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Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett has announced a $3.9 million grant for the V.I. Police Department. The substantial grant, sourced from the U.S. Department of Justice, is earmarked for the purchase of three new marine enforcement vessels.
Plaskett expressed her enthusiasm about the grant, stating, “I am tremendously pleased to announce that the VIPD has received a grant in the amount of $3,984,000 to purchase three marine enforcement vessels. These vessels will not only bolster our efforts against drug-trafficking related criminal activities but also fortify safety patrols through local waters."
The congresswoman highlighted the urgency of such marine capabilities, citing the "significant uptick in recreational vessel traffic in recent years" as a particular concern. These vessels will play a critical role in interdicting illegal activities and ensuring the overall safety of both inhabitants and visitors traversing the waters of the Virgin Islands.
The newly-announced grant forms part of the federal Fiscal Year 2023 Community Project Funding requests. Plaskett and her team were instrumental in including this critical funding in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023. "Marine-capable law enforcement is imperative to ensure the safety and protection of life and property," Plaskett said, emphasizing the necessity of this new allocation of resources.
Plaskett concluded, "I am proud of the work being done and look forward to VIPD’s continued marine patrols and improved intelligence gathering."
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