The Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix.
The Board of Governors of the V.I. Port Authority has approved the concept for a new terminal building at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix, as proposed by VIports Partners.
The approval came during the VIPA Board Committee of the Whole meeting on June 27, 2024, according to a Tuesday evening release issued by VIPA. Additionally, VIports Partners presented a concept for the renovation and expansion of the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal in St. Thomas. This plan includes renovating the existing terminal within its current footprint and expanding the second floor for passenger use.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe emphasized the significance of the board's decision. "The decision made by the Port Authority Board today marks a significant advancement in our collaboration with VIports Partners to establish top-tier airport infrastructure for the U.S. Virgin Islands. This pivotal step is part of the ongoing transitional phase. We are committed to maintaining transparency with the public as we collectively strive towards the objective of constructing world-class airport terminals that this territory can be proud of."
Steve Nackan, President of Aecon Concessions and a shareholder of VIports Partners, also expressed his satisfaction with the collaboration. “We are very pleased to have worked collaboratively with the Virgin Islands Port Authority to advance designs of these two critical airports – each with its own unique sense of place - and look forward to meeting with community members in the coming months.”
The project, which began in March 2024, saw VIports Partners selected through a competitive bidding process to partner with VIPA in a Public-Private Partnership (P3) aimed at enhancing the USVI’s airport terminals. The project is currently in a transition phase involving extensive work between VIPA and VIports. This includes design, construction, permitting, employee transition, airline engagement, financial and commercial business activities, operations and maintenance, legal and project documents, regulatory matters, and stakeholder communication and outreach. Financial close is anticipated by the first quarter of 2025.
Presentation of the proposed terminal design concepts will take place during community meetings scheduled in St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John over the coming months. The concepts will be shown to the public during the community meetings.
Board members present at the meeting included Chairman Willard John, Vice Chairman Derek Gabriel, Board Secretary Kevin Rodriquez, Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte, Attorney General Nominee Gordon Rhea, Esq., Celestino A. White Sr., and Leona Smith.
