FEMA obligated $69 million for first phase of Tutu Hi-Rise replacement, Bryan said

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said on Jan. 30, 2020, that the Virgin Islands government and the Virgin Islands Housing Authority had received a $69 million obligation from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to fund demolition and replacement of residential buildings at the Tutu Hi-Rise housing community on St. Thomas.

According to the announcement, the funding was to cover the first five of 17 residential buildings at the complex that were damaged by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

Virgin Islands Housing Authority Executive Director Robert Graham said the money would allow the authority to move forward with plans to demolish and begin construction on replacement buildings 10, 11, 12, 14 and 22.

The project was divided into three phases and called for demolition and reconstruction of about 300 units. Phase 1 comprised 84 units.

The funding was authorized under Section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Act.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-announces-69-million-from-fema-to-begin-replacement-of-tutu-hi-rise-apartments/