Delaware governor orders creation of ‘permitting accelerator’ for broadband, other infrastructure projects

Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer on Thursday signed an executive order that directs the state to develop a “permitting accelerator” for broadband and other infrastructure projects, citing delays caused by regulatory bottlenecks that have hindered the expansion of internet access in Delaware.

The order, a news release said, directs agencies to coordinate permit reviews, prioritize high-impact projects, accelerate timelines where legally permissible and to improve process transparency. But it strives to do so without expanding agency authority or weakening environmental, health or safety protections. The order cites housing affordability issues, urgent energy needs, “smart growth” imperatives and concerns about economic competitiveness, as businesses seek certainty, speed and coordination from state governments.

Delaware’s permitting and regulatory review processes touch a number of sectors, including housing, energy, transportation, broadband and water infrastructure — but officials said that in recent years and across all areas, state permitting timelines have often stretched 18–24 months, or longer, increasing project costs, discouraging private investment, constraining housing supply and slowing delivery of essential infrastructure.

These delays have placed Delaware at a “competitive disadvantage” relative to neighboring states, the news release said, that have more predictable and coordinated review processes.

The order comes after the state received an approval from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in November on its final proposal for how it plans to spend its share of funds from the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, which came out to around $107 million.

“For too long, Delawareans have watched essential projects get stuck in red tape that can stretch on for years, driving up costs and stifling progress,” Meyer said in the news release. “By creating a permitting accelerator with clear timelines, real accountability, and transparent tracking, we can build more affordable, workforce-focused homes and deliver reliable, sustainable energy and 21st century infrastructure, without weakening environmental protections or public safety.”