Governor de Jongh Signs Bill to Make Federal Community Development Block Grant Funding Available to the Territory; Approves Section of Bill Allowing Fifth Constitutional Convention to Pay Outstanding Bills

As part of his action on eighteen bills passed recently by the 28th Legislature, Governor John P. de Jongh, Jr. on Wednesday approved the use of Community Development Block Grant funding for various projects and initiatives in the territory. “CDBG grants provide federal funding for projects and organizations that provide valuable services to residents throughout our community; therefore, I approved this measure.”

de Jongh explained that Section 4 of the bill is a corrective measure that decreases the number of tenant board members, thereby complying with U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s requirement as part of the transition back to local control. However, subsection (b) of Section 4 will require a minor amendment to change the number “two” to “one” under that provision, to clarify the composition of the tenant commissioners. “I approved Section 6 of this Bill, as it is an important measure that allows previously appropriated funds to be used to renovate occupied homes and units, in addition to vacant homes and units within various housing communities of the Virgin Islands Housing Authority.” 

The governor said it is noteworthy that he approved Section 12 of Bill 28-0180, which appropriates monies for the Fifth Constitutional Convention to pay its outstanding obligations and costs for the discharge of its duties and responsibilities. “I maintain my position that the Virgin Islands must make a determination on a Constitution to govern its people, and the Constitutional Convention has been a major vehicle toward that goal. However, my Administration has continued to exercise transparency while advising, and warning of the danger of appropriating monies that exceed the projected resources of the General Fund. As a result, in order to fulfill this obligation to the Fifth Constitutional Convention, my Administration will be compelled to exercise stringent measures with regard to other appropriations to offset this particular appropriation.”

de Jongh also signed into law Sections 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 13 through 17 of Bill 28-0180.

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