WAPA said composite pole project reached 88% completion across U.S. Virgin Islands

Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(9.13.23)-authority-announces-almost-90-of-total-composite-poles-installed-throughout-us-virgin-islands.pdf?sfvrsn=6a73fec4_3

Archive page: https://www.viwapa.vi/news-information/press-releases/press-release-details/2023/09/13/authority-announces-almost-90-of-total-composite-poles-installed-throughout-us-virgin-islands

The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said on September 13, 2023, that its composite pole replacement project was 88% complete across the territory.

WAPA said the project began in 2017 and was funded 90% through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Hazard Mitigation Program, with the remaining 10% provided by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to the authority, 3,351 composite poles had been installed on St. Croix, or 81% of the island's total; 2,330 had been installed on St. Thomas, or 99%; 1,711 had been installed on St. John, or 87%; and Water Island had reached 100% completion with 200 poles installed.

WAPA said Barkley Technologies provided project management and design support, while RS Poles, PECO and Trident Industries supplied composite poles and AWG supplied hardware. Haugland VI performed installations on St. Thomas and St. Croix, and BBC Electric performed installations on St. John.

The authority also asked residents not to post flyers, signs or other materials on utility poles, saying staples, nails and other attachments could create hazards for lineworkers and damage poles over time.