💧 Water and Power · St. John, VI
WAPA began first phase of St. John underground electric project on July 14, 2021
Official document: http://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/default-document-library/07132021-work-on-st-john-electrical-underground-project-commences-wednesday.pdf?sfvrsn=5033093b_2
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority said it was scheduled to begin work on July 14, 2021, on a project to place electrical equipment underground in Cruz Bay on St. John.
WAPA said the first phase would start near the existing electrical substation in Frank Bay and continue to Seagrape Street. The work was to replace overhead lines and equipment with underground facilities.
The authority said the St. John project would be carried out by Haugland Energy, with project management by FX Bonnes. It said traffic in the Frank Bay area would be affected from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with flaggers on site to direct vehicles.
WAPA said the project was one of several federally funded efforts intended to reduce storm damage to the electrical system after the 2017 hurricanes. It said the St. John undergrounding project was funded 90% by FEMA with a 10% local match, and that it was seeking HUD funding for the local share.
According to the authority, the work was the first of three phases on St. John. When completed, a significant portion of customers on St. John Feeder 7E would receive service from underground facilities.