The Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, USVI. Photo Credit: V.I. PORT AUTHORITY
The V.I. Port Authority has announced a series of important upcoming events, including a public meeting to discuss its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goal and mandatory airport emergency response drills.
Public Meeting on DBE Participation Goals
VIPA is proposing a 17.1% DBE participation goal for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-funded contracts and agreements at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (HERA) on St. Croix. This goal covers federal fiscal years 2024 through 2026. VIPA anticipates achieving this target through a combination of 7% race-neutral measures and 10.1% race-conscious measures.
To gather public feedback on the goal-setting process, VIPA will hold an in-person meeting on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 6:00 PM. The meeting will take place in the Administration Conference Room located on the second floor of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal in St. Croix. Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide input. Additional information can be requested by emailing [email protected].
Triennial Airport Emergency Drills
In compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, VIPA will also conduct full-scale emergency response drills at both major airports in the territory. These exercises, mandated under 14 CFR Part 139, are designed to assess the effectiveness and response times of VIPA and its supporting agencies during emergencies.
The first exercise will take place on December 12, 2024, at the Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas. A second exercise is scheduled for December 17, 2024, at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix.
These full-scale exercises will simulate a Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) and ensure that airport personnel and emergency services are prepared for real-world crises. VIPA assures the public that airport operations will not be affected during these drills.
The FAA requires such emergency response exercises to be conducted every 36 consecutive months to maintain safety standards and ensure airports are compliant with federal regulations.
