Federal
Momentum Builds for Plaskett’s Bill to Halt NPS Expansion in St. John Amid Calls for Fixed Park Boundaries

In a recent exclusive discussion, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett shed light on the growing legislative movement aimed at curbing the expansion of the National Park Service (NPS) on the island of St. John. This initiative comes in response to the concerns of local inhabitants who feel increasingly hemmed in by federally controlled lands.
During the interview, Plaskett touched upon the controversial land exchange involving Whistling Cay and a federal land parcel in Estate Catherineberg. She expressed that the swap was a necessary action given the current circumstances. However, she also recognized the deep-seated emotional responses from the residents of St. John, attributing them to the island’s historical relationship with the NPS.
With the NPS currently owning an estimated 60% of St. John, Plaskett posed the question, “The National Park’s establishment was undoubtedly a positive development, but at what expense?” She revealed that a bill is underway to permanently establish the boundaries of the Virgin Islands National Park, thereby preventing any future territorial growth by the NPS. The legislation has already undergone its preliminary hearing in the House of Representatives.
Senator Angus King of Maine, chair of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has pledged his support for the initiative. Plaskett dismissed the notion that the park’s existing boundaries could be reduced, citing President Biden’s unwillingness to establish such a precedent. The President has indicated that he would not endorse any measures that could trigger a flood of similar requests from other states and territories.
Plaskett also clarified misconceptions surrounding a land transfer in Maine, which some Virgin Islanders cited as proof that the NPS could relinquish lands without a reciprocal exchange. She explained that the Maine transfer was the culmination of a 30-year-old legislative agreement, not a unilateral land gift from the NPS.
The congresswoman emphasized that the bill to cement the Virgin Islands National Park’s boundaries is gaining traction. A companion bill is currently being drafted in the Senate to expedite the legislative process. To further bolster the bill’s chances of success, Plaskett has arranged for Senate staff to visit St. John and engage with the local community, as the island’s future has implications for the entire Virgin Islands territory.
Federal
$133 Million FEMA Grant Secured for Julius E. Sprauve School Reconstruction

Governor Albert Bryan and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett have proudly announced the allocation of a substantial $133 million federal grant from FEMA for the rebuilding of Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John. This funding is a significant step forward in the post-hurricane reconstruction efforts of the Virgin Islands, following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
Governor Bryan hailed this funding as a landmark moment in the evolution of St. John’s educational landscape. He emphasized that this grant will facilitate the creation of a modern educational facility, representing a robust commitment to the island’s youth and the overall resilience of the Virgin Islands.
Congresswoman Plaskett underscored the timely nature of this grant, which is instrumental in the construction of a much-needed K-12 school on St. John. She noted the funding’s adherence to the prudent replacement standard, essential for bolstering disaster preparedness and resilience. “The legislative changes I helped enact enable FEMA to rebuild essential infrastructure like Julius Sprauve School, incorporating resilient design and up-to-date building standards, despite the pre-hurricane conditions in the Virgin Islands,” she remarked.
The future site of the new school, however, remains uncertain, pending a land swap deal. This deal involves exchanging a parcel of land in Estate Catherineberg, currently under the National Park Service, for Whistling Island, also known as Whistling Cay. The agreement faced a setback after senators rejected an amendment proposed by Senator Angel Bolques Jr. in Act 8741, which sought to ensure public access to Fungi Passage at Whistling Kay. The amendment was voted down, leaving the fate of the land swap unresolved.
Ms. Plaskett praised Governor Bryan and his team for their diligence in securing a grant that comprehensively addresses community needs and accurately reflects the extent of damage caused by the storms.
Federal
FEMA Allocates $460 Million for Comprehensive Rebuilding of Two USVI Schools

In a significant announcement on Thursday, V.I. Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett revealed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has allocated substantial funds for the rebuilding of two schools in the U.S. Virgin Islands, devastated by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The funding includes a $140 million grant for the Claude O. Markoe Elementary School in St. Croix and an even more substantial $324.3 million for the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School in St. Thomas.
This announcement marks a key development in the reconstruction efforts, confirming the substantial financial commitment from FEMA for these critical projects. The designated funds will cover the full demolition and reconstruction of both educational institutions, which sustained significant damage from the hurricanes.
Congresswoman Plaskett emphasized the importance of these awards, highlighting their alignment with the ‘prudent replacement standard’. This approach is essential for enhancing the islands’ disaster preparedness and resilience. She credited her team for their pivotal role in amending the Stafford Act, which typically mandates rebuilding to pre-disaster conditions. This amendment has paved the way for rebuilding key infrastructure in the Virgin Islands to modern, more resilient standards.
Governor Albert Bryan and his administration received high praise from Ms. Plaskett for their instrumental efforts in securing this grant, ensuring it addresses the comprehensive needs of the community. She also expressed her pride in the achievements of the Office of Disaster Recovery in obtaining the funding. The Congresswoman looks forward to working in tandem with the V.I. Department of Education to guarantee the effective use of these funds in rebuilding and enhancing the schools for future generations.
Federal
Asbestos Cleanup Scheduled at Caneel Bay Resort by National Park Service for Early 2024

The National Park Service (NPS) has declared plans to commence asbestos removal at the Caneel Bay Resort within the Virgin Islands National Park in early 2024. This initiative is the first step in an extensive environmental cleanup operation following the devastation caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Penelope Del Bene, the acting superintendent of Virgin Islands National Park, shared, “Following thorough planning and assessment, we’re ready to embark on this vital environmental cleanup at Caneel Bay. This effort will significantly contribute to ensuring a safer and healthier environment for our local community.”
This asbestos removal process is guided by findings from the park’s 2021 and 2022 Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) Reports. These reports, detailing the release of hazardous substances at the site, are accessible for public review at ParkPlanning – Public Involvement for the Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) Site Assessment at Caneel Bay Resort.
Emphasizing safety as its paramount concern, the NPS elaborated that accredited contractors will manage the asbestos material, ensuring safe handling, packaging, and transportation. An independent entity will oversee and monitor the asbestos removal, including conducting air quality assessments around the perimeter to prevent any environmental contamination.
The operation will entail the closure of specific work areas, restricted solely to qualified personnel, and is expected to span three to four weeks. The project will involve transporting asbestos materials in six 20-foot cargo containers from St. John to St. Thomas using a local barge service, followed by disposal at a licensed landfill in the continental United States. The process will adhere to federal laws and industry norms. Although equipment noise may be noticeable, minimal disruption to traffic is anticipated.
Further cleanup under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) will involve the removal of contaminated soil from the resort’s landscaping, maintenance, and engineering areas, and from a landfill near Honeymoon Beach.
For ongoing updates on the NPS’s environmental cleanup efforts at Caneel Bay, please visit https://www.nps.gov/viis/caneelbay.htm.
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