CHRISTIANSTED – In a significant boost to our recovery and resilience efforts, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has obligated $989 million toward enhancing the robustness of the wastewater system on St. Croix. This award, part of FEMA’s ongoing partnership with the Government of the Virgin Islands, aims to fortify our critical infrastructure that suffered extensive damage during Hurricane Maria.
This funding will facilitate the comprehensive overhaul of the majority of St. Croix’s wastewater sewer lines and the reconstruction of 14 crucial pump stations. Enabled by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, this initiative is a testament to FEMA’s commitment to work alongside the territory to renew and strengthen facilities and infrastructure devastated by the destructive hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017.
“Today’s substantial financial commitment from FEMA is a clear indication of the faith placed in our collective ability to fortify St. Croix against future natural disasters,” Governor Albert Bryan said. “We are poised to revamp our wastewater systems bringing them in line with industry standards promising resilience and reliability for years to come. We extend our deepest gratitude to FEMA and our federal partners for their unwavering support and shared commitment to the well-being and future prosperity of the Virgin Islands.”
This project will equip the Government of the Virgin Islands with the necessary financial resources to develop infrastructure designed to endure future adversities.
“We are excited to collaborate with the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to transform St. Croix’s wastewater collection, transport, and sewage systems into resilient infrastructure that will reliably serve the community for decades,” Kristen Hodge, FEMA Recovery Director for the U.S. Virgin Islands, said.
Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, director of the Office of Disaster Recovery, expressed her optimism about the project.
“This funding is a milestone in our ongoing journey towards recovery and resilience. It represents a critical step forward in rebuilding stronger and smarter. The enhancements to our wastewater systems are not just about recovery; they’re about setting a new standard of preparedness for our island, ensuring that we’re better equipped to handle future challenges.”
To date, FEMA has allocated a total of $11.9 billion through its Public Assistance program for emergency and permanent repairs to infrastructure damaged during the 2017 hurricanes. Of this amount, approximately $1.2 billion is earmarked for hazard mitigation measures aimed at interrupting the cycle of disaster damage and reconstruction.