ST. THOMAS – The 35th Legislature of the Virgin Islands’ Committee on Economic Development and Agriculture, chaired by Javan E. James, Sr., met in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall. Lawmakers received an update from the Virgin Islands Port Authority, considered a measure to reestablish the weekly Harbor Night events in Frederiksted, St. Croix, and received an update from the Summer’s End Group on the overall status of the marina’s development on St. John.
Carlton Dowe, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA), testified on the territory’s airport redevelopment projects and harbor improvements. VIPA will begin a public/private partnership with “SkyCity” to renovate both the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. Dowe emphasized that VIPA would retain ownership, and the airports are not being privatized. The Cyril E. King Airport will undergo a full renovation while remaining operational, and a new terminal will be built at the Rohlsen Airport. Both airports will feature updated passenger boarding bridges and stair access. Employees choosing to leave VIPA to work with SkyCity have options regarding their retirement contributions with the Government Employees’ Retirement System. VIPA aims to complete the employee offers by the end of 2024, with the project expected to be operational within five years.
Dowe highlighted recent runway failures at the Cyril E. King Airport, necessitating emergency repairs, as the original construction in 1990 was intended to last 10-15 years. Construction of the second half of the Dale A. Gregory Transportation Center is on track for completion by early 2025. In addition, Fiscal Year 2025 expects 595 cruise ship visits, with a significant increase in passenger traffic to St. Croix, where 101 cruise calls are scheduled compared to fifty-seven in the previous year. Dredging of the Charlotte Amalie harbor to -40 feet has been requested to accommodate larger ships and address sediment build-up, while renovations are ongoing at several port facilities, including the Ann Abramson Marine Facility, Noel Boynes Car Dock, and Loredon Boynes Sr. Dock. Additionally, VIPA is collaborating with local communities to develop a multipurpose St. John Community Park in Cruz Bay, as well as a fisherman’s facility.
Lawmakers then considered Bill No. 35-0396, An Act requiring the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism to reestablish weekly Harbor Night Events in Frederiksted, St. Croix. The measure was sponsored by Senator Diane T. Capehart.
Testimony delivered by Deputy Commissioner of Tourism Shamari Haynes supported the concept, but suggested hosting monthly events to allow for careful planning and better execution, enabling local businesses to participate without weekly pressure. Haynes recommended removing the provision for pop up casinos and suggested that it fall under the Virgin Islands Casino Control Commission. Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Carlton Dowe, also expressed support for the return of Harbor Nights, but raised concerns about the liability of pop-up casinos and meeting environmental standards for potable water, and the installation of shore power. Senator Donna A. Frett Gregory expressed reservations about the measure, cautioning against micromanagement within the Department of Tourism.
After review, the proposal was ultimately held in Committee at the call of the chair for further review.
Additionally, an update was received from the Summer’s End Group, LLC on the overall status of the marina’s development on the island of St. John. The committee also reviewed testimony from Chaliese Summers of the Summer’s End Group, LLC, detailing the group’s planned marina on St. John, which will include 115 wet slips, a local market, wastewater facilities, and Customs and Border Protection access. The $112 million project is anticipated to have significant economic impact, with projections of $46.4 million in economic benefits in its first year and the creation of over eighty direct and 362 indirect jobs across the territory. Attorney David Cattie reported that all legal disputes regarding land use on the parcel needed to construct the marina were resolved. Jeff Boyd of Marine Management and Consulting NC emphasized that the marina would address a shortage of slips in the region, with anticipated increases in spending across hospitality, retail and dining sectors. The committee requested further information from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources and recessed the session until a further date.
Senators present at today’s committee hearing included Javan E. James, Sr., Marvin A. Blyden, Diane T. Capehart, Dwayne M. Degraff, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, and Donna A. Frett-Gregory.
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