Mapp approves $1.32 billion FY2019 budget for U.S. Virgin Islands

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp approved the U.S. Virgin Islands' $1.32 billion fiscal 2019 budget, according to a Government House announcement published on October 8, 2018.

The administration said the budget had been submitted to the 32nd Legislature on May 30, 2018, and approved by senators on September 19, 2018. Mapp notified Senate President Myron Jackson on October 5, 2018, that he had signed the budget bills.

The budget provided $1.0725 billion for government operations from local, transfer and other funds, and $238.66 million from federal sources. It also included $150 million for debt-service payments and $38 million for income-tax refunds.

Government House said the budget projected $164.5 million in new revenue tied to rebuilding activity, expanded refinery operations and other sources. The budget also included capital-project funding and infrastructure initiatives for the fiscal year.

The measure proposed merging operations at Roy Lester Schneider Medical Center and Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center under one board. It also included funding for senior-care initiatives, including renovation of the Herbert Grigg Home on St. Croix and the purchase of Seaview Nursing Home on St. Thomas.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-mapp-approves-fy2019-budget/