Progress Reported in USVI’s Hurricane Recovery Efforts

More than two years have passed since Hurricanes Irma and Maria unleashed their fury on the US Virgin Islands in September 2017, leaving a trail of destruction. The territory’s path to recovery was the focus of a recent Public Finance Authority (PFA) meeting where various agencies reported on the strides being made in rebuilding efforts.

The Office of Disaster Recovery, tasked with managing the influx of federal dollars for restoration projects, highlighted significant progress. As of February, it has spent over $3.2 billion of the $10 billion committed to these projects. A critical goal for the agency is to secure obligations for all remaining Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) projects by year’s end, to capitalize on more favorable matching fund requirements set to expire soon.

One of the major undertakings mentioned was the Charles “Tappy” Seales Fire Station and Multipurpose Center, which began construction recently.

Stephan Adams, CEO of V.I. Next Generation Network (viNGN), shared insights into the unique challenges faced by his agency, particularly in securing funding. Despite these hurdles, viNGN prioritizes essential projects, such as fortifying the points where inter-island fiber optic cables land. “The resilience of our network is paramount. Damage to these landing points could incapacitate the island of St. Thomas if similar issues arise on St. Croix,” Adams explained, emphasizing the critical nature of these projects.

Adams also detailed efforts to strengthen the infrastructure that supports the islands’ communications systems. This includes enhancing 24 small buildings along the roadsides that house communication equipment, upgrading generators, and bolstering their overall storm resilience.

During the meeting, PFA members were updated on the tourism sector’s status by Anthony Ottley, CEO of West Indian Company (WICO). He noted that while cruise ship arrivals have surged in 2023, numbers still lag behind pre-hurricane figures due to some lines discontinuing visits to the port. Ottley remains optimistic, projecting that arrivals should stabilize by next year. Additionally, WICO is preparing for a major dredging project to deepen the harbor for larger vessels, with work expected to commence in 2025 pending federal clearance.

This assembly underscored the complex yet hopeful journey of recovery for the USVI, as stakeholders across the board continue to work diligently towards restoring and improving the resilience of the territory’s infrastructure.