VIPA Greenlights Fee Cut for Fly the Whale’s New Route to Puerto Rico and Showcases Major Territory-Wide Construction Initiatives

At their recent assembly, the V.I. Port Authority Board of Directors took a deep dive into a myriad of pivotal topics ranging from expansive construction endeavors and fiscal reviews to lease agreement stipulations. A central point of discussion was VIPA’s active engagement in 21 transformative construction projects scattered across St. Croix and St. Thomas/St. John, representing an investment exceeding $115 million. Notably, the $31.6 million Cyril E. King Airport Parking and Transportation Center is on the brink of unveiling its first phase to the public this April, marking a significant milestone in the territory’s infrastructural development. The board also turned its attention to crucial runway rehabilitation projects at the airports on both St. Thomas and St. Croix.

A groundbreaking resolution from the gathering was the board’s strategic decision to support Fly the Whale’s introduction of a novel daily service connecting St. Croix with Puerto Rico. By slashing user fees in half for this new route, in line with VIPA’s 2014 initiative aimed at fostering route expansion and bolstering regional connectivity, the board has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing the travel landscape within the Caribbean.

The assembly also served as a platform for Executive Director Carlton Dowe to shed light on the breadth and depth of VIPA’s construction initiatives. With 21 projects underway, split between St. Croix (10) and St. Thomas/St. John (11), the over $115 million investment underscores a steadfast dedication to fortifying the territory’s infrastructure. The Parking and Transportation Center at Cyril E. King Airport is especially noteworthy, set to open its doors soon, in conjunction with ongoing runway rehabilitation efforts at the islands’ airports.

Chief Financial Officer Anna Penn presented a financial update, announcing an impressive operating profit of $1.8 million in the fiscal year’s first four months, which outstripped initial forecasts. This fiscal resilience is further highlighted by the completion of several budget items under their projected costs, reflecting VIPA’s sound financial management.

The directors also delved into commercial lease agreements, particularly focusing on the Crown Bay building impacted by a recent fire. Dowe noted the ongoing assessments by the insurance company, leaving the timeline for re-occupancy of the building still up in the air.

The meeting wrapped up with discussions on pending permit applications and construction schedules, followed by a closed executive session where amendments to the United Steelworkers Collective Bargaining Agreement were approved, showcasing VIPA’s forward-looking approach to regional development and labor relations.