Bryan sought 60-day extension of Virgin Islands energy emergency and outlined housing, cruise and permitting initiatives

Government House said on Sept. 16 that Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. had requested a 60-day extension of the U.S. Virgin Islands state of emergency tied to the territory’s energy situation, through Nov. 19, 2024.

During a weekly briefing on St. Croix, Communications Director Richard Motta said the extension was intended to allow the administration to expedite actions aimed at stabilizing the Water and Power Authority. He said the original emergency declaration was issued in April.

At the same briefing, VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen said the National Hurricane Center was monitoring Tropical Depression Gordon, about 1,100 miles east of St. John on Sept. 16. He said the system was forecast to strengthen to a tropical storm by Sept. 20 but was expected to remain north of the Lesser Antilles and posed no direct threat to the territory.

Motta also said 20 residents of Estate Williams Delight had each been awarded $15,000 grants through the American Rescue Plan Act to be applied at closing toward the purchase of a new Williams Delight Villa home. He said the awards were made in collaboration with Sen. Marise James.

In addition, Motta said Bryan had introduced legislation that would allow cruise ships berthed in St. Croix to operate onboard casinos while in port for cruise passengers. He also said the administration had invested $1 million in downtown revitalization in Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Frederiksted, and that Our Town Frederiksted had received a $250,000 grant to revive Harbor Night festivals.

Motta said the Department of Planning and Natural Resources planned to launch its Municity 5 online permitting system on Sept. 30, 2024. He said the system would allow users to apply for and track building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits, as well as permits involving Coastal Zone Management and Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/bryan-roach-administration-champions-homeownership/