The U.S. Virgin Islands will benefit from a significant federal boost, receiving $384.8 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the demolition and reconstruction of hurricane-impacted schools. This marks a critical step in the territory’s ongoing recovery from the devastating effects of hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

This transformative funding will facilitate the complete reconstruction of three elementary schools on St. Croix and one on St. Thomas, in addition to repairs to a school lunch warehouse on St. Thomas. These efforts are a part of FEMA’s continued partnership with the Virgin Islands government and its Department of Education to provide safe, modern educational environments.

Kristen A. Hodge, Director of FEMA’s Recovery Office in the U.S. Virgin Islands, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to the territory’s educational future. “I am pleased to approve these latest obligations that help bring the Virgin Islands closer to post-hurricane recovery. Our commitment to the future leaders of the Virgin Islands by providing them safe facilities in which to receive their education remains strong,” she stated.

Project Highlights and Funding Specifics:

• Lew Muckle Elementary School on St. Croix will see prudent reconstruction of seven of its 11 buildings on a 3.94-acre site in Sion Farm.
• Eulalie Rivera Elementary School, also on St. Croix, will undergo the replacement of 12 structures, including classrooms and facilities such as the athletic field bathroom.
• Juanita Gardine Elementary School in Estate Richmond, St. Croix, is set for extensive rebuilding, including its auditorium and several auxiliary buildings.
• On St. Thomas, Leonard Dober Elementary School will have three buildings replaced following severe damage from the 2017 hurricanes.
• Additionally, repairs to a 7,000-square-foot lunch warehouse on St. Thomas will restore essential functionality and design.

Enabled by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, these funds will allow the V.I. Department of Education to not only rebuild but also modernize educational facilities, merging several schools into updated campuses like Alfredo Andrews and Alexander Henderson Schools. Leonard Dober Elementary School will be closed as it is currently not used for instructional purposes.

The Department of Education expressed its appreciation for this federal aid. “These grant awards signify a pivotal moment for education in the Virgin Islands, allowing for the development of much-needed new schools and the modernization of existing facilities with a focus on equity for all students,” it said.

The department also highlighted the comprehensive nature of the funding. “It is essential to recognize that these grants cover more than construction. They extend to land acquisition, project management, demolition, and design,” VIDE noted. This comprehensive approach ensures thorough planning and execution to meet the highest educational standards.

Six years after Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated the US Virgin Islands in September 2017, the territory’s reconstruction journey continues. At a recent Public Finance Authority (PFA) meeting, updates from various agencies underscored the progress and challenges in the extensive recovery efforts.

The Office of Disaster Recovery, tasked with managing the multi-billion dollar federal aid for the territory’s rebuilding projects, has reported significant strides. As of February, more than $3.2 billion has been spent out of an obligated $10 billion. The agency is racing to ensure all Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) projects are obligated by year-end to take advantage of more favorable matching funds requirements set to expire soon. A noteworthy advancement is the recent groundbreaking of the Charles “Tappy” Seales Fire Station and Multipurpose Center.

Stephan Adams, CEO of V.I. Next Generation Network (viNGN), highlighted the particular challenges of funding hurricane restoration projects. He emphasized the strategic management of grants based on available cash flows due to uncertainties in securing matching funds. Adams pointed out the critical importance of protecting the inter-island fiber optic cables’ landing points. “These points are crucial. Any damage there, and St. Thomas could face significant connectivity issues if we see disruptions on St. Croix,” he explained. Despite financial hurdles, Adams reassured that viNGN is committed to using operating funds to prioritize this essential project.

Furthermore, Adams provided updates on broader viNGN initiatives, including the hardening of 24 small roadside buildings that house the network’s communication equipment. These upgrades involve replacing generators and enhancing overall resilience against future storms. He ambitiously aims to complete the majority of viNGN’s FEMA-related projects within the year.

The PFA meeting also touched on tourism recovery. Anthony Ottley, CEO of the West Indian Company (WICO), reported a considerable increase in cruise ship arrivals in 2023 compared to pandemic-affected years. However, figures still lag behind pre-hurricane levels, partly due to the departure of some cruise lines from the port. Ottley remains optimistic, projecting that arrival numbers will normalize next year and announced plans to commence harbor dredging in 2025 to accommodate larger cruise ships, pending federal approvals.

These updates reflect a determined and multifaceted approach to recovery and rebuilding in the US Virgin Islands, signaling a resilient and forward-moving community despite past adversities.

On April 12, St. Croix took a significant step forward in public safety and emergency readiness with the groundbreaking of the new Charles “Tappy” Seales Fire Station and Multipurpose Center. This event, graced by Governor Albert Bryan Jr., Senate President Novelle Francis, and other notable figures, signals the start of a major initiative to rebuild five fire stations across the territory, financed through FEMA’s disaster recovery grant programs.

Located at its original site in Estate Grove Place, the planned facility promises enhanced capabilities, including a dedicated space for a VIPD officer and a multi-purpose saferoom that will serve as a storm shelter for fire and EMS personnel. Funded by a substantial allocation from FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, the project underscores the territory’s commitment to strengthening its infrastructure against potential disasters.

Governor Bryan emphasized the critical importance of the new fire station, stating, “Providing the VIFEMS with this new and improved fire station not only promises more effective emergency planning but also enhances our ability to save lives—a definitive benefit for the entire community.”

Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, director of the Office of Disaster Recovery, outlined the extensive federal support for the initiative, with over $53 million earmarked for the territory-wide fire station replacements, including $6.8 million allocated for this specific facility.

The event also served to commemorate the late VIFEMS Director Daryl A. George Sr., whose dedication to the project was celebrated. Senate President Novelle Francis highlighted that this is the first fire station constructed post-Act 8545, which in April 2022 merged fire and emergency medical services under the VIFEMS umbrella.

VIFEMS Director Designee Antonio Stevens expressed gratitude towards all stakeholders involved, including the Office of Disaster Recovery, the V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency, the V.I. Police Department, the Department of Public Works, the Department of Property and Procurement, and contractors such as Jaredian Design Group, LLC, Marco St. Croix, and Persons Services Corp.

Slated for completion in Fall 2025, the Charles “Tappy” Seales Fire Station and Multipurpose Center aims to be a cornerstone of enhanced safety and emergency preparedness for the community of St. Croix.