Bryan outlines 2026 healthcare, school, energy and road plans in final State of the Territory address

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. delivered his eighth and final State of the Territory Address to the 36th Legislature on Jan. 26, 2026, outlining administration priorities for healthcare, schools, housing, public safety, energy and road work.

In the address at the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Chamber, Bryan said the territory's gross domestic product had grown from $3.9 billion in 2018 to an estimated $5 billion, unemployment had fallen from 10.7% to 3.6%, and government debt had been reduced from $2.2 billion to $1.6 billion. He also said the government would leave office with more than $70 million in cash reserves and more than $10 million in a budget stabilization fund.

Bryan said more than $11.8 billion in federal recovery funds were under contract for more than 36 projects, including schools, healthcare facilities, roads and utilities. He said contracting was advancing for Charlotte Amalie High School, Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School and several St. Croix campuses, and that demolition preparations were underway at Juan F. Luis Hospital.

Among the 2026 initiatives he announced were the reopening of the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Center, support for a single territorial hospital system, and a telehealth collaboration with other insular areas. On energy, Bryan said the administration planned additional solar and battery projects and called on the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and the Public Services Commission to lower electricity rates in the first quarter of 2026. He also said WAPA would begin rolling out automated metering infrastructure.

In education, Bryan said John H. Woodson Junior High School would close in 2026 and students would move to the new Arthur A. Richards PreK-8 campus. He also cited $28 million in planned road reconstruction and resurfacing projects on St. Croix and additional road projects on St. Thomas and St. John.

Bryan said the VI Slice Moderate Income Homeownership Program had helped 72 families become first-time homeowners by the end of 2025 and had been authorized for an additional $2 million in 2026. He also reported the acquisition of seven ambulances, expanded EMT and paramedic training, continued use of the Real Time Crime Center and e-citation systems, and plans for the Virgin Islands Police Department to use drone technology.

Bryan announced the nomination of Judge Denise M. Francois to the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands and attorney Renee M. Andre to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands for the St. Thomas-St. John District.

He also asked lawmakers to consider a ballot referendum on dedicating a 1% income tax to hospitals and a 1% income tax to local road maintenance.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-delivers-eighth-and-final-state-of-the-territory-address/