Delaware National Guard seeks state match after federal denial raises Cheswold costs

Major General Benson, representing the Delaware National Guard, reviewed readiness-center needs and requested state support for both minor capital improvements and major projects. He described an average facility age of 64 years for readiness centers and asked for continued MCI funding (FY27 request around $2.3 million) and for support on two major projects.

Benson said the Cheswold Readiness Center cost estimate grew from $28 million to $38 million after the National Guard Bureau declined an additional federal increase to account for inflationary pressures. As a result the state share rose from an original $7 million to an estimated $12 million; Benson said $300,000 was approved in FY25, $3.8 million was programmed in FY26, the National Guard is requesting $5.5 million in FY27 and $2.3 million in FY28 to complete the state match.

He said the state match is required to secure and not to forfeit federal funds, noting past success leveraging state funds to unlock federal dollars. Benson also requested $2 million for road and parking upgrades at the Bethany Beach training site and outlined other ongoing projects, including the recently completed River Road Readiness Center.

Why it matters: Readiness-center conditions and state match decisions affect the Guard's ability to secure federal funding and to sustain response capabilities for state emergencies and national missions. Committee members asked about federal funding risk and timelines; Benson said commitments are current but not guaranteed and emphasized the operational consequences of underfunded facilities.

The committee thanked the Guard for its service and requested follow-up as funding decisions are finalized.