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Recovery
in Action: Rt. 104 Reconstruction Project on St.
John
Posted
by Jean Greaux on September 28, 2009 at 4:00 PM AST
Governor deJongh,
Jr. and Public Works Commissioner Smalls hosted a groundbreaking ceremony
earlier today near the Westin Resort and Villas on St. John to outline the Route 104 project. It covers 2.8 miles of the road, also called Gifft Hill Road in some sections and South Side Road in others.
Audio
of the Governor's Remarks .mp3
(1 MB)
Speaking
about the reconstruction, which runs from near E&C gas station in Pine Peace east and north to the intersection with Centerline Road at
Susannaberg, the Governor said:
"The Route 104 project meets the goals of the Stimulus Funds
program. It's a local contractor local people are employed in the project. It's exactly what President Obama was looking
for. While it will cause disruption, I hope people won't get too mad at Public Works, because it's all for the betterment of the community."
The Route 104 project includes road reconstruction, pavement overlaying, guard rails, new signs and other improvements. The water crossing near the groundbreaking site will get significant improvements, Smalls said. The area often floods.
According to Smalls, the territorial government had to obligate 50 percent of its stimulus funding within 120 days of receiving the money, but the government has projects lined up for 100 percent of the $18 million in funds. The money will be spent over the next two years.
The Route 104 project is the first to start under the stimulus funding received by the territory. Ground will break in October on projects on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
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