ST. THOMAS — The V.I. Port Authority is preparing to welcome United Airlines' new nonstop service between Newark, New Jersey, and St. Croix on Saturday, October 31, but the addition of another mainland route prompted concerns among board members Wednesday about high ticket prices and their impact on passenger travel.
During the governing board meeting, officials also reported that active dredging operations in Charlotte Amalie Harbor are expected to begin the week before Thanksgiving, with environmental preparations completed and equipment scheduled to arrive in the coming days.
VIPA Executive Director Ava Penn described United's new service between Newark Liberty International Airport and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport as “a significant win for St. Croix, providing enhanced connectivity to one of the nation’s largest airline hubs and expanding travel options for residents and visitors.”
The weekly round-trip service will operate on Saturdays using a Boeing 737-700 aircraft with approximately 126 passenger seats. The new route will provide St. Croix with nonstop access to the New York metropolitan area, a development previously announced by United Airlines and the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism.
However, board member Celestino White questioned whether the additional airlift would translate into meaningful passenger traffic if ticket prices remain high.
“Although we get more airlift, we still don’t get passengers. I’m saying it’s a killing,” Mr. White remarked.
Tourism Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, who also serves on VIPA's governing board, acknowledged the concern but said airfare is influenced by factors outside the control of territorial officials.
“There are a number of geopolitical things that are happening, including the cost of fuel, that is skyrocketing the prices,” she explained. “That is beyond all of us.”
The discussion highlighted concerns about affordability even as the territory continues efforts to expand its connections to major mainland destinations.
The board subsequently authorized VIPA's executive director to negotiate a one-year lease with United Airlines for ticket counters, passenger queuing space and office accommodations at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
Under the approved terms, the airline would pay $2,436.10 monthly, or approximately $29,233 annually, for the designated facilities. The agreement includes two dedicated ticket counters, office space and access to an additional common-use ticket counter. It also requires a security deposit and mandatory insurance.
Meanwhile, significant developments were reported on the Charlotte Amalie Harbor dredging project, which is intended to deepen the harbor's entrance channel, turning basin and West Indian Company berth pocket to accommodate larger vessels.
According to VIPA Director of Engineering Preston Beyer, the project's 365-day contractual period officially began October 12, although active dredging has not yet commenced.
Mr. Beyer said equipment needed for the operation is expected to arrive in the territory shortly, with dredging scheduled to begin during the week preceding Thanksgiving.
The revised timeline follows VIPA's September announcement that dredging would begin by October 12. The project is being undertaken by Orion Marine Construction Inc. under a contract valued at up to $41,927,000.
Mr. Beyer reported that environmental mitigation work required before dredging has been completed, including the relocation of coral, seagrass and a shipwreck from areas affected by the project.
The operation will involve transporting dredged material to separate locations depending on its classification.
Material considered suitable for beach use will be taken to the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School property in Crown Bay on St. Thomas, which has been undergoing demolition and site preparation to accommodate the project.
Other dredged material will be transported by vessel to St. Croix, where it will be temporarily stored and dewatered at the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier in Krause Lagoon before being trucked to a former quarry site north of Henry E. Rohlsen Airport.
The project is planned in two phases, with non-beach-quality material scheduled for removal during the first phase and beach-quality material during the second. VIPA previously said dredging activities would be coordinated around scheduled cruise ship calls to minimize disruptions to harbor operations.
In other business Wednesday, the governing board ratified a September 29 poll vote authorizing a three-month security services contract with Falken USVI LLC for the St. Croix District.
The company will receive $505,000 for temporary security services covering October 1 through December 31, 2026. The expenditure will be funded through VIPA's operating budget.
The board also considered a contract for emergency debris removal and disposal services on St. Croix following a competitive solicitation process.
Procurement and Contracting Manager Khadila Joseph reported that Vivo Group LLC submitted the strongest of six proposals received in response to VIPA's request for proposals. The proposed master services agreement would cover one year, with options for two additional annual renewals.
Ms. Joseph also indicated that a similar solicitation for St. Thomas had not proceeded after attracting insufficient interest.
However, the St. Croix debris-removal contract was not approved during Wednesday's meeting because the board lost its quorum before the matter could be brought to a vote.
Board members did approve the renewal of VIPA's aviation and marine liability insurance coverage for November 1, 2026, through November 1, 2027. The policies will be paid through quarterly installments of $204,168 for marine coverage and $298,500 for aviation coverage, including excess insurance.
Wednesday's meeting came to an abrupt end after the loss of a quorum, leaving two action items unresolved.
In addition to the emergency debris-removal contract, proposed changes to the United Steelworkers collective bargaining agreement for fiscal years 2027 through 2031 remained pending.
Board Chairman Willard John determined that both matters would be addressed through poll votes, with the results to be reported at the next scheduled board meeting.
