ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure, and Planning chaired by Senator Marise C. James, convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Conference Room. Policymakers voted favorably for two measures on eminent domain and roadway excavation, and to receive testimony from the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) on contractor performance, $961 million in new project awards, and oversight of the EnVision Tomorrow Program. All approved items on the agenda will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration. 

The senators unanimously supported both measures, signaling their collective commitment to strengthening public policy, ensuring accountability in the use of eminent domain, and enhancing oversight of roadway excavation to protect public safety and community interests. Senator James noted that the measures reflect the Legislature’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible development and safeguard the Territory’s critical infrastructure while addressing longstanding community concerns.

Policymakers voted in the affirmative for the following: 

• Bill No. 36-0070- An Act amending Title 28 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 19 by adding section 423 relating to failure to use property acquired through the exercise of the power of eminent domain, as amended. Proposed by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger
• Bill No. 36-0110- An Act amending Title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part I, Chapter 1 to require a permit from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works before the excavation of any public roadway. Proposed by: Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr.

Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director of the Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR), provided testimony on key disaster recovery efforts currently underway across the Territory, focusing on contractor performance, approximately $961 million in newly awarded projects, and the implementation and oversight of major recovery programs with special attention to public concerns, transparency, and accountability. Recently, the Territory’s total recovery funding has increased from an initial $8 billion in 2018 to $23.9 billion as of January 2025, an additional $16 billion secured to rebuild schools, hospitals, housing, roads, and other critical infrastructure to modern standards. Williams-Octalien noted that $4.1 billion has been expended to date and emphasized that ODR’s current priority is accelerating the use of obligated funds through the Rebuild USVI initiative, which consolidates major projects under a Super Project Management Office to improve oversight, cost control, and risk mitigation. 

As part of this ongoing recovery strategy, there are several key areas of progress and remaining obstacles. Williams-Octalien also highlighted progress on education, healthcare, and infrastructure bundles, WAPA power system upgrades, and housing repairs under the EnVision Tomorrow Program, while acknowledging persistent challenges such as labor shortages, supply chain delays, and rising construction costs. Senator James commended ODR’s progress and reaffirmed commitment to ensuring rigorous oversight, transparency, and accountability as the Territory moves into this critical phase of recovery.

Senators present at the Committee meeting included Marise C. James, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Kenneth L. Gittens, Carla J. Joseph, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Kurt A. Vialet, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Clifford A. Joseph, Hubert Frederick, and Milton E. Potter.

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Visit legvi.org.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org