DPNR Secures $69 Million Grant for Climate Resilience Projects

The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced Monday that it has successful secured a $69 million grant from the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, a competitive $575 million program under the Biden administration. The grant aims to enhance the territory’s resilience to climate change and coastal hazards, with activities set to commence in October, according to the release. “This grant presents an incredible opportunity for the people of the Virgin Islands,” said DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol. “With job creation, support for community partners, and the expansion of the Territorial Park System, we anticipate a range of exciting projects over the next five years to safeguard our natural resources.” The grant’s initiatives will focus on three primary pillars: the Implementation of Watershed and Coastal Improvement Plans, Climate-Resilient Land Conservation and Park Development, and Education and Workforce Development. These activities will utilize nature-ba...