Recovery in Action: One Year Later
Posted by Jean Greaux on February 17, 2010 at 5:10 PM AST

On today’s first anniversary of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Governor deJongh updated Virgin Islanders about the benefits the territory has seen from President Barack Obama’s stimulus plan.

He said that the Recovery Act has created jobs, secured public services, eased hardships, stabilized small businesses and laid a foundation for economic recovery in the Virgin Islands, as well as across the nation. 

"Members of my administration, including the V.I. Office of Economic Opportunity, have worked tirelessly over the past year to obtain and implement stimulus funding that would assist the Virgin Islands and its people in these difficult economic times. We in the territory deserve the same opportunities at prosperity as our fellow citizens across the country."

“I would like to join many other governors in acknowledging the positive effect the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) has had on our economy, security and livelihood."

Over the past year, the territory has received more than $156 million in formula and competitive awards. That money from the Reinvestment Act has gone to 19 different government, semi-autonomous, business and charitable organizations that met the federal requirements.

The Governor noted that the ARRA legislation has provided $45 million in direct fiscal relief to people who are struggling through veterans’ benefits, food stamp programs, small business loans and social security benefits.

“We have received more than $85 million in competitive grants that have gone towards fiscal stabilization, transportation, marine security and law enforcement. We have also used our stimulus dollars to expand clean-energy initiatives, health and human service benefits and job creation programs. Almost 200 people are employed in the territory because of the Reinvestment Act,."

Many government and private economists have attributed the creation of two million jobs across the country to the Recovery Act. It is now clear that the stimulus plan helped to cushion the greatest economic crisis since the Great Depression and has provided a foundation for economic growth in the near future. 

In the fourth quarter of 2009, the U.S. economy grew by an unprecedented 5.7 percent. Many economists attribute the growth to the stimulus spending. The Recovery Act has also provided more than 100 billion in tax relief to families and businesses, and saved several U.S. states from drastic and dangerous cutbacks in education, health care and law enforcement. 

Governor deJongh stressed that this is only the beginning:

“The Recovery Act was designed to infuse money into the economy gradually in order to maintain a solid recovery—we will see peak spending reached during this year. The Virgin Islands will continue to benefit from this crucial piece of economic legislation, so that our territory will rise back into economic health along with the rest of the country.” To this end, Governor deJongh stands with President Obama, who is working diligently to find more solutions in creating jobs and driving economic growth throughout our country. “President Obama says he will not be satisfied until our nation’s economy is back on a firm footing. I make the same commitment to this territory."

The Governor will continue to improve upon our partnerships with Washington, D.C. and the President’s administration to successfully implement stimulus spending and keep moving away from the near depression we were looking at exactly a year ago. In doing all this, the deJongh Administration has sought to maintain transparency, in line with the President’s mandate for the dispersion of stimulus funds."

To learn more about how federal stimulus money is being obtained, and spent, in the Virgin Islands, visit GovernordeJongh.com/Recovery

Earlier today, Governor deJongh joined local and federal officials for a groundbreaking ceremony for the Red Hook Sidewalk Improvement project at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School on St. Thomas. The project, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, covers a .2 mile segment of roadway that runs from the Red Hook Marine Terminal to the Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, includes new sidewalks, crosswalks, drainage improvements, and signage in the area.

Joining the Governor for the ceremony were Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls and Federal Highway Administration Regional Assistant Administrator Daniel Camacho.

You can listen to their remarks from the ceremony below:

• Governor deJongh .mp3 (3 MB)
• Commissioner Smalls .mp3 (3 MB)
• FHA Regional Assistant Administrator Camacho .mp3 (2 MB)

Virgin Islands Awarded $1.4 Million Broadband Grant
Posted by Jean Greaux on January 3, 2010 at 4:50 PM AST

Governor deJongh said today that the Virgin Islands has been awarded approximately $1.4 million from the National Telecommunications Information Administration of the Department of Commerce under their Broadband Technologies Opportunity Program (BTOP). The monies will fund mapping of the territory’s existing broadband network and funding for planning the expansion of the territory’s telecommunications facilities. 

In announcing the grant, Governor deJongh said:

“This competitive federal stimulus grant award will allow us to begin the process that will result in our being able to provide reliable broadband services to the territory’s residents and businesses. This is a key initiative towards bringing the critical infrastructure to further spur economic growth in the territory and enable our community to participate in communications and internet worlds without limitation."

Recovery in Action: USVI Energy Rebate Program Funded
Posted by Jean Greaux on December 2, 2009 at 5:07 PM AST

This afternoon, Governor deJongh announced that that the Virgin Islands Energy Office is poised to begin its third rebate program funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. This program, slated to begin before the new year, is focused on the replacement of inefficient dishwashers and freezers with energy efficient ones. 

The Governor said that the Department of Energy approved funding for the new program yesterday. DOE is to award the Virgin Island $104,000, adding:

 “The DOE website says that 56 states and territories submitted plans for the program known as the State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, but so far less than half of those have been approved. The Virgin Islands was one of the first to be approved.”

The Energy Office has never offered rebates on dishwashers and freezers before. The program will also include certain heat pumps and gas tank less water heaters.

For more information about the program call the Energy Office at 773-1082 on St. Croix or 774-3320 on St. Thomas. 

