Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the resumption of its operations at the site that formally housed the building destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.
Since the storms, CBP operated out of a trailer located at the Cruz Bay Creek bulkhead to serve the St. John community, according to a release issued Monday. CBP also temporarily operated at the Urman Victor Fredericks Marine Terminal in Red Hook, St. Thomas to clear passenger ferries from the British Virgin Islands.
“The quality of this new building will help CBP work more efficiently to execute our mission, enforce our laws and ultimately support our economy, while keeping our communities and territory safe,” stated Area Port Director Todd Bellew.
The new facility is a solid concrete building with a flat, concrete roof. The 3,000-square-foot building was built to better withstand storm winds. It was built by Lemartec, Inc. as part of the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s 2017 Hurricane Restoration Program. The facility was designed by Oasis Engineering LLC and cost $1.9 million. Construction was officially completed in December 2020.
“VIPA remains committed to improving our port infrastructure and providing modern facilities that better serve the residents of St. John and our visitors," said V.I. Port Authority Executive Director, Carlton Dowe. "This sturdier, concrete building will enable essential marine and CBP operations to resume quickly on St. John in the event of any future storms.”
CBP Cruz Bay Operations will operate as follows:
- Cargo Informal Entries will be processed Monday through Friday from 0830 – 1500. The office can be reached at 340-776-6741.
- Entrance and clearance of vessels will be processed daily from 0830 – 1630.
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