La Reine Fish Market. By. GOVERNMENT HOUSE
ST. CROIX — The La Reine Fish Market, in a rundown state for what has seemed as an eternity, has finally been rehabilitated after 14 years to serve the public. The project has been one taken up by Senator Kenneth Gittens, who two years ago approached the Dept. of Planning and Natural Resources, urging DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol to investigate whether the department had funding to rebuild the facility.
Mr. Gittens had promised to provide additional funding if necessary through legislation, but there was no need as the rebuild was fully covered, said the senator to the Consortium Wednesday. Mr. Gittens has issued a number of releases pertaining to the market, including in February 2019, where he stated, “I recently did a walkthrough at the Fish Market with Commissioner-Nominee for the Planning and Natural Resources Department, Jean-Pierre Oriol, and as a result of my inquiries the commissioner was able to determine that significant funds for repairs remain unexpended.”
He also stated, “The La Reine Fish Market is sitting in such a busy area of our community and is a real eyesore that must be addressed,” he said. “After meeting with the new DPNR Commissioner-Nominee, I am confident this project will be prioritized.”
The new facility will offer 18 individual stalls and 12 state-of-the-art cleaning stations that are available for monthly rent to licensed commercial fishermen, said Government House Tuesday. It will also have an ice machine, ADA-compliant restrooms, adequate parking for customer access and a 20,000-gallon holding tank for fish waste, replacing the previous 5,000-gallon tank.
The rent for individual stalls at the new La Reine Fish Market facility are $150 per month and cleaning stations are $75 per month. Persons interested in becoming a tenant can contact DPNR’s Division of Environmental Enforcement at 340-773-5774.
“The department’s reopening of this vital community resource is an example of the Bryan-Roach administration’s commitment to the local fishing industry, as well as to promoting entrepreneurship by providing a healthy and safe environment for local fishers and residents to buy and sell their catch,”Mr. Oriol said Tuesday. “DPNR is committed to continued and long-term maintenance of this fantastic facility to support the local fishing community and their customers.”
A ribbon-cutting event is being held today at 11:30 a.m., which will include local leaders Mr. Bryan, Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett, Mr. Oriol and Mr. Gittens, among others.
According to Gov't House, Governor Albert Bryan has authorized a number of other projects that will benefit the fishing community, as well as the charter and leisure boating industries, marine leisure businesses and support his overarching Marine Industry initiatives in the territory.
They include the following:
- $2 million for the revitalization of the boat ramp at Hull Bay on St. Thomas and a new parking lot for boat trailers and storage.
- Legislation to appropriate funding for the repair of the Kings Alley pier, the Gallows Bay Fisherman’s Dock and the repair of the boat ramp in Krause Lagoon.
- Repairs at Altona Lagoon.
- $1.75 million for the Ann Abramson Pier – South Tender landing to assist our scuba shops and dive enthusiasts and to provide access to our economy for charter vessels that are visiting Frederiksted with increased frequency.
- $24 million cargo terminal and dock improvements at St. Croix’s Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier to relocate all cargo operations from Gallows Bay, which then will realize its full potential as a premium passenger facility catering to mini-cruise ships and luxury yachts.
