ST. THOMAS, VI – The Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, chaired by Senator Novelle E. Francis Jr., convened at the Capitol Building on St. Thomas to receive testimony on the Fiscal Year 2026 Executive Budget. Presenters included officials from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA), the Virgin Islands Housing Authority (VIHA), the U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority (USVIEDA), and the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority (VIWMA).

Eugene Jones Jr., Executive Director of VIHFA, presented a $28.9 million FY 2026 operating budget, including $2 million from the General Fund. The FY 2026 budget of the $28,925,235 breakdown is as follows: $9,013,094 for personnel services, $4,279,984 for fringe benefits, $668,069 for supplies, $13,719,088 for other services and charges, $500,000 for utilities, and for 745,000 for capital outlays. Funding sources include Stamp Tax collections, home sales, leases, mortgages, and federal reimbursements. Key expenditures include $9M for personnel, $4.2M for fringe benefits, and $13.7M for other services. VIHFA manages several federally funded programs, including the HOME Program ($796K), ESG ($149K), and CDBG-CV ($2.8M), alongside the Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which has disbursed over $12M, and the Homeowner Assistance Fund, which has provided $4.7M in relief. Major funding includes $749.6M in CDBG-DR and $774M in Mitigation. The agency employs 103 staff, with 50 federally funded; four vacancies total $235,000 in potential salaries.

Dwayne Alexander, Executive Director of VIHA, reported clean audits and improved metrics, though the agency remains designated as “troubled” under HUD’s Public Housing Assessment System. VIHA is not requesting General Fund support but received $3.4M through Act No. 8920 from the Southern Trust Settlement Fund. For FY 2025, VIHA will receive $50.1M in HUD funding across four programs: Low-Income Public Housing ($20M), Capital Fund Grants ($11M), Housing Choice Voucher Program ($18.9M), and the Central Office Cost Center. VIHA manages over 2,100 units and faces a growing voucher waitlist. Alexander warned that HUD’s proposed 44% funding cut could severely impact operations. Projects include the Donoe Redevelopment, D. Hamilton Jackson rehab, Tutu North, and Alfonso “Piggy” Gerard. VIHA is also expanding its management services and launched its “Stay in the Loop” engagement campaign. In response to Senator Francis’s inquiry, Alexander confirmed there are no outstanding vendor payments. Senator Francis emphasized the importance of public outreach, and Alexander noted recent PR efforts and radio tours to ensure the public is aware of opportunities and funding programs.

CEO Wayne Biggs presented a $7.3M FY 2026 budget, including $6.6M from the General Fund and $703K in internal revenue. Personnel expenses total $5.1M for 46 positions, with key vacancies in recruitment. Marketing and global outreach are funded at $470K, with $40K allocated for IT upgrades. In response to Senator Francis’s inquiries, Biggs reported delayed allotments for FY 2024 and 2025 from the Office of Management and Budget. FY 2025 accomplishments included national media placements, a PBS feature, and $16.4M in financing to create 131 new jobs and retain 113. The VI Slice program approved $6.2M in homeownership loans, and the Solar+ program funded $662K in energy upgrades. The Economic Development Commission added 10 new beneficiaries, generating $29.6M in investment and $4.4M in local wages and contributions. Biggs called the FY 2026 budget a strategic roadmap to attract investment and strengthen economic confidence.

Interim Executive Director and CFO Daryl Griffith presented VIWMA’s balanced FY 2026 budget of $53.6M, with $42.85M in appropriations from multiple funds. The Authority projects $3.5M in tipping fees and seeks to implement a new $180 annual solid waste fee, expected to raise $6.9M. Personnel services account for $20M, and professional services for $25.8M, including $12.4M for garbage collection. VIWMA currently holds over $20M in outstanding vendor payments. Federal support underpins over $400M in projects, including $64.8M for convenience centers and landfill closures, $100M in mitigation funding, and $258M from FEMA for sewer infrastructure. Projects include the Anguilla Landfill closure, Bovoni expansion, a new St. Croix landfill, and EPA-funded sewer rehab in Christiansted and Krause Lagoon. the U.S. Department of the Interior grants support wastewater equipment and generator upgrades. An additional $6M from DPNR supports waste diversion and recycling efforts. Griffith reaffirmed VIWMA’s commitment to environmental compliance, public health, and operational transparency.

Senator’s present at the meeting: Chairman Novelle E. Francis Jr.; Vice Chair Marvin A. Blyden; and Senators Carla J. Joseph, Avery Lewis, Kurt A. Vialet, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Franklin D. Johnson, Hubert L. Frederick, Marise C. James, and Clifford A. Joseph Sr. were present.

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

                                                                        ###