💧 Water and Power · St. Croix, VI
WAPA board approved contracts, extensions and financing actions at Aug. 22 meeting
Official document: https://www.viwapa.vi/docs/default-source/2023-pr/press-release-(8.23.24)-board-approvals-drive-progress-on-st.-thomas-lpg-plant-and-key-initiatives.pdf?sfvrsn=16204e1a_3
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s governing board approved a series of contracts, extensions and financing actions at its meeting on Aug. 22, 2024, including an $10.9 million agreement for underground electrical construction on Queen Mary Highway on St. Croix.
Under the Planning and Economic Development Committee, the board authorized an agreement with J. Benton Construction LLC for $10,899,325 for Phase 1 of the Underground Electrical Construction Project on Queen Mary Highway, identified as Feeder 9B.
Under Finance and Audit Committee items, the board approved a cost increase of up to $47,990 for SC-17-23 and changes to the scope of work. It also approved Amendment IV to SC-05-23 with West Peak Energy, adding $464,400 and extending the contract through Feb. 28, 2025, from Oct. 12, 2024. WAPA said West Peak Energy was providing project management services for the Wärtsilä Phase II project.
The board also approved rescinding an award to PECO Electric for pad-mount liquid-filled transformers valued at $4,028,152. It approved a time extension through Sept. 30, 2025, a cost increase not to exceed $12,867,165, and added scope of work for SC 07-23 GIS inventory assessment to include WAPA’s water department inventory.
Directors extended WAPA’s diesel supply contract with Borinken Towing and Salvage through Dec. 31, 2024, at the same terms and conditions, in an amount not to exceed $29.2 million. The board also authorized a contract with Evertec Group LLC for utility bill print and mail services in an amount not to exceed $70,000.
The board approved a $3.75 million amendment to contract SC-11-24 with Haugland Energy for emergency line crews and equipment for storm restoration, including work following Tropical Storm Ernesto on Aug. 20-21, 2024.
On financing matters, the board approved a new term sheet to convert 2022 bond anticipation notes to 2024 bond anticipation notes. WAPA said the action would allow the authority to complete reporting requirements and financial audits for fiscal years 2021, 2022 and 2023 before Feb. 1, 2026. The board also approved a one-year extension of Banco Popular credit facilities.
During the meeting, WAPA said FEMA was favorable to the prudent replacement program for advanced metering infrastructure. The board also approved an agreement with Sargent and Lundy for third-party pole attachment analysis and support in an amount not to exceed $3.32 million.
The release said there was also discussion of a possible license agreement that would allow Broadband VI to use certain WAPA poles for communications attachments.
WAPA said all votes were unanimous among Chairman Turnbull, Secretary Young, Director Boynes-Jackson and Director Muia. Personnel matters were discussed in executive session, and no action was taken.