Federal
Plaskett and Graves Spearhead Legislation for Swift FEMA Aid Post-Disasters

In a bipartisan effort, V.I. Delegate Stacey Plaskett and Representative Garrett Graves of Louisiana have reintroduced the Expedited Disaster Recovery Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation aims to streamline Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding following major disasters.
The bill, which garnered substantial bipartisan support in its previous iteration during the 117th Congress, proposes a dedicated funding channel enabling FEMA to provide critical assistance within 30 days of a major disaster declaration.
Highlighting the urgent need for this legislation, Congresswoman Plaskett emphasized its importance based on the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. “This bill is about fast-tracking recovery funding while maintaining fiscal oversight,” she stated.
The draft bill stipulates that FEMA could disburse a minimum of 10% of the estimated grants for permanent repairs and restoration immediately after a disaster, addressing the immediate needs of affected communities.
The legislation also proposes that assistance to individuals and households can be used for making homes habitable during long-term recovery, including direct assistance for permanent or semi-permanent housing solutions.
Representative Graves, co-author of the bill, reflected on the lessons learned from past disasters in Louisiana and the US Virgin Islands. “This legislation is born out of hard-earned experience in disaster management,” he commented.
Previously numbered H.R 5774, the bill passed with an overwhelming majority (406-20) in September 2022. The re-introduced bill, now known as H.R. 6084, is expected to receive similar bipartisan support. “This is a national priority,” asserted Mr. Graves, expressing optimism about the bill’s passage.
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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