Governernor Albert Bryan Jr. Photo Credit: GOV'T HOUSE.
Previously obligated federal disaster-recovery and mitigation funding remains available to the Virgin Islands, and existing awards, contracts and construction work continue despite HUD’s suspension of the V.I. Housing Finance Authority from future federal transactions, Governor Albert Bryan Jr. said Friday.
Mr. Bryan also disclosed that VIHFA has requested an appeal and said another meeting is being coordinated among Government House, authority leadership and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as local officials seek to determine the full implications of the federal action.
The governor delivered the update during a morning press briefing intended to provide “clear and accurate information about the recent action announced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development involving the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.”
He said territorial officials had “spent a whole week meeting with federal officials to gain clarity from HUD” and described the discussions as “very productive.”
Mr. Bryan thanked the Trump administration for its assistance and said members of his administration had been communicating with officials from the White House, the Department of the Interior and other federal offices.
“We are all working in concert to bring information, clarity, and hopefully someday soon a resolve to this matter,” said Governor Bryan.
Existing Programs Remain Operational, Bryan Says
Mr. Bryan sought to reassure residents, contractors and subrecipients that HUD’s action has not halted previously committed disaster-recovery work.
“The programs supporting homeowners, renters, small businesses, and communities remain operational. Awards, agreements, contracts and construction activities that were already committed remain in place,” he advised.
The suspension “does not at this time suspend or terminate community development block grant disaster recovery, or…block grant mitigation funds already obligated to the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan reiterated.
Throughout the briefing, he repeatedly emphasized that “previously obligated CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT funds have not been suspended or terminated,” meaning that “existing recovery programs remain operational.”
The governor encouraged organizations and other subrecipients that rely on HUD funding to continue carrying out their responsibilities while officials address the suspension.
“continue the work, continue submitting the required documentation, continue communicating with your Housing Finance Authority representatives.”
Future Resources Remain at Risk
Although previously obligated funds remain available, Mr. Bryan acknowledged that the suspension remains a serious threat to VIHFA and the territory.
“the consequences of this recent action remains very serious for VIHFA and for the people of the Virgin Islands,” he conceded.
The governor said future resources needed for affordable housing, assistance to low- and moderate-income families and the territory’s broader housing needs could still be jeopardized.
He described those resources as “essential to building and preserving affordable housing, supporting low and moderate income families, and addressing the territory’s long-term housing needs.”
Mr. Bryan said resolving the suspension is therefore necessary to protect future access to federal support.
Governor Says HUD Findings Require Corrective Action
HUD’s suspension notice accused VIHFA of serious failures involving financial management, fraud controls, conflicts of interest, disaster-recovery spending and the protection of taxpayer funds.
Mr. Bryan said those concerns cannot be answered through rhetoric alone.
HUD’s findings “must be met with facts, corrective action, and measurable progress.”
He said “some corrective measures have already been undertaken,” while acknowledging that “additional work remains.”
Another meeting involving Government House, VIHFA and HUD is being arranged as the authority moves forward with the appeal process, according to the governor.
Bryan Urges Restraint in Public Commentary
Mr. Bryan repeatedly urged elected officials and members of the public to avoid speculation and political rhetoric while the appeal is pending.
He said “the temptation to politicize this issue with speculation and irresponsible rhetoric is an urge way too complicated to succumb to.”
The appeal involves a complex and delicate process, he said, making restraint necessary to “preserve every opportunity to make sure we are successful.”
Mr. Bryan noted that Virgin Islands political figures have voices “that echo far beyond the shores of our territory.”
He said he “often has to clarify reckless statements and remarks taken out of context.”
The governor concluded by again asking Virgin Islanders to “act responsibly in this matter” and “refrain from speculating” while officials “go through the process aggressively and defend the actions to suspend future federal funding to the Virgin Islands and the Housing Finance Authority.”
Briefing Planned for Legislature and Delegate to Congress
Mr. Bryan said a briefing has been scheduled with members of the Legislature and the sitting delegate to Congress to share information and answer questions about the suspension and appeal.
He maintained that the territorial and federal governments are working toward clarity and a resolution while protecting existing programs and addressing HUD’s concerns.
Journalists attending Friday’s briefing virtually were unable to question the governor because of what officials described as technical difficulties.
Mr. Bryan invited members of the press to submit questions afterward. Consortium journalists submitted questions as requested and will update the public when responses are received.
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