Entrance of the St. Croix Central High School
The V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources has scheduled a crucial St. Croix Coastal Zone Management Committee meeting for Thursday, June 20 at 5:30 p.m. via Microsoft Teams. The meeting will focus on several significant projects, including the rebuilding of St. Croix Central High School using FEMA funds.
DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol announced that the agenda would cover important infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the island’s resilience and community facilities. The key discussion will revolve around the proposal by the V.I. Department of Education under Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0028-23, which seeks approval to use FEMA funds for the demolition and new construction of St. Croix Central High School. The project, located at Track 3 Upper Bethlehem in Christiansted, is a major step in modernizing educational infrastructure on the island.
In addition to the school reconstruction, the committee will also review improvements to Highway 75. Under Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0017-23, the V.I. Department of Public Works aims to enhance roadway geometry, install underground electrical distributions, and make several other safety and accessibility improvements along the north shore road west of Christiansted.
Another significant project includes the V.I. Water and Power Authority’s request under Federal Consistency Determination No. CZM0005-24. WAPA seeks to use FEMA funds to bury utility lines along Queen Mary Highway to VITEMA Road, aiming to boost the electrical power resilience for the VITEMA Headquarters and nearby residents.
The meeting promises a comprehensive discussion with opportunities for public testimony during the hearings on the highway and utility projects. However, no testimonies will be heard during the decision meeting on the high school project.
For those interested in participating or viewing the proceedings, the meeting details are as follows:
- Meeting ID: 290 917 297 230
- Passcode: aoPusj
All relevant documents and additional information can be accessed on DPNR’s website under the Federal Consistency and permitting sections. This meeting underscores the ongoing efforts by the Virgin Islands government to address critical infrastructure needs through effective use of federal funds, ensuring the resilience and development of the territory.
