A public dispute has emerged between State Representative Bryan Shupe and the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) regarding the use of the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Fund (TIIF). The conflict follows the approval of $1.8 million in state funding for roadway construction tied to a Royal Farms project in Milton.
Rep. Shupe voiced criticism after a Royal Farms spokesperson stated the company had originally planned to finance the roadway improvements on its own. Shupe argued that the decision to shift the cost to taxpayers was inappropriate at a time when residents are facing higher tolls, fees, and other transportation-related expenses. He described the award as “reckless spending” that undermines public trust and urged greater accountability in the handling of taxpayer money.
In response, DelDOT issued a statement stressing that TIIF is not a DelDOT program but a stand-alone economic development initiative established by state law in 2019. The fund is overseen by an independent nine-member council that reviews applications and recommends awards in public sessions. DelDOT noted that its role is limited to administering the program as directed by the General Assembly.
According to DelDOT, TIIF has awarded more than $50 million to 28 businesses since its creation, supporting the development of over 11,700 new jobs across Delaware. The department rejected claims of reckless spending, calling such statements “disappointing and dishonest.” Officials added that lawmakers who disagree with funding decisions should attend TIIF meetings to raise objections directly and gain a clearer understanding of the program.
Shupe responded to DelDOT’s unsigned post with the following statement:
“What DelDOT is not telling you when they go after me about opposing the $1.8 million grant to Royal Farms in Milton is that they are violating their own law.
SB61 clearly states (lines 6–7) that these funds may only be used “when such an economic development opportunity would create a significant number of direct, permanent, quality, full-time jobs.”
Yet the Cape Gazette article announcing this grant made it clear that Royal Farms will create 24 minimum-wage jobs. That does not sound like a “significant number of direct, permanent, quality, full-time jobs” to me.
So while DelDOT tries to distract from the issue, the truth is simple: this is wasteful spending of taxpayer money that ignores the law’s own standards.”
The agency did not say which businesses had benefited from the more than $50 million dollars in the past. Additionally, they did not address the company’s original plan to finance the roadway improvements on its own in their social media post Tuesday.
