Senate

NOAA Lease For Emergency Tower Approved, Helipad Measure Receives Mixed Reaction

The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance on Friday considered several leases which are all expected to benefit the territory in times of emergency.  Among them was Bill No. 36-0062, an agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to lease a portion of the telecommunications tower located on Parcel R-22 of Tract I Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter. It will allow NOAA to install “essential telecommunications infrastructure for weather forecasting and Emergency Broadcast Communications.” According to Senate President Milton Potter, “this partnership enhances the territory's disaster preparedness capabilities.” The bill was previously heard in April and held in committee after several senators expressed concern over possible health implications for nearby residents. At that meeting, Senator Ray Fonseca referenced “frequencies and radio waves.” This time around, he joined Senator Dwayne DeGraff in voting a...