Re: Establishing The Delaware Task Force On Sustainable Transportation Funding

WHEREAS, a safe, efficient, and well-maintained transportation system is critical to the economic vitality, public safety, and quality of life for all residents and businesses in the State of Delaware;

WHEREAS, the Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) was established to provide a reliable, dedicated funding source for the construction, maintenance, and improvement of the State's transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, transit, and related facilities;

WHEREAS, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has identified growing funding gaps between available revenues and the investments required to meet current and future transportation needs, exacerbated by rising construction costs, aging infrastructure, changing travel patterns, and the increasing need to build resiliency into the transportation system to withstand extreme weather events and other long-term stresses;

WHEREAS, the sustainability of the TTF has been further challenged by rising operational costs, including those transitioned from the General Fund to the TTF over time, along with limitations on traditional revenue sources such as motor fuel taxes, particularly in light of increasing fuel efficiency and emerging vehicle technologies;

WHEREAS, transportation funding challenges must be addressed proactively to ensure that Delaware can improve safety and reliability, maintain a state of good repair, and support economic growth, environmental sustainability, and the mobility needs of all residents while ensuring continued excellence in transportation for the First State;

WHEREAS, collaboration among state agencies, local governments, the private sector, and the public is essential to identify and evaluate innovative, equitable, and longterm funding mechanisms to support the State's multimodal transportation system;

WHEREAS, establishing a Task Force will enable stakeholders and experts to develop recommendations that balance fiscal responsibility, public accountability, and Delaware's commitment to sustainable infrastructure investment;

WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the State to ensure that transportation funding strategies align with broader goals of economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship, and quality of life for future generations.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, MATTHEW MEYER, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor of the State of Delaware, do hereby DECLARE and ORDER the following:

1. There is hereby established the Delaware Task Force on Sustainable Transportation Funding (the "Task Force").
2. The Task Force shall:
   1. Review the current and projected financial condition of the Transportation Trust Fund.
   2. Analyze trends in transportation revenues, expenditures, and capital needs over the next 20 years.
   3. Evaluate innovative, equitable, and sustainable funding mechanisms, including but not limited to user fees, public-private partnerships, and efficiency measures.
   4. Engage stakeholders and the public to gather input on priorities, values, and funding options.
   5. Prepare and submit a written report to the Governor and the General Assembly with findings and recommendations for long-term funding strategies.
3. The Task Force shall consist of no fewer than 19 members to include:
   1. The Secretary of Transportation, who shall serve as Chair;
   2. The Secretary of Finance;
   3. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget;
   4. Two members of the Senate appointed by the President Pro Tempore (one from each caucus);
   5. Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House (one from each caucus);
   6. One member of the Delaware Economic & Financial Advisory Council appointed by the Governor;
   7. One member of the Council on Transportation appointed by the Governor;
   8. Three representatives of the League of Local Governments (one from each county), appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by the League;
   9. One member from Laborers' International Union of North America (LIUNA), to be appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by LIUNA;
   10. One member from the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employee (AFSCME), to be appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by AFSCME;
   11. One member from the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), to be appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by ATU;
   12. One member of the Delaware Contractors Association, appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by the Association;
   13. One member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by the Chamber;
   14. One member of the Committee of 100, appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by the Committee; and
   15. One member of the American Council of Engineering Companies of Delaware, appointed by the Governor from among candidates recommended by the Council.
4. Members serving by virtue of position may, with the written consent of the Governor, select a permanent or meeting-specific designee to serve in their stead and at their pleasure. Legislative members shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority. All other members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor.
5. The Governor may increase the size of the Task Force and appoint additional members at his pleasure.
6. The Task Force shall hold its first meeting within 30 days of this Order. A final report shall be delivered to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than December 2026.
7. The Delaware Department of Transportation shall provide staff and administrative support as needed.
8. Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to contravene any law or regulation. Nothing in this Executive Order shall affect or alter the existing statutory powers of any State agency.
9. This Executive Order supersedes any contrary provision of any other prior Executive Order.
10. The Task Force shall dissolve on January 1, 2027, unless reconstituted by further Executive Order.

APPROVED this 26th of September 2025.

Matthew Meyer
Governor

ATTEST: Secretary of State