Mapp says FEMA qualified U.S. Virgin Islands for $107 million in temporary school aid

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp said on April 6, 2018, that the Federal Emergency Management Agency had qualified the U.S. Virgin Islands for $107 million in assistance for temporary classrooms for the 2018-19 school year, which was scheduled to begin on Sept. 4, 2018.

Government House said 11 schools were condemned after the September 2017 storms. Mapp said some schools were slated for summer repairs, others would receive temporary modular classrooms, and several would be demolished and rebuilt.

According to the administration, $25 million from insurance claims was to be used for school repairs and temporary classrooms. Of that amount, $10 million was designated for repairs to Joseph Gomez Elementary and Ulla F. Muller Elementary on St. Thomas. On St. Croix, targeted schools included Alfredo Andrews Elementary, Alexander Henderson Elementary, John H. Woodson Junior High, Pearl B. Larsen Elementary and the main facility at Eulalie Rivera Elementary. Repairs were expected to be completed by the start of the school year.

The remaining $15 million was to be used to buy and place 120 modular classrooms and 37 Sprung structures for gymnasiums, kitchens, cafeterias and administration buildings.

Government House said Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John; Arthur A. Richards Junior High School and one wing of Eulalie Rivera on St. Croix; and Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, E. Benjamin Oliver Elementary School and the Curriculum Center on St. Thomas would be demolished and rebuilt.

The administration also said at least two schools were slated for relocation. Julius Sprauve was to be relocated and designated as St. John’s primary public shelter, and Addelita Cancryn was likely to be moved near the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas.

Government House said Mapp was scheduled to be out of the territory from April 9 through April 13, 2018, for meetings in Washington, and Lt. Gov. Osbert E. Potter would serve as acting governor during that period.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-mapp-announces-plans-to-get-vi-schools-back-on-track/