WAPA Hires 240 Linemen From U.S. To Aid With Power Restoration; More Updates Announced

Here's the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority's latest post-Hurricanes Irma and Maria restoration update. ELECTRIC SYSTEM WAPA has formalized the mobilization of 240 linemen from the United States to aid WAPA line personnel, and on-island contractors in the restoration of electrical service for both island districts. In this first phase of off-island contractor mobilization, 210 of the linemen are part of 35 crews which are bound for the Virgin Islands, and the remaining 30 are part of an additional crew headed to the territory. A smaller group of eight arrived over the weekend and are now deployed. Emergency call centers that were to be activated on Monday were delayed as communication links (T-1 lines) are down, preventing connectivity. WAPA is working with Viya to restore the lines for the emergency call centers on St. Thomas and St. Croix. The public will be advised once the call centers are activated.  WAPA continues to work jointly with Viya, the V.I. Was...