The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) has announced its intention to establish an Intended Use Plan (IUP) for the Fiscal Year 2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) appropriations. These funds are allocated to the U.S. Virgin Islands for the implementation of the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds (SRF).
Background on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), signed into law by President Biden on November 15, 2021, allocates more than $43 billion to the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs over five years. For Fiscal Year 2023, $51,168,000 has been allotted to the U.S. Virgin Islands to enhance compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). The funds will support various initiatives, including drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects, addressing emerging contaminants, and implementing lead service line replacements.
The U.S. Virgin Islands has opted to apply for the BIL SRF funding as a single consolidated grant, as permitted by the Omnibus Territories Act. This consolidated approach is expected to provide significant benefits, including a comprehensive strategy for public health protection and water quality planning.
Purpose of the Intended Use Plan (IUP)
The FY2023 BIL SRF IUP outlines how the Virgin Islands Capital Improvements Grant program will utilize the consolidated grant funds to meet the objectives of the CWA and SDWA. The IUP includes program goals, administrative procedures, a Project Priority System (PPS), and Project Priority Lists (PPL). DPNR may amend the IUP to include additional projects as needed to protect public health or address emergency situations in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
How to Review the Proposed IUP and Administrative Records
The proposed FY2023 BIL SRF Intended Use Plan is available for public inspection by appointment at the DPNR’s Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix. To request a copy or submit comments, please contact Mr. Harold Mark, Environmental Program Manager, at 773-1082 ext. 2237 or via email at [email protected]. Correspondences can also be sent to the following addresses:
- St. Croix Office: Department of Planning & Natural Resources, Division of Environmental Protection, 45 Mars Hill, Frederiksted, VI 00840
- St. Thomas Office: 4611 Tutu Park Mall, Suite 300, 2nd Floor, St. Thomas, VI 00802
The proposed IUP can also be viewed or downloaded at: https://dpnr.vi.gov/environmental-protection/capital-improvement-grants/. Administrative records containing background technical information are available for inspection at the DEP offices between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
Public Comment Period
DPNR is inviting public comments on the proposed 2023 BIL IUP. The 30-day public comment period begins on September 16, 2024, and ends on October 15, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. Comments can be submitted via email to [email protected] or sent to the addresses provided above. All comments will be considered in the finalization of the IUP.
Response to Comments
After the close of the 30-day comment period, DPNR will develop a written response to all comments and petitions received. These responses will be made available to the public in the same manner as this notice.
For further inquiries or to schedule an appointment to review the proposed IUP, please contact the DPNR Division of Environmental Protection.
