Governor requests $400 MIL in capital funding

St. Thomas, USVI – Governor John deJongh Jr. has requested from Senate some $400 million earmarked for capital projects within the tri-island territory.  DeJongh Jr. submitted the legislative proposal on Friday (Nov. 14), seeking its approval.

The legislation will also include an additional $140 million for the refinancing of existing bonds and to give the V.I. Public Finance Authority the power to finance a new 911 emergency system to the tune of $7.2 million.

Within the $103.285 million designated for educational projects, $25 million would go towards the construction of a new school on St. John, $25 million for the design, construction and equipping of a new Addelita Cancryn School, and the remaining $53.285 million to various public educational institutions for expansion, infrastructural repair and renovations.

The emergency management sector would receive $11.8 million- $4.6 million for acquisition and development costs related to the VITEMA building and $7.2 million for E911 communications system infrastructure communication towers and call center.

Law Enforcement would also benefit from the legislation as $28 million has been allocated infrastructural development of existing facilities and the acquisition of buildings, equipment, canines and law enforcement and fire boats.   ~~Adz:Right~~

$60.9 million has been allocated for government projects such as costs related to the Lieutenant Governor's St. Croix Complex; land acquisition for affordable housing, tourism and agricultural purposes; the Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted and Frederiksted Downtown Revitalization projects; and various development, construction and improvement projects.

Another $130 million is also allotted for waste management, transportation and recreation.

The Governor noted that turmoil had gripped the worldwide financial markets and said that the looming economic recession is just now beginning to be felt across the territory. He encouraged the senators to move quickly on the legislation so that the government is prepared for when financial markets improve.