ST. THOMAS — Commissioner Valdamier Collens, who was acting governor at the time, met Friday with the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen and the head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), William “Brock” Long, to discuss the territory’s ongoing recovery, including matters related to the Community Disaster Loan program, accessibility to Immediate Needs funding, the permanent roof initiative under the Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power (STEP) Program and other federal assistance, Government House has announced.
Ms. Nielsen noted she was impressed by the visible progress in terms of cleanup and rebuilding, according to the release.
“We have made significant headway,” Mr. Collens said.
Mr. Collens shared the administration’s appreciation for the support the U.S Virgin Islands has received thus far and requested that the Emergency Home Repair program be extended from September 11 to November 30 as many homeowners still require assistance, Government House said.
Mr. Collens along with Delegate Stacey Plaskett also expressed concerns about implementing upgrades to the airports, restoring public housing and the U.S. Virgin Islands’ economic recovery, particularly in light of the impact to the territory’s tourism industry, according to the release.
The Department of Homeland Security oversees FEMA in addition to the agencies that protect the nation’s borders and ports. Acting Governor Collens highlighted for Secretary Nielsen the improvements needed in terms of border control and the operations of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Following the meeting, which took place at St. Croix’s Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, the federal officials toured the condemned Arthur A. Richards Junior High School and witnessed the installation of modular classrooms that were delivered earlier in the week.
Tags: homeland security, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen, usvi, Valdamier Collens
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