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May 9, 2007
deJongh receives update on Christiansted Bypass construction contracts In a meeting with Gov. John P. deJongh, Jr. and Lt. Governor Gregory R. Francis, officials from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, along with Department of Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls, Deputy Commissioner, Aloy Nielsen, and members of the Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division updated the Administration on current contracts in place for the Christiansted Bypass as part of a Territorial Strategic Plan for a long-term vision on transportation initiatives in the Virgin Islands. "This is a dynamic project that will ensure dramatic improvements and a broad vision for transportation management in St. Croix," deJongh said. "With these contracts, there is a strong indication of the important transportation projects already underway in the Virgin Islands," he added. The coordination of local and federal entities is a critical element in strengthening our roads and highways infrastructure towards a comprehensive Territorial Strategic Plan for Transportation Management, and through these efforts, the quality of life for all Virgin Islanders is improving. Currently, the Christiansted Bypass is in Phase 1-A of operations and the contractor, VI Paving, received a "Notice to Proceed" as of April 30. The cost of the project is $6.3 million. The scheduled date for completion of the total project is 2009, and the area slated for future construction runs from Contentment Road, through the hills and south side of Christiansted, to DC Canagata Ballpark in Christiansted, covering 1.2 miles in total. A groundbreaking ceremony is set for May 30, 2007. Phase 1-A will include earthwork and construction of drainage structures, including guts and box culverts, as well as cutting of the roads and vegetation stabilization. At the Government House meeting this week, Public Works officials relayed their determination in taking a broad look at transportation needs through a Multi-Modal approach, enabling a thorough assessment, and in order to accommodate land use to best meet the needs of the people of the Virgin Islands. "It is very significant that we are beginning this comprehensive approach, by having this Multi-Modal transportation study done, which includes all modes of transportation, excluding air travel, towards an all-encompassing plan to enhance the future growth of the territory," Smalls said. "This study will be used as a guide in assisting us plan the construction of our future transportation needs in total. As part of the overall strategic plan for St. Croix’s transportation system, the construction operations already underway will have a very positive effect on traffic flows and are part of a long-term vision and plan for an updated and improved Virgin Islands transportation system in total," Commissioner Smalls continued. The 2006 Biennial Awards Ceremony Monday at Department of Public Works highlighted the public/private partnerships already in place for construction projects on St. Croix and recognized the dedicated efforts of local and federal cooperation. "Monies are in place; construction dollars are set, and this project is a go," Nielsen said. "This is a major accomplishment because this project has been around for 32 years, and with our increase in Federal funding, we are proud to be moving forward with these infrastructure improvements," Nielsen added. Given appropriate and budgeted lending structures and lines of credit, deJongh has pledged a commitment to coordinating with relevant stakeholders to provide necessary services to the community while also providing improvements wherever possible. "As we continue the development of our critical transportation and infrastructure projects, both short and long-term, it is heartening that the initiatives put forward by this administration are at the award-winning level. Participation among contractors has certainly improved, and it is clear that the coordination and commitment of purpose is truly being put forward and projects are moving ahead," deJongh said. |
