The Eastern copperhead lives in southern Sussex County, which includes the pond. However, sightings are rare. It’s something to watch out for when you are at the pond.
Lums Pond
The pond, located in Lums Pond State Park, has numerous varieties of snakes. However, the inlets and small islands are perfect for northern water snakes to bask in the sun. The snakes thrive on fish and amphibians and benefit from the surrounding forest and wetlands.
One snake to watch for is the ringneck snake. It has a mild venom and its teeth have trouble puncturing human skin, but for those with venom allergies, you should treat it like any other venomous species.
Trap Pond
Trap Pond, located in Trap Pond State Park, is noted for its cypress swamp. The bald cypress trees and the tree’s root structure provide a great hiding place and basking spot for eastern garter snakes and northern water snakes.
Silver Lake
Located in Dover, Silver Lake is lined with trees and vegetation, making it a great place for snakes. The northern water snake is seen here, but eastern kingsnakes are also occasionally seen in the wooded areas of the lake.
Garrison Lake
Garrison Lake is a popular spot in Kent County for fishing and boating. The marshy areas and dense vegetation are perfect habitats for northern water snakes, eastern garter snakes and eastern rat snakes. The wetlands are attractive to snakes due to the abundance of prey and the availability of cover.
Red Mills Pond
Red Mills Pond, located near Lewes, has a rich biodiversity supporting numerous amphibians and small mammals, which attract snakes. Among the snakes you may see in and around the pond are the northern water snake, eastern ribbon snake and eastern ribbon snake.
Del lawmakers discuss bill requiring teachers work with valid licenses
The bill is a response to revelations a school therapist fabricated his credentials before he was charged with sexual abuse of a child.
Delaware Online/The News Journal won the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism for its reporting revealing hundreds of invalid teacher licenses in Delaware.
The work by reporters Kelly Powers and Esteban Parra led to lawmakers proposing a bill that would tighten licensing requirements for public school employees and penalize districts that retain unlicensed staff.
The judges cited the work for “meticulous and thorough reporting” and “a fair and balanced presentation of the situation.”
The A‑Mark prize honors excellence in watchdog and accountability reporting. It is backed by The A‑Mark Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit supporting investigative and unbiased social‑issue journalism, in partnership with the Maryland‑Delaware‑DC Press Association.
“The reporting from Kelly Powers and Esteban Parra reflects the very best of investigative journalism in Delaware – thorough, fair and impactful,’’ said Mike Feeley, executive editor of The News Journal and Delaware Online. “We are proud to see their work awarded with the inaugural A-Mark Prize in a highly competitive field.
“I congratulate all of Delaware Online’s award winners in this year’s MDDC Awards for their commitment to journalism that strengthens our communities,’’ Feeley said.
Delaware Online/The News Journal won a total of 18 awards May 8 at the MDDC Press Association’s annual conference.
The MDDC Awards recognizes news publications from Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. For each category, a first- and second-place winner is chosen based on circulation divisions. A part of the largest-circulation division, Delaware Online/The News Journal competes against news sites like the Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Banner and Washington Post.
Here is the list of winners, with links to the stories that took home the prizes.
Best of Show
- News-Driven Art or Illustration: Luis Solano, “American’s deadliest habit”
First Place
Second Place
- Feature Story: Non-Profile: Xerxes Wilson, “Why this Delaware prison is making tattooing part of its educational programming”
- Sports Feature Story: Brandon Holveck, Martin Frank, “Eagles’ Saquon Barkley’s historic season built on selflessness, generational athleticism”
- Local Column: Critical Thinking: Xerxes Wilson, “Broken bones, brick walls and searching for accountability”
- Sports Photo (Feature): Benjamin Chambers, “Delaware wins 61-31 against UTEP in Conference USA regular season finale”
- Public Service Reporting: Krys’tal Griffin, “While these Delaware riders depend on Paratransit, the service still lags post-pandemic”
- Breaking News: The News Journal staff, “Delaware State trooper killed by shooter prevented other deaths, state officials say”
- News Page Design: Luis Solano, “American’s deadliest habit”
- Page 1 Design: Stephanie Lindholm, “Musical haven in Delaware”
- Continuing Reporting: Kelly Powers, Shane Brennan, “Your property taxes are changing. What Delaware homeowners should know about new laws”
- General Website Excellence, The News Journal
What to know about jury duty in Delaware
Here are some tips and information about what to do when you receive a jury summons in the mail in Delaware.
A lawsuit seeking to represent all people locked up by Delaware claims that prisoners are routinely left to “marinate” in a high-concentration pepper spray.
The lawsuit filed May 7 in Delaware Court of Chancery seeks an injunction barring correction officials from using the spray until leaders enforce rules the lawsuit says require staff to decontaminate prisoners after they are targeted.
In interviews, state prisoners have frequently described officers’ use of so-called OC spray, a more concentrated form of pepper spray only available to law enforcement, as cruel. Prisoners say the spray is deployed unnecessarily, recklessly, frequently and causes intense burning on the skin and through the respiratory system.
