Government

USVI Stands To Receive Billions Of Dollars From $89 Billion Disaster Aid Package

ST. CROIX -- A hastily organized Government House press conference gave scant details about its purpose: "To update the public on recent Congressional actions and other developments." But once the media and administration officials were gathered at the 1:00 p.m. event, Governor Kenneth Mapp -- looking optimistic and occasionally wearing a smile -- announced billions of dollars in federal aid to the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was passed through a U.S. government spending bill that President Donald Trump had only hours earlier signed into law. "The people of the Virgin Islands had a huge night in the U.S. Congress this morning," the governor began. "I am pleased to report to you and all Virgin Islanders that the $89 billion disaster recovery bill which the House and Senate passed into law in the wee hours of this morning, and which was signed by President Trump just a few hours ago, provides and includes several billion dollars for the recovery and the rebuilding of the Virgin Islands." ...