CHARLOTTE AMALIE — After years of diligent efforts and strategic negotiations with HUD, White House officials, and congressional leaders, Governor Albert Bryan proudly announces the approval of $100 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) program.
This critical funding is allocated for the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (VIWAPA) to acquire vital fuel storage infrastructure on St. Thomas and St. Croix from VITOL, marking a significant milestone in the Governor’s administration’s ongoing commitment to securing the energy future of the Virgin Islands.
“The securing of this grant is the culmination of persistent advocacy and collaboration at the highest levels of government,” Governor Bryan said. “This is not just an investment in infrastructure; it’s a foundational step towards the strategic resilience of our energy systems. I extend my profound thanks to HUD, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, and our dedicated outside counsel in Washington, D.C., whose unyielding support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone.”
This $100 million grant enables VIWAPA to advance its strategic plan by acquiring essential fuel storage facilities, crucial for enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of energy delivery to Virgin Islands ratepayers. The move is pivotal within the broader context of the Authority’s commitment to reducing operational costs and achieving long-term sustainability.
“Our administration has been committed to this cause from day one, understanding the importance of reliable and affordable energy. This acquisition is a cornerstone of VIWAPA’s strategic initiatives aimed at providing the Virgin Islands community with not only resilient but also economically feasible energy solutions,” Governor Bryan added.
This funding represents a significant victory in the territory’s recovery and rebuilding efforts following devastating hurricanes, highlighting the critical nature of robust and reliable infrastructure.
Governor Bryan extends his deepest appreciation to all federal partners and local teams whose tireless work over the years has made this achievement possible. “This is a testament to what we can accomplish together for the future resilience and prosperity of the Virgin Islands,” he concluded.
For more information on the CDBG-MIT funding and VIWAPA’s strategic initiatives, please contact the Office of the Governor.
About the Community Development Block Grant – Mitigation (CDBG-MIT) Program:
Administered by HUD, the CDBG-MIT program assists states and territories impacted by natural disasters, facilitating the implementation of resilience measures to mitigate risks and reduce future losses.