Department of Correction emphasizes maintenance, security camera upgrades and facility repairs in FY27 request

Terry Taylor, commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction, presented the department’s FY27 capital priorities to the bond committee and framed them as necessary investments to sustain safe operations across nearly 2,000,000 square feet of state‑owned facilities and close to 1,000 acres of land.

Taylor said the DOC is requesting $5,000,000 for maintenance and restoration to support critical systems (HVAC, plumbing, roofing, electrical and security) and an additional $5,000,000 in minor capital improvements and equipment to address boilers, air conditioning and facility renovations. The department also requested $734,400 to expand and modernize security camera systems at key facilities, $1,300,000 to replace failing cast‑iron sewer lines at Howard R. Young, and $2,000,000 to renovate and expand shower facilities in two housing units.

The commissioner reviewed recent completed projects, including air‑handling and HVAC replacements, infirmary renovations at Howard R. Young, and security mesh panels to allow outdoor recreation. He said multiple projects remain underway at James T. Vaughn, Baylor and SCI to address aging roofs, HVAC systems and ADA/PREA compliance.

Committee members asked whether large projects like the Sussex pretrial housing Unit 6 expansion were in design. Taylor confirmed the Sussex expansion currently sits at the design stage and has no funding in the governor’s recommendation. He also described operational changes made after the closure of the Plummer Center, saying the work‑release program was moved to the Community Corrections Treatment Center in Smyrna and that staff and transportation resources were redeployed to support employment connections for participants.

Why it matters: The DOC’s capital requests are framed as sustaining essential infrastructure for public safety and compliance with facility accreditation standards. Several items, including the security camera upgrade and sewer replacement, are presented as addressing immediate operational risk.

What’s next: The committee will consider the governor’s recommendation alongside the department request in upcoming budget deliberations; no formal vote occurred at the hearing.