The South Tender Landing Pier in Frederiksted By. GETTY IMAGES/VIC
ST. CROIX — With funds approved by the 34th Legislature for replacement of the existing, deteriorated South Tender Landing Pier and repairs at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Terminal in Frederiksted, the V.I. Port Authority Board during a meeting Wednesday chose a contractor for the Tender Pier project. The V.I. Port Authority manages all the territory's ports except the West Indian Company Dock.
VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe has consistently spoken of the project as one that will help provide opportunities for St. Croix. The authority has said it plans to replace the existing terminal with a new, 80-foot by 15-foot pier.
“The Ann E. Abramson Marine Terminal on St. Croix is pivotal to tourism on the island of St. Croix and to the overall economy of the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory earlier this year. "Having a facility on St Croix where mega ships can call is indeed a necessity. I am certain that no one will disagree.”
The bill that appropriated the funds was sent to the Legislature by Governor Albert Bryan.
Eleven Construction's $1.7 million bid was chosen over a bid of $2.4 million from Underwater Mechanix.
Elsewhere, Mr. Dowe was given authority by the board to utilize funds provided through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Rescue Grant — made available through the American Rescue Plan Act signed into law by President Joe Biden — for improvements at both airports.
