ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure, and Planning, chaired by Senator Marice C. James, convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room to receive critical updates on the implementation of the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan and the status of ongoing disaster recovery projects funded by FEMA.

Senator James underscored the importance of continued progress, noting that the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan represents a pivotal step toward long-term sustainability and resilience. She emphasized that both the plan and the Territory’s disaster recovery programs are essential to improving the quality of life for Virgin Islanders. Senator James commended the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) and the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) for their dedication, especially in the face of ongoing funding and logistical challenges.

Officials from the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) reported that the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan, adopted in December 2024, is currently in its early implementation phase. DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, joined by Territorial Planner Leia LaPlace-Matthew, explained that DPNR has developed an implementation matrix outlining agency responsibilities and priority actions. Coordination is ongoing with key partners, including the Department of Public Works, Economic Development Authority, Waste Management Authority, Virgin Islands Housing Authority, and the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.

Notably, DPNR has aligned aspects of the plan with DPW’s 2050 Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan and VIHFA’s three-year housing strategy. Internally, the agency is finalizing contracts to support zoning code updates and permitting improvements, while also advancing habitat restoration and conservation land acquisition projects. However, Oriol noted that shifting federal priorities have created challenges, particularly with the rollback of FEMA’s BRIC program and NOAA planning grants. To address these gaps, DPNR is pursuing alternative funding sources such as CDBG-MIT allocations through VIHFA. Staffing remains another key concern, with successful long-term implementation dependent on dedicated project management and technical personnel. Despite these hurdles, DPNR is advancing its Year 1 initiatives, with full implementation projected over a 10-year period.

The Office of Disaster Recovery also delivered a detailed report highlighting substantial progress since 2019. Director Adrien L. Octalien announced that total obligated recovery funds have increased from $8 billion to $23.7 billion, credited to persistent collaboration with federal agencies. The funding supports critical infrastructure restoration, housing development, and mitigation initiatives across the Territory. Among the key housing efforts is the EnVision Tomorrow program, which has completed 43 homes, with 101 currently under construction. Additionally, $18.6 million has been allocated to first-time homebuyer initiatives in Mount Pleasant (St. Croix) and Fortuna (St. Thomas), and $15 million set aside for emergency housing support.

Senator Avery L. Lewis inquired about project obligation deadlines. Director Octalien clarified that deadlines vary depending on each project’s period of performance. She added that securing funding is only the first step. ODR is accelerating implementation, managing construction costs, and ensuring long-term resilience for Virgin Islanders.

Octalien indicated that the completion of over 1,000 of 1,900 disaster recovery projects to date. Infrastructure milestones currently underway include the FEMA-funded reconstruction of the Charlotte Amalie High School, Arthur Richards PreK–8 School, and the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute, along with progress on the Street Addressing Initiative and fire station rebuilds. To support these efforts, ODR has strategically leveraged a $100 million Line of Credit to facilitate timely vendor payments and project execution. Presently, $93.1 million has been utilized, with $73.5 million reimbursed, leaving $80.5 million available for continued use. Regarding major challenges, rising construction costs, labor shortages, and limited professional capacity remain persistent obstacles. Octalien explained that adaptive strategies are considered critical to maintaining momentum and fulfilling the Territory’s long-term recovery objectives. Senator Dwayne M. DeGraff emphasized the importance of timely project completion, stating that it is critical to avoid continued reliance on the Line of Credit to advance disaster recovery efforts.

Senators in attendance included Marice C. James, Avery L. Lewis, Carla J. Joseph, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Dwayne M., DeGraff, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Hubert L. Frederick, Milton E. Potter, and Kurt A. Vialet.

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to informing the public on legislative proceedings and health-related developments. For more information, visit legvi.org. 

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Press Contact: Africah Harrigan

email: aharrigan@legvi.org