USVI Secures Nearly $1 Million in Federal Funds for Invasive Species Management

The U.S. Virgin Islands are poised to significantly enhance their environmental protection efforts with a substantial financial boost from the U.S. Department of the Interior. As part of a wider initiative that spreads nearly $4 million across several U.S. territories, the USVI has been awarded $971,000. This funding is earmarked for critical environmental projects, focusing on the development of an innovative early detection and rapid response system to manage invasive species. Additionally, the grant will facilitate comprehensive surveys of plant communities bridging the northern and southern shores of St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John.

This financial support originates from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, signaling a strong federal commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability. The initiative also aligns with President Joe Biden’s Justice40 Initiative, underscoring a commitment to ensuring that 40 percent of the benefits from specific federal investments flow to disadvantaged communities disproportionately affected by pollution and historical underinvestment.

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland underscored the significance of this funding in her recent comments, highlighting the integral role of U.S. territories in the broader American landscape. She emphasized the Department’s dedication to working hand in hand with territorial partners to maximize the impact of these investments, particularly as these regions grapple with the escalating effects of climate change on their communities and natural ecosystems.

The allocation is part of a nearly $7 million package aimed at supporting the USVI, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and Guam. These funds are dedicated to combating the effects of climate change, restoring coastal environments, and eliminating invasive species, marking a crucial step forward in preserving our planet’s biodiversity and resilience.