LEASE AGREEMENTS TO BOOST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, PUBLIC SAFETY, AND FEDERAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS FORWARDED

St. Thomas- Senator Donna Frett-Gregory chaired the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance at the Capitol Building to advance lease agreements supporting economic development, public safety, and federal infrastructure in the Virgin Islands. The committee members voted in favor of the proposed leases, which now move to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

The recent lease agreements authorized by the Government of the Virgin Islands reflect strategic allocations of property to support diverse operations that enhance economic development, public safety, and federal infrastructure in the region. Senator Donna Frett-Gregory stated that "these leases seem straightforward and non-controversial." 

Bill No. 35-0382: An Act that approves a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and HKT Energy Consulting Group, LLC for the Reconfigured Parcel No. 114 Submarine Base, No. 4 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The purpose of the lease agreement is to operate an office and warehouse, with no other objectives. Hugo Hodge, President of HKT, indicated that the leased property will serve as the new home for HKT Energy. The buildout will include office space and a conference room, while the warehouse features essential storage for testing supplies and various items, such as solar panels and batteries. Repairing structural damage from past hurricanes and completing office and warehouse renovations require a substantial investment. Hodge responded to Senator Javan James, Sr.'s inquiry by confirming the identification of funds and the initiation of the process has already commenced.

Bill No. 35-0386: An Act that approves a lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Star Time Firearms, LLC, d/b/a Precision Shooting Range, for a portion of Parcel No. 1A Estate Bovoni, Nos. 1 and 2 Frenchmans Bay Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, to operate a firearm training facility and shooting range, among other related purposes. According to Levi Macsheen, CEO of Precision Shooting Range LLC, the aim is to establish a state-of-the-art shooting range on St. Thomas, providing Virgin Islanders with a valuable resource for firearms education and safety training, as well as a venue for competitive events. Senator Marvin Blyden said that education and safety training for firearms are very important to the community.

Bill No. 35-0387: An Act approving the multi-year lease agreement between the United States of America by and through the Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement for Plot No. 10 Estate White Lady, West End Quarter, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, to be used for the continued operation of a Locator Outer Marker and Federal Aviation Administration activities in support of the National Airspace System and for other related purposes.

Bill No. 35-0385: An Act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement and the U.S.V.I. Soccer Federation, Inc., for Parcel N-1 Remainder of Tract 1 Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, for a soccer field stadium with concessions and soccer-related activities. Michael Bornn, Council member of the VI Soccer Federation, mentioned that the VI Soccer facility will feature a soccer pitch, fencing, bleachers, lighting, concessions, restrooms, team and referee facilities, training rooms, parking, and dormitories. Once we finalize the lease, approve the zoning change, and secure construction permits, construction will commence. Senator Ray Fonseca stated that competitive sports in the Territory can yield economic benefits.

Senators present included Donna Frett-Gregory, Novelle, E. Francis, Jr., Javan James, Sr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, Marvin Blyden, Ray Fonseca, and Carla J. Joseph.The Division of Public Affairs remains committed to delivering accurate information on legislative proceedings and events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.                                                ###

Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan. Email: aharrigan@legvi.org