Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning

The Committee on Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure, and Planning has scheduled a meeting on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room.

BLOCK I 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M.

Bill No. 36-0206 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.

Invited Testifiers:
Karl Knight, Executive Director and CEO, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
Noel Hodge, Director of Water Distribution, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority
Antonio Stevens, Director, Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Service

BLOCK II 1:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.

The Committee will receive 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.

Invited Testifiers:
Jessica C. Tully, Esq., Owner and Managing Attorney, Tully Law, PLLC
Karabo Molyneaux-Molloy, Esq., Owner and Managing Attorney, Karabo Molyneaux Molloy Law Firm, PLLC
Lance George, Director of Research and Information, Housing Assistance Council
Regina deChabert Petersen, Administrator of Courts, Superior Court of the Virgin Islands
Nadja Harrigan, Esq., Acting Chief of Staff/Legal Counsel, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
Sean L. Krigger, Director, State Historic Preservation Office, Department of Planning and Natural Resources
Honorable Lisa Alejandro, Commissioner, Department of Property and Procurement
Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director, Crucian Heritage & Nature Tourism
Wayne Biggs, Chief Executive Officer, Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority
Deanna James, President, St. Croix Foundation for Community Development
Shomari Moorehead, President, Our Town Frederiksted, Inc.
Mary Dema, President, Virgin Islands Architecture Center for Built Heritage and Crafts
Robert Schuster, Resident, St. Croix