Bryan, Agriculture Department break ground on first of two 100,000-gallon cisterns in Bordeaux

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., Agriculture Commissioner Louis Petersen, members of the 36th Legislature, community leaders and students broke ground on Oct. 3, 2025, on the first of two planned 100,000-gallon cisterns in Bordeaux on St. Thomas, according to Government House.

Government House said the first cistern will capture runoff from an existing 60,000-gallon cistern to expand water available for farmers in Bordeaux. The two facilities are being constructed by Habibah Bell of Harnel Engineering and Construction.

The Department of Agriculture also introduced a 2,500-gallon water tanker that Government House said was already in operation to distribute water to farmers across the territory. The department also acquired a new backhoe, according to the announcement.

Government House said We Grow Food President Delano Francis attended the event.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-agriculture-commissioner-petersen-break-ground-on-two-100000-gallon-cisterns-as-part-of-administrations-push-to-advance-critical-support-for-virgin-islands-farmers/