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June 27, 2008
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COMMITTEE APPROVES FUNDING FOR KEY V.I. PROJECTS: NEW 9-1-1 EMERGENCY SYSTEM, FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT IN FREDERIKSTED AS WELL AS STUDY ON ELECTRICITY GRIDS IN THE TERRITORY The House Appropriations Committee has included $1.45 million in special project funding for the Virgin Islands in the first two spending bills reported by the Committee in the FY 2009 appropriations process. The two bills include funding for a new "911" emergency communications system for the Virgin Islands, a much needed flood control project to protect the town of Frederiksted, and a comprehensive engineering study of practical ways to connect the electricity grids between all three islands and to reduce utility bills for V.I. consumers – all top priorities of the deJongh administration. "I am enormously gratified by the action of the House Appropriations Committee in funding some of our top priorities in these appropriations bills. These projects will go a long way in creating a better and safer Virgin Islands for all of our people," Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. said Thursday night. "I want to thank not only our friends on the Appropriations Committee who supported funding for these projects, but, in particular, I want to acknowledge the leadership of Delegate, Donna Christensen, who coordinated the effort with my office to include the projects in these spending bills.” The FY 2009 appropriations bill for the Commerce, Justice and State Departments included $600,000 in "earmarked" funding for the first phase of a comprehensive and coordinated emergency communications system linking all first responders in the Territory. The initial grant funding will go for the purchase of modern new software and computer equipment for the new system. The entire multi-year project is expected to cost a total of $9.5 million. The FY 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations bill includes $350,000 in funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to finalize engineering plans and design for channel improvements to the lower portion of LaGrange Gut, a new levee and an interior drainage canal for the town of Frederiksted. In the works since the late 1990s, the grant funding will allow the Army Corps of Engineers to modify and complete outdated plans and to proceed to construction of the $4 million project in the following year. The Energy and Water bill also includes $500,000 for the engineering study to connect the electricity grids on all three islands through underwater cables. Connecting the electricity grids would allow WAPA to become more efficient, reduce duplication of costly generation equipment and lead to lower electricity bills for all V.I. residents. "While the appropriations process has a long ways to go, this is obviously a very good start," deJongh said. |
