ST. THOMAS – The Committee on Housing, Transportation, and Telecommunications, chaired by Senator Marvin A. Blyden, convened in the Capitol Building. Officials from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) shared an update on the status of the housing programs in the Territory. Legislators also received updates on the Virgin Islands’ public transportation, road projects, and telecommunications challenges.
Senator Blyden stated that affordable housing, or the lack of it, continues to be one of the single most pressing challenges facing Virgin Islanders today. Although there is no doubt that the cost of housing is a rising concern throughout the United States and around the world, we face a particular crisis in the Virgin Islands, as monthly rents, which in many cases doubled between 2017 and 2019, have continued to rise at an annual rate of 5-10%. According to Rentdata.org, the Virgin Islands has the country’s 9th highest rent. However, the median household income for the Virgin Islands in 2020 was lower than any other state in the nation. Our people are facing a double whammy!
Eugene Jones, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, stated that despite the provision of extensions and resource referrals over the past 18 months, all tenants currently residing in emergency housing facilities in both districts are ineligible to stay there and have declined relocation. The tenants’ refusal to relocate and ineligibility have a detrimental effect on the capacity to offer emergency housing to anyone in imminent need. Senator Maurice James inquired whether residents who refused to move will face legal action. Jones stated that the goal of VIHFA is not to incite homelessness in its residents. As a result, VIHFA is searching for affordable home placements for them instead. Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Director, Office of Disaster Recovery, provided testimony by stating that the Envision Program, an affordable housing initiative, has determined 610 of the 2,084 applications to be eligible. 35 residences have reached completion to date, and 87 are currently in the construction phase. 47 of these are currently under construction, and 40 are awaiting a notice to proceed. This is a significant optimistic outlook, as only nine homes were under construction in February 2024.
Derek Gabriel, Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW), provided testimony on an update on transportation matters in the territory. This included the status of roads and road developments, as well as the status of public transportation, including bus and passenger ferry services. Approximately 75% of the Queen Mary Highway’s segments have undergone paving, while some road maintenance initiatives are currently underway. Thus far, 100% of the paving on Northside Road, dividing it into numerous segments is completed. Additionally, two locations within the Whim community have finalized the paving. In February 2024, the Division of Transportation’s Ferry Transportation Program initiated the construction of a new 300-passenger ferry, which is currently halfway through the process. To determine the vessel operator, the Department of Public Works has issued a request for proposals to ferry franchises to date. The vessel will be operational through the day’s prime hours. Currently, DPW is soliciting projects to retrofit and renovate 43 bus shelters, including 25 on St. Croix, 14 on St. Thomas, and four on St. John, as part of the VITRAN program. To transition its fleet from fossil fuels to hybrid and electric buses, DPW has acquired two electric VITRAN vans; as of April 2024.
Separately, Senator Marvin Blyden stated that regarding the challenges facing the telecommunication Industry, there are concerns with the preparedness and response to maximize the resiliency of the telecommunications networks in the event of a storm or other natural disaster. This update was planned long before the arrival of Tropical Storm Ernesto, and the storm and its aftermath punctuate the importance of comprehensive preparation and maintenance on an ongoing basis.
In preparation for hurricane readiness, Ravindra Maywahlall, General Manager of Liberty VI, highlighted the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance network infrastructure. The mobile network is becoming more resilient against wind, falling trees, and debris, with the deployment of underground backhaul fiber as a key initiative. Additionally, Liberty VI has fortified buildings housing its network equipment to prevent water damage. Geraldine Pitt, Executive Director of VIYA, Inc., emphasized that the VI Fiber Program is focused on extending fiber deeper into the network, enabling 1Gbps internet service and 5G mobile phone connectivity. VIYA also allows customers to switch their mobile service while keeping their phone numbers. Stephan Adams, CEO of VI Next Generation Network, mentioned that their top priorities include strengthening undersea cable landing sites, restoring connectivity in Coral Bay, and working on a FEMA project to design generator shelters for 24 fiber access point facilities and replace existing generators.
Senators present at the committee hearing included Marvin A. Blyden, Marise C. James, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Samuel Carriόn, Donna Frett-Gregory, Ray Fonseca, Diane T. Capehart, Milton E. Potter, Dwayne M. DeGraff, Novelle E. Francis, Jr., and Carla J. Joseph.
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Press Contact: AFRICAH N.T. HARRIGAN
Email: aharrigan@legvi.org
