Bryan asked Congress for additional federal COVID-19 relief for U.S. Virgin Islands

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. sent a letter to congressional leaders on November 24, 2020, requesting additional federal COVID-19 relief for the U.S. Virgin Islands.

According to Government House, Bryan asked House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer for three forms of assistance: additional direct Coronavirus Relief Fund aid, a waiver of local cost-share requirements for FEMA disaster relief payments, and cancellation of $300 million in Community Disaster Loans.

The letter said the pandemic's effect on tourism had reduced tax revenues and forced the territory to make budget cuts to maintain operations. Government House said the Virgin Islands received about $75 million from the CARES Act Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Bryan also said FEMA funding tied to Hurricanes Irma and Maria, along with COVID-19 relief subject to local matching requirements, would require the territory to provide $500 million in matching funds. He said the fiscal 2021 budget had been reduced by as much as $60 million.

The request also sought forgiveness of $300 million in Community Disaster Loans issued to the territory's two hospitals and the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority after the 2017 hurricanes.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-sends-letter-to-congress-requesting-more-federal-covid-19-relief/