DOVER, DE- The long-planned expansion of Legislative Hall now faces an uncertain future, while a proposed $33 million parking garage is still moving forward. Financial concerns have put the expansion project on hold, raising questions about state spending priorities.
As the 2026 fiscal year approaches, the Bond Committee is in session, reviewing and discussing the state budget, including these proposed projects for Legislative Hall.
On Wednesday afternoon, the Democratic Caucus called for a pause on the more than $100 million Legislative Hall expansion, citing economic uncertainties and the need to prioritize spending in case of federal budget cuts.
"We have decided to call on the building committee to halt the building expansion project for the time being," the caucus said in a statement.
State Sen. Trey Paradee (D- District 17) stressed the importance of focusing on more pressing financial concerns, including rising healthcare costs amid the many federal uncertainties.
"This is going to be a difficult budget year, and it would be a terrible look for the legislature to move forward with a $100 million project to expand Legislative Hall."
While the expansion is stalled, the parking garage project is moving ahead, as funding was already allocated in last year’s bond bill.
Rep. Bryan Shupe (R- District 36) outlined the garage’s features- which would be placed at the corner of Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard South and East Water Street.
"The parking garage itself is $33 million, along with a tunnel to Legislative Hall. It would serve staff, legislators, and some public spaces."
The three-story structure, which will provide 345 parking spaces, is something Paradee feels is a necessary addition.
"Anyone who has visited Legislative Hall on a busy day knows the difficulty in finding parking and hears stories of people just circling the building for great lengths of time."
While others, including Shupe, question whether the garage is a necessary expense at this time.
"We are looking at places to cut the budget. The governor has proposed increasing the personal income tax, raising fees, and also increasing reserve funding to meet budget needs. And this seems like a very easy place to cut."
The debate over the projects continues as lawmakers weigh spending priorities.
The City of Dover stated that the parking garage design team must submit a final site plan before the permitting process can begin.