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Governor Albert Bryan on Thursday signed into law the Sen. Janelle Sarauw-sponsored bill placing a five-year moratorium on gas station development in the territory. Mr. Bryan also signed into law a measure sponsored by Sen. Kenneth Gittens that appropriates funds to buy land to build the new Juan F. Luis Hospital on St. Croix.
“May the executive and legislative branches continue to collaborate in order to continue to pass enforceable laws protecting the territory of the Virgin Islands,” said Mr. Bryan in his transmittal letter to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory.
Regarding Bill No. 34-0010, which places a halt on any permits for new gas stations in the territory, the governor said that although he signed it, he requested that the Legislature amend it for projects already underway.
“I would respectfully request the Legislature to provide a waiver from this moratorium for any pending and current construction permits for gas stations to allow for continued construction and licensure,” he said.
The governor also approved Bill No. 34-0017, which appropriates $400,000 from the Community Facilities Trust Account, as well as the balance of any unexpended funds from Act 7697, which was passed by the 30th Legislature as a funding source for the territory’s medical facilities, according to Gov't House.
The appropriations would be used to purchase Plot No. 7 in Estate Diamond Ruby to be used for the reconstruction and expansion JFL.
