An aerial view of WAPA's Richmond power plant on St. Croix, set to undergo significant upgrades with $661 million in FEMA funding for turbine and generator replacements. Photo Credit: ERNICE GILBERT, V.I. CONSORTIUM
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FEMA announced the allocation of more than $1 billion in federal funding to advance recovery projects across the U.S. Virgin Islands, focusing on critical infrastructure improvements.
The Bureau of Information Technology (BIT) will receive $161.5 million for the repair and replacement of communication towers on St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. Meanwhile, the V.I. Water and Power Authority will receive the largest portion of the funding, with $661 million directed toward replacing turbines and generators at the Richmond power plant on St. Croix. An additional $205.9 million has been earmarked for the replacement of generators at the Randolph Harley power plant on St. Thomas.
“These obligations signal a fresh start for VIWAPA's power distribution systems on St. Croix and the strengthening of BIT’s communication infrastructure,” said Adrienne Williams-Octalien, Director of the Office of Disaster Recovery. She noted that these projects will place the territory in a better position to withstand future weather events and other potential threats once the work is completed.
Governor Albert Bryan Jr., who previously announced FEMA's decision to fund these recovery projects last June, praised the obligation of funds as a significant milestone. “While the process takes time, progress is evident,” he said. “The federal government has been an invaluable partner in our recovery and rebuilding efforts after hurricanes Irma and Maria.”
Kristen Hodge, Director for FEMA's USVI Recovery Office, echoed the governor’s sentiment, emphasizing the importance of these investments. “These investments underscore FEMA's commitment to helping Virgin Islanders continue their recovery from the 2017 hurricanes,” she said.
The projects are expected to deliver long-term improvements to the territory’s critical infrastructure, enhancing its resilience to future disasters while addressing the lingering impacts of the 2017 hurricanes.
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