💧 Water and Power · U.S. Virgin Islands
WAPA board approved contract extension, bond-note action and interim CEO appointment after June meetings
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(7.8.24)---wapa-announces-results-from-governing-board-back-to-back-meetings-.pdf?sfvrsn=ad53edfd_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said its governing board took several actions during meetings on June 27 and June 28, 2024, including approving a contract addendum for the Wärtsilä Phase 2 project, extending bond anticipation notes and naming an interim chief executive.
At the June 27 meeting, the board received an update on VIElectron’s solar installation, with batteries on site and medium-voltage terminations in progress. A motion to approve the Petronella battery lease ended in a tie vote and did not pass. The board approved a separate motion to begin direct discussions with VIElectron on outstanding issues.
Interim Chief Financial Officer Lorraine Kelly presented a 14th supplemental bond resolution that extended the 2022 bond anticipation notes from July 1, 2024, to August 1, 2024. WAPA said the extension was intended to facilitate the transition of outgoing Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director Andy Smith.
The board also unanimously approved a debris-removal amendment tied to an expanded composite pole project. WAPA said the project scope had been increased to include 2,200 additional poles across the territory and a bypass transmission line for Feeder 13. The approved amendment included a 15% cost increase for unit items involving off-island shipping and 7% for items without that shipping component.
The board approved the first addendum to Wärtsilä Contract SC-33-20, setting a not-to-exceed cost of $10,804,258 and extending the contract through May 31, 2025. WAPA said the added scope and time were needed for installation of additional Wärtsilä Phase 2 engines and a battery energy storage system in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
WAPA said the board approved two personnel matters in executive session on June 27. At an emergency board meeting on June 28, the board named Ashley Bryan interim chief executive officer and executive director.