Agriculture commissioner said St. Croix Animal Welfare Center contract renewal was awaiting budget approvals

Virgin Islands Agriculture Commissioner Louis E. Petersen Jr. said on October 7, 2024, that the department had been preparing to renew its agreement with the St. Croix Animal Welfare Center and was awaiting completion of the legislative budget process and release of funds from the Office of Management and Budget.

In a statement, Petersen said the center had been in regular communication with the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture since August 6, 2024, and that the department had provided guidance on the steps needed for renewal. He said a draft Notice of Grant Award package and required documents had already been prepared.

Petersen said the lapse between the end of one contract and execution of a new one was part of the annual budgeting and approval process. He said financial support for animal welfare centers would continue once the necessary budget approvals were in place.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/vida-commissioner-addresses-misinformation-reaffirms-commitment-to-animal-welfare-centers-in-the-virgin-islands/