Mapp administration said HUD approved $243 million recovery plan for U.S. Virgin Islands

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp said on July 10, 2018, that the U.S. Virgin Islands had secured federal approval for a $243 million Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery plan, and his administration outlined the funding at a July 11 news conference at Government House in Christiansted.

According to Government House, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development approved the territory’s recovery plan for long-term projects in housing, infrastructure and economic development. The funding had been awarded in February 2018, but HUD required the territory to submit a recovery plan before the money could be used.

Government House said the plan included $30 million to rebuild local roads to federal standards, $45 million for Water and Power Authority wind and solar generation systems, $23 million for harbor dredging to accommodate larger cruise ships, $5 million for tourism marketing, and $5 million for workforce development and training.

The administration also said the funding included housing programs for homeowner rehabilitation and reconstruction, first-time homebuyer assistance, rental rehabilitation, public and affordable housing development, and supportive housing and sheltering programs.

Government House said $15 million was approved for the first phase of modernization and expansion of Herbert Grigg Home for the Aged on St. Croix and for acquisition and modernization of Sea View Nursing Facilities on St. Thomas.

The statement also said HUD had allocated an additional $1.621 billion to the territory in April 2018 for unmet needs, infrastructure and mitigation, with further plans to be submitted under federal requirements.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-mapp-thanks-cabinet-for-helping-to-successfully-secure-approval-of-243-million-in-hud-funding/