“Imagine taking a glass bottle, smashing it up and grinding it up and snorting that up your nose, then times that by 1,000,” said a former prisoner, William Davis, describing being sprayed during a previous interview about a similar use‑of‑force lawsuit involving Sussex Correctional Institution. “I felt it burn for days.”
Records obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show OC spray — short for oleoresin capsicum — is used hundreds of times a year and is a frequent issue in Delaware prison lawsuits. The new ACLU lawsuit seeks class-action status on behalf of all Delaware prisoners and focuses on what happens after someone is sprayed.
The lawsuit claims officers routinely ignore training, policy and clear health risks by failing to properly flush and clean people after using OC spray. It argues the practice violates Delaware’s constitutional ban on “cruel” punishment.
Prisoners allege they were sprayed while handcuffed, naked or already subdued, including one who said officers sprayed him through his cell door while he was locked inside, and another who said he was forced during a strip search to touch his genitals and then his mouth after being sprayed.
In each of these episodes, the lawsuit states that prisoners were not properly decontaminated, some were left unattended, returned to a contaminated cell, left in clothes drenched in spray and some were not allowed to shower for a day or more after.
“Refusing to decontaminate prisoners is cruel because it subjects them to hours of needless suffering. Prolonged exposure is also potentially deadly,” the lawsuit states.
Delaware Department of Correction officials did not respond to requests for comment.
The allegations of the lawsuit are built partially on declarations from eight named plaintiffs in Delaware prisons. Additionally, it leans on video and deposition evidence from two other excessive force cases the ACLU is litigating on behalf of Delaware prisoners.
In those other cases, several officers have testified in depositions that they had not decontaminated individuals they sprayed and were unaware if others had, the new lawsuit states.
The lawsuit also cites Department of Correction training materials turned over in other lawsuits. Policy and training documents outline that OC spray is only to be used when no reasonable alternative is available, not as retaliation or punishment and in short bursts from a safe distance.
A training presentation describes the health risks of OC spray and says sprayed individuals should be moved to fresh air, assessed for medical conditions and repeatedly flushed and wiped to decontaminate them.
It notes that people who have been sprayed must be monitored. It underscores these instructions with a red skull and crossbones.
Other litigation: New lawsuit claims excessive force used by Delaware officers during September prison raids
In interviews, prisoners have reported that officers would “empty the can” in long bursts directed closely at their face. The named plaintiffs in the new lawsuit include asthmatic individuals who said they were denied their inhaler after being sprayed.
Besides pain, OC spray can cause difficulty breathing, gagging, heart distress and blindness. It can also induce a feeling of suffocation and helplessness, according to a department training presentation. Failure to decontaminate can cause blindness, respiratory failure and skin conditions, the lawsuit states.
If sprayed too close, the OC molecules can cause what’s known as “hydraulic needling of the eyes” where the spray causes lacerations, the complaint states, noting that multiple prisoners in other states have died after being sprayed.
The lawsuit also claims that officers deploy OC spray in numerous ways, which include a grenade, fogger, spray, muzzle blast rounds, as well as pepper balls fired from a weapon similar to a paintball gun.
One of the named plaintiffs was shot numerous times by a pepper ball gun, rupturing the globe of his right eye. A separate lawsuit filed on behalf of that prisoner was dismissed because he didn’t address written complaints about the episode through prescribed channels inside the prison.
Rather than seeking damages for federal constitutional violations, the lawsuit asks only for an injunction forcing changes to decontamination practices. And instead of following the typical federal-court path for prisoner-rights cases, it was filed in Delaware’s Court of Chancery — the state’s business court, where cases tend to move more quickly.
It names Department of Correction Commissioner Terra Taylor as its lone defendant, claiming that the department has knowingly failed to follow its own policy regarding the spray’s use.
It also cites a deposition given by Taylor in other litigation in which she states there is no specific process for decontaminating those targeted with OC, that she hasn’t taken any steps to require officers to do so, and that she doesn’t believe there is an obligation to do so.
Contact Xerxes Wilson at (302) 324-2787 or xwilson@delawareonline.com.
-
News5 minutes agoFrontier Airlines plane hits person on runway during takeoff at Denver airport
-
New York2 hours agoMan Dies in Subway Attack; Mamdani Orders Inquiry Into Suspect’s Release From Bellevue
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoPatchy dense fog turns to stronger thunderstorms for Metro Detroit to start the weekend
-
San Francisco, CA2 hours agoWhere to watch Pittsburgh Pirates vs San Francisco Giants: TV channel, start time, streaming for May 9
-
Dallas, TX2 hours agoFC Dallas vs Real Salt Lake Preview: Lineups, Storylines & What to Watch
-
Miami, FL2 hours agoMiami Area Gets First New Manufactured Home Community in Decades
-
Boston, MA3 hours agoWhat we know about wrong-way driver killed in head-on collision with state trooper in Lynnfield – The Boston Globe
-
Denver, CO3 hours agoA Frontier plane hits a pedestrian during takeoff at Denver airport