Homeland Security secretary and FEMA administrator met with acting governor on St. Croix

Acting Gov. and Finance Commissioner Valdamier O. Collens met on Friday, Aug. 3, 2018, on St. Croix with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen M. Nielsen and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator William "Brock" Long to discuss hurricane recovery issues in the territory.

According to Government House, the discussion included the Community Disaster Loan program, access to Immediate Needs funding, the permanent roof initiative under the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power program, and other federal assistance.

Collens asked that the Emergency Home Repair program be extended from Sept. 11, 2018, to Nov. 30, 2018, citing continued need among homeowners. Collens and Delegate Stacey E. Plaskett also raised concerns about airport upgrades, restoration of public housing and the territory's economic recovery, particularly the effect on tourism.

Government House said Collens also highlighted needed improvements in border control and Transportation Security Administration operations.

After the meeting at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, Nielsen and Long toured the condemned Arthur A. Richards Junior High School and viewed the installation of modular classrooms that had been delivered earlier that week.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/homeland-security-secretary-kirstjen-nielsen-visits-st-croix/