When Valero Energy closed down its Delaware City plant before Christmas last year, the nation's economic struggle became a personal nightmare for hundreds of Delaware families.
For some, there now might be an end in sight.
Yesterday I joined Governor Markell in announcing that Valero Energy had reached a deal with PBF Energy to sell the Delaware City facility and -- after some maintenance work -- restart operations next spring.
That means the restoration of 500 full-time jobs and the immediate investment of up to $150 million to renovate the plant.
It's tremendous news, but the fact is, this deal didn't happen on its own. It took extraordinary, disciplined hard work by Governor Markell and his administration, who worked doggedly to prevent Valero from dismantling the facility and to help find a buyer willing to put Delawareans back to work there.
As proud as I am to have been a part of the effort on behalf of New Castle County, I'll be even happier to see our neighbors back to work.
This deal is a demonstration of what strong Democratic leadership can do for Delaware and is the reason I'm running for the Senate. Our state needs leaders who will work tirelessly to put Delawareans to work, not sit on the sidelines and hope things get better.
Amid the layoffs at Valero, GM and Chrysler last fall, New Castle County invested $200,000 to start a training program designed to help with resume preparation, interview and job-search skills, computer training, and to provide other educational opportunities.
There is nothing more important to me than making sure that all Delawareans who want a job can find one. As your Senator, I'd work every day to make that a reality.
I appreciate your support and hope you'll forward this message on to a few of your friends and neighbors, encouraging them to join our campaign.
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