ST. CROIX — Following a letter from Governor Kenneth Mapp urging Senator Neville James, president of the 31st Legislature to act upon two Coastal Zone Management (CZM) permits that the governor submitted to the senate on April 21, a Committee of the Whole hearing has been set for May 18.
The hearing will be held at the Fritz E. Lawaetz Hall in Frederiksted, according to a press release issued on Tuesday by Sen. James’ office.
One of the permits would see the Schooner Bay channel in Gallows Bay, Christiansted being dredged approximately 38,800 cubic yards from within the existing channel. While the other permit would allow repairs to move forward on an existing concrete apron, the construction of a new sheet pile wall, and the removal of 20 cubic yards of contaminated soil at the seaward Plot No. 10 in Water Gut, Christiansted.
“These two projects, if executed accordingly, could lead to some much-needed business and economic development in terms of ventures and opportunities for St. Croix, and the Territory as a whole. I scheduled this upcoming committee so the members can hear from the players involved,” James said.
Last week, Mapp said swift action on the permits by the legislature would do much good for St. Croix’s tourism product, adding that promises made to cruise line executives at the annual Sea Trade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, must be followed through so executives could make the necessary decisions to increase visits to St. Croix.
But while Sen. James is seemingly in agreement with the governor’s stance, the senate, as a matter of procedure, must hear testimony from the parties involved, including the Virgin Islands Port Authority, The Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the public and the private sectors, and “especially the Christiansted restaurants and retail businesses before we take any action,” James said.
“If the members are satisfied, then we’ll put it to a vote on the floor that very same week,” he added.
Tags: gallows bay dredging st. croix
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