FEMA Awards Public Works $3.7M for Mahogany Road Drainage Improvements and $4.2M for Drainage Improvements to Donoe Bypass

  • Staff Consortium
  • December 19, 2019
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FEMA through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) recently awarded $4.2 million to the Department of Public Works (D.P.W.) for drainage improvements to the Donoe Bypass. FEMA also awarded $3.7 million to D.P.W. for a dual-phase drainage improvement project on Mahogany Road.

Donoe Bypass

FEMA anticipates covering mitigations measures such as the construction of a conveyance channel and culverts, and the installation of catch basins and a retaining wall, according to the Office of Disaster Recovery.

“The department is grateful for the grant award and looks forward to rebuilding and improving the infrastructure of the Donoe Bypass,” said Nelson Petty Jr., DPW commissioner.                                                                                                                                        

This project is part of a larger CDBGR-DR project, which includes plans for hazard mitigation and underground utilities, according to the release.

“As the territory continues moves out of recovery and into rebuilding, developing projects that improve the day-to-day lives of Virgin Islanders while mitigating the effects of a disaster is at the core of HMGP,” Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, O.D.R. director.

When the conditions of the first phase are fulfilled, FEMA will review the deliverables and consider additional funding for Phase II (Construction) at $3,865,664 for a maximum total cost of $4,280,370, O.D.R. said.

Mahogany Road

The Mahogany Road Drainage Improvement project will remedy stormwater runoff issues along Mahogany Road within the La Grange Gut Watershed. Specifically, the upper section of the La Grange Gut starting high in the rainforest above Frederiksted and a portion of Mahogany Road west of the location where the La Grange gut bears south away from Mahogany road, O.D.R. said.

“The department is pleased that this much-needed project has been approved,” said Mr. Petty. "It aligns with our mission to build resiliency into all of our projects.”  

Funding for Phase I has been obligated in the amount of $354,389 and includes the completion of a hydrological analysis of the watershed, a technical feasibility study, a cost-effectiveness analysis, and environmental reviews of all mitigation possibilities.

This project is a component of a larger DPW capital reconstruction roadway project of Mahogany Road (Route 73).

“The construction of resilient roadways does not only apply to main thoroughfares,” Mrs. Williams-Octalien said. “Correcting potentially damaging and longstanding runoff issues is a critical piece of building a stronger infrastructure.”

Phase II will include mitigation measures such as the construction of ditches and culverts, concrete outlet pipes, and retention ponds and catchments. The anticipated cost of installation is $3,345,820 for a total maximum project cost of $3,700,209.

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