Bryan signed 14 bills and vetoed two measures sent by the 34th Legislature

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed 14 bills into law and vetoed two others from the 34th Legislature on May 20, 2021, including several measures funding infrastructure projects in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Among the signed measures were Bill 34-0014, appropriating $1.6 million from the Community Facilities Trust Account for the pier at King’s Alley in Christiansted, the dock at Gallows Bay, and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources roll-on roll-off ramp at the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier at Krause Lagoon on St. Croix; Bill 34-0036, appropriating $19.6 million for road projects on St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John; Bill 34-0020, appropriating $675,000 from the Community Facility Trust Fund for restoration work at the St. Croix Motor Sports Complex; Bill 34-0008, reprogramming $200,000 from Gross Receipts Tax Bonds proceeds for renovation of the Police Athletic League headquarters in Estate Whim on St. Croix; and Bill 34-0013, appropriating $2.05 million from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to replace the tender landing pier and repair the Ann E. Abramson Marine Terminal in Frederiksted.

Bryan asked the Legislature to amend Bills 34-0008 and 34-0013 to state that the appropriated sums would remain available until expended.

He vetoed Bill 34-0021, which would have made the Public Services Commission a semi-autonomous agency and required the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to hire a turnaround company, and Bill 34-0026, which would have set criteria for the composition of the WAPA board.

In his transmittal letters, Bryan said Bill 34-0021 violated separation-of-powers principles and contained unfunded mandates. He said Bill 34-0026 conflicted with the Revised Organic Act.

Bryan signed Bill 34-0025, which revised the criteria for the makeup of the Public Services Commission board. He also signed Bill 34-0059, extending the COVID-19 state of emergency for 60 days from May 7, 2021, through July 6, 2021.

Other approved measures were Bill 34-0003 on building-permit processing and deposits to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources Reclamation Fund; Bill 34-0005 on service by commissioners and directors on boards and commissions; Bill 34-0023 establishing the Invasive Species Eradication Community Program and appropriating $10,000 from the Animal Fund; Bill 34-0024 appropriating $2.5 million to the Department of Justice, $2 million to the Department of Labor for outstanding workers compensation payments to medical providers, and $40,000 to Clean Sweep Frederiksted; Bill 34-0028 authorizing certain nurses to determine and pronounce death under specified conditions; Bill 34-0041 on continuing medical education requirements; and Bill 34-0042 allowing members of the Board of Medical Examiners to serve temporarily on certain other boards to establish a quorum.

Bryan also acknowledged Resolution No. 1881, Bill 34-0019, honoring Ronaqua Russell for becoming the first African American female aviator in the U.S. Coast Guard to receive the Air Medal.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-takes-action-on-16-bills-setting-in-motion-a-number-of-promised-infrastructure-projects/