ST. CROIX, VI– The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning, chaired by Senator Marise C. James, met at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room. Lawmakers considered a measure that would require the Virgin Islands Water Authority to expand systems, perform upgrades, and install fire hydrants. Additionally, the Committee heard testimony from relevant stakeholders regarding heirs’ property, prolonged probate, and vacant and abandoned historic properties in the U.S. Virgin Islands.  

The committee first focused on Bill No. 36-0262: an act requiring the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to expand the potable water distribution system, perform necessary upgrades to the existing potable water distribution system, and install fire hydrants in Estate Smith Bay, St. Thomas. The measure was sponsored by Avery L. Lewis.  

Noel Hodge, Chief Engineer, Capital Projects Group at the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, expressed the authority’s support of Bill No. 36-0262. They stated that the expansion of potable water service would benefit the community as residents have made many requests, and it provides more reliable services during unfavorable conditions. The estimated cost of the suggested system would be $12,733,103 with a 33-month proposed schedule; this sum includes the 42 fire hydrants that will be installed. Mr. Hodge mentions that WAPA cs still facing a financial deficit therefore there is no internal funding available for this waterline expansion project. They have submitted grant applications and are following up with federal and local partners expecting a decision in the upcoming month. A few senators expressed their discomfort with the authority not yet having confirmed funding. 

Antonio Stevens, Director of the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, followed with his testimony also in support of Bill No. 36-0262. Steven stated that the addition of two hydrants in Estate Smith Bay would expand the existing water supply in the area and ensure firefighters have additional sources of water in the event of a fire. After further discussion on the matter, Bill No. 36-0262 was held in committee at the call of the chair. 

The committee then heard testimony from relevant stakeholders regarding: “Heirs Property, 

Prolonged Probate, and Vacant & Abandoned Historic Properties in the U.S. Virgin Islands” 

to examine the legal, administrative, and systemic barriers contributing to prolonged probate and 

unresolved heirs’ property, particularly where such delays result in vacant, abandoned, and 

deteriorating historic properties, and to identify coordinated solutions to return these properties to productive use. 

Lance George, Director of Research and Information, Housing Assistance Council highlighted HAC’s national work supporting affordable housing in rural and territorial communities, including the U.S. Virgin Islands. He spotlighted the organization’s new initiatives working to increase access to capital and resources needed to support homeowners. 

Karabo Molyneaux-Molloy, Esq., Owner and Managing Attorney, Karabo Molyneaux Molloy Law Firm, PLLC followed with her testimony criticizing heir property. Malloy states that it is a major cause of land loss in the Virgin Islands and makes it difficult to ensure property, pull permits, or sell property. Jessica Gallivan, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands provided data showing that, as of the close of Fiscal Year 2025, there were approximately 801 active probate cases across the Territory, with the oldest cases dating back to 1985 on St. Thomas and 1992 on St. Croix. The Superior Court is working to address this backlog through enhanced electronic filing, improved case management, and staffing adjustments, though additional resources including funding for clerical and legal support are still needed. Judge Gallivan highlighted that delays in probate often stem from complex, multigenerational estates, contested wills, and missing or incapacitated heirs.  

Nadja D. Harrigan, Esq., Acting Chief of Staff/Legal Counsel at the Office of the Lieutenant stressed the importance of recording Transfer on Death Deeds and associated Death Certificates so that property tax records are accurate. She noted that all property taxes must be paid before a deed can be recorded. She also encouraged property owners to inform the Tax Assessor of address changes to prevent delays. The Office highlighted that issues with heirs’ property often come from outdated or incomplete documents submitted by property owners. Harrigan recommended stronger public awareness and compliance measures to protect property rights and support historic preservation. 

The St. Croix Foundation for Community Development spoke about their work in historic preservation and community revitalization in Christiansted and Frederiksted. They explained that heirs’ property and unresolved probate create problems because of historic disinvestment. The Foundation recommended several solutions. Legal assistance should help families resolve complex property titles. Financial tools, such as grants and low-interest loans, should be available to cover restoration costs. They also said that historic preservation policies should protect native ownership and prevent displacement. 

Sean L. Krigger, Director and Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer, testified on how heirs’ property and prolonged probate contribute to vacant and deteriorating buildings in historic towns. He explained that the Virgin Islands already has strong laws to address probate and heirs’ property. The main problem is limited court capacity and slow processes. He clarified that the Historic Preservation Commission does not cause probate delays. The Commission can only act after a lawful owner applies for review. When title is unclear or in probate, no permits can be issued. This delay leads to neglect and building decay in historic districts. He also proposed tools that allow action during probate. Such as court-approved interim repairs and estate sales to prevent unsafe conditions. He supported magistrate handling of uncontested probate matters. 

To prevent future heirs’ property issues, he urged expanded use of Transfer on Death Deeds through public clinics and outreach. He recommended funding legal aid for title clearing and property mediation. Finally, he supported adopting a conservatorship or receivership law for blighted properties. This would allow courts to stabilize abandoned buildings while protecting the owner’s equity and historic character. He also called for increased funding for historic preservation and restoration in the Territory’s historic towns. 

Shomari Moorehead, President of Our Town Frederiksted’s delivered testimony providing suggestions including expanding low interest financing programs focused on heirs’ property resolution. Additionally, the organization recommended increasing financing and technical assistance for properties in Enterprise Zones and historic districts. The testimony stressed that probate reform must include funded implementation plans and explore insurance. This includes pooled risk or government-backed options for historic properties.  

Senators present at today’s Committee hearing were Marise C. James, Milton E. Potter, Marvin A. Blyden, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Hubert L. Frederick, Carla J. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kurt A. Vialet.  

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