Business

W.A.P.A. Board Expresses Gratitude To Governor And Senate For $8.1 Million Payment; Approves Contract For Waterline Rehab In Christiansted

ST. CROIX -- At the onset of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority’s governing board meeting on Tuesday, board chairman, Atty. Gerald Groner, expressed the board’s appreciation to Governor Kenneth Mapp for his recent initiative to address the past due utility bills for the territory’s two hospitals by giving the Authority $8.1 million from a government settlement. Mr. Groner also thanked the 31st Legislature for their prompt action in bringing the Governor’s initiative before the body and passing the legislation which allows for the funds to be given to WAPA. Both Mr. Groner and the Authority’s Interim Executive Director Julio Rhymer, Sr., noted that while this measure is laudable, it doesn’t solve the hospitals’ problems going forward. They noted that both entities need to develop a financial plan that would address regular payment of their utility bills. The board went on to approve, among other items, a contract with V.I. Paving for the installation of a six-inch waterline on...