LAWMAKERS EXAMINE HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION CHALLENGES ACROSS THE TERRITORY

ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Marvin A. Blyden, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to examine critical housing and transportation issues affecting residents across the Territory. The Committee received operational updates from the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA) and the Department of Public Works (DPW), with testimony focused on public housing availability and conditions, redevelopment and voucher utilization, roadway and drainage projects, public transportation, federal funding, and essential infrastructure services.

Senator Blyden described VIHA’s testimony as comprehensive and insightful while acknowledging the challenges facing the Authority. “There is a lot to digest. I appreciate the responses provided today, and I look forward to working with VIHA and our staff to address these challenges on behalf of the residents of the Virgin Islands,” Blyden said.

Virgin Islands Housing Authority Executive Director Dwayne Alexander testified that VIHA has moved out of HUD’s Troubled designation and is now classified as Substandard after achieving a Public Housing Assessment System score of 62. During questioning, Senator Clifford A. Joseph sought clarification on the Authority’s transition from Troubled status and its path toward becoming a Standard Performer. Alexander explained that VIHA had anticipated reaching Standard Performer status but did not earn sufficient points across the required performance categories. The Authority must continue improving its performance to advance to the next designation.

Despite the progress, housing access and occupancy remain key challenges. Presently, there is an 83.9 percent portfolio occupancy rate, with 1,716 of 2,046 available units occupied, including 93.7 percent occupancy in the St. Thomas/St. John District and 71.6 percent on St. Croix. There are 244 vacant units under maintenance and 588 applicants on its public housing waiting list. Under its Performance Improvement Action Plan, VIHA is targeting occupancy of at least 88 percent by December 31, 2026, and 94 percent by the end of 2027.

Lawmakers also examined maintenance, voucher utilization, and VIHA’s redevelopment pipeline. According to Alexander, VIHA has 4,170 outstanding work orders, although all 96 emergency work orders received during the latest reporting period were completed within the required 24-hour timeframe. The Housing Choice Voucher Program is operating at approximately 60 percent utilization, with 1,256 families participating out of 2,092 authorized vouchers. VIHA identified limited qualifying private rental inventory as a primary constraint.

Major housing initiatives include the 84-unit Estate Donoe redevelopment, which is approximately 57 percent complete and scheduled for completion in June 2027; the planned 60-unit Tutu North Senior development; and homeownership efforts at Williams Delight, where 34 families are scheduled to receive $15,000 grants toward closing costs.

Acting Commissioner of Public Works Rueben Jennings provided updates on major transportation and infrastructure projects underway throughout the Territory, including roadway reconstruction and resurfacing, drainage improvements, bridge rehabilitation, traffic-safety enhancements, and federally funded capital projects. Jennings also discussed DPW’s long-range planning through the 2050 Transportation Master Plan, which is being developed to guide the movement of residents, visitors, and goods while addressing the Territory’s future transportation needs.

DPW also outlined efforts to strengthen public transportation through the USVI Transit Connect planning study, modernization of the VITRAN fleet, proposed Saturday fixed-route bus service, and improvements to inter-island transportation. The Department reported that 21 of 28 new medium-duty and paratransit vehicles have been placed into service, while planning continues for Saturday service. During questioning, Senator Marvin A. Blyden inquired on whether REAL ID is accepted for senior VITRAN services. DPW officials acknowledged that the Department had not initially been aware of an amendment to the law concerning identification requirements for seniors but confirmed that the change was recently implemented, and REAL ID is now accepted for seniors utilizing VITRAN services. Separately, Jennings also provided updates on the proposed St. Thomas–St. Croix ferry, a $2.5 million federal grant for a new Water Island passenger ferry, and the $10.24 million St. Croix VITRAN Operations Facility, where Phase I is substantially complete.

Senators present at the meeting included Marvin A. Blyden, Carla J. Joseph, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Ray Fonseca, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Kurt A. Vialet, Maurice C. James, Angel Bolques, Jr., Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, and Kenneth L. Gittens.

The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to keeping the public informed on legislative developments. For more information, visit legvi.org.

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Media Contact: Africah Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org