Governor Kenneth Mapp has approved operating expenses for the V.I. Waste Management Authority (VIWMA) and additional funding for vendors, Government House announced Tuesday.
Bill No. 32-0290 appropriates $25.4 million from the General Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2019, which includes $4 million for vendor payments.
According to Government House, Mr. Mapp prioritized approval of funding for WMA in order to facilitate paying waste haulers and to support the cleanup and beautification of the territory.
“We have come a long way, but there is still far too much trash and debris,” the governor said. “We now have quite a bit of construction waste to take care as homes and businesses are repaired.”
Mr. Mapp said Tuesday the funds will allow the WMA to increase its staff and cover outstanding vendor payments. In his transmittal letter to Senate President Myron Jackson, the governor stated that WMA continues to be responsible for managing an immense amount of debris.
“As you know, the VIWMA had the monumental task of handling approximately five times the amount of the average residential and commercial waste,” the governor wrote. “This task coupled with the daily responsibilities of VIWMA to handle the territory’s solid waste put an incredible strain on VIWMA’s staff and finances. As such, it is imperative that I approve this bill today to allow the VIWMA to meet its responsibilities and obligations for the betterment of the territory’s residents and environment.”
Tags: governor kenneth mapp, usvi
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