Usvi Ports Hub

Ground Breaks on $26.8 Million Phase One of the Cyril E. King Airport's Expansion and Modernization Project as 'Dowe Now' Pushes Ahead

ST. THOMAS — The scene at the Cyril E. King Airport these days is always hectic. On Wednesday, 3,000 passengers and roughly 20 jets were expected to pass through the airport, according to V.I. Port Authority officials, as a high volume of tourists continue to visit the USVI while other passengers head to the British Virgin Islands. The congestion has become more pronounced with the start of construction of the airport's new Terminal Expansion and Modernization, as the area once used for parking and car rentals has been barricaded to facilitate the project's first phase — a $26.8 million parking garage and transportation center envisioned by V.I.P.A. Executive Director Carlton Dowe many years ago. On Wednesday morning, Port Authority employees were out early making final preparations inside the barricaded area, and about 8:30 a.m., local dignitaries started making their way to the tent for yet another groundbreaking ceremony for a Port Authority project. Yesterday's event marked Mr...