Office of Economic Opportunity Receives National Recognition
Posted by Jean Greaux on November 23, 2009 at 5:10 PM AST

This afternoon, Governor deJongh congratulated the Office of Economic Opportunity and its Director Julito Francis on the announcement that the Virgin Islands had been selected by the White House to serve on the National Jobs Task Force. Director Francis was informed of the territory’s selection to participate on the task force during his November 10th meeting in Washington D.C. where he attended a Recovery Act Implementation Meeting, which brought together representatives from states and territories throughout the country.

Director Francis said on Monday that while the Governor’s Administration continues to maximize every opportunity to provide jobs to Virgin Islanders through the funding made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Virgin Islands was selected for participation in the national task force to also help develop the process for counting jobs across America. 

The National Jobs Task Force will make its recommendation to federal OMB to help develop a more effective model to accurately count jobs across various agencies. A final job counts model will be developed jointly by the task force and representatives from OMB and other various federal agencies.

Of the selection to the Task Force, Governor deJongh said:

“The Virgin Islands was the only territory selected for participation in the Jobs Task Force which will develop the model for other states and territories. Although the work continues here at home with respect to what we need to get done to get our territory back on track, I am very pleased to see that the work that OEO has done to date has been recognized in Washington and by our peers and I congratulate them on their efforts."

From our Nation's Capital this morning, Governor deJongh announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has awarded a federal stimulus grant in the amount of $1.19 million dollars to Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands (LSS) for the expansion of Early Head Start services. 

The Governor, who is in Washington for a series of meetings, said in a statement:

“Lutheran Social Services applied for the grant and received the full amount they sought,” deJongh said, noting that the monies will be used for comprehensive, high quality early childhood services for infants and toddlers and their parents on St Croix. 

DeJongh said Lutheran Social Services was judged to be the one of the most qualified among all that applied to be Early Head Start providers. “This was determined through a competitive process in which all applications were reviewed by a panel of individuals who are experts in Head Start or early childhood education.” The federal Head Start Act authorizes a comprehensive early childhood program, primarily for young children from low-income families. Early Head Start has a target population of families of children under three years of age and pregnant women, while Head Start is generally for children from three to five years of age. Both programs serve the whole family providing a host of educational, socialization and health services to children while offering opportunities for the parents to receive assistance to strengthen their families and improve their economic status.

Lutheran Social Services presently operates the territory’s only Early Head Start program. This grant will allow them to more than double the number of infants and toddlers served from 36 to 96 and increase the number of low income pregnant women clients from 12 to 24. Early Head Start works with families in a variety of settings. Once the grant is fully implemented 72 children will be served in centers with nine classrooms of eight children each, while the pregnant women and 24 children are served in their homes. DeJongh noted that the Early Head Start model is a comprehensive, high quality program for low income families with infants and toddlers. “This is an important step in my goal to improve early childhood services in the Virgin Islands and I congratulate Lutheran Social Services on their initiative to expand this excellent program.” 

DeJongh said approval of the grant funding for St. Croix based Lutheran Social Services is yet another indication that federal stimulus dollars are not only being made available to government, but to private sector and non-profit organizations who can demonstrate a need for the monies which are made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Lutheran Social Services has to provide a twenty percent match of the total of the grant award.

Virgin Islands Stimulus Program on Track
Posted by Jean Greaux on November 12, 2009 at 4:30 PM AST

Governor deJongh said today that the Virgin Islands has secured close to $120 million dollars in federal funds that were made available to the territory by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, commonly referred to as the federal stimulus bill.

“Up to $120 million has been awarded the territory, over $2 million has been spent in these past few months and approximately 120 jobs have been created,” deJongh said, noting that the Virgin Islands has done very well with its reporting back to the federal government on ARRA activity and overall performance in the various processes relating to the federal stimulus.

Executive Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) Julito Francis attended a meeting in Washington D.C. this week consisting of ARRA White House officials and representatives from across the nation and other territories for an update on how the obligating of federal stimulus dollars has progressed. 

"The purpose of the meetings was for all ARRA points of contact from local and state governments to report on ARRA activity in their respective communities."

"Some of the other states and territorial representatives spoke to the White House officials about their challenges which included computation of total jobs made available. For us in the Virgin Islands, we were pleased that we have interpreted the computation guidance correctly and shared those rules to all Virgin Islands recipients."

Thirteen entities from the Virgin Islands have pursued ARRA funding including the departments of Human Services, Health, Labor, Public Works, Education, Housing Finance Authority, Energy Office, Planning and Natural Resources, V.I. Housing Authority and the Law Enforcement Planning Commission. Other applicants from the private sector have included: East End Medical Center, Frederiksted Health Clinic, and the Women’s Coalition of St. Croix.

Francis said that the Virgin Islands was among the top performers in this week’s reporting. 

"The Virgin Islands has performed 100% reporting; 100% change requests performed, zero data anomalies, 100% of the funds from grantors accounted for and 100% match between federal agency reconciliation of award amounts and V.I. report."

Francis also added that the territory’s share of the State Fiscal Stabilization Fund should be about $71 million and the Virgin Islands should receive about two-thirds or about $48 million of those funds by the end of the year. 

Also at the meeting this week, the Virgin Islands was invited to sit as a member on a Jobs Task Force that would formalize a process for counting jobs created from the implementation of ARRA funds:

“This process or methodology will serve as a model for job counting in all other states and territories. The credibility of the federal stimulus program in large part will rely on the number of jobs created from implementing the funds received."

Another area where the Virgin Islands performed well was in data collection:

“The Office of Economic Opportunity developed a funds management system specific for ARRA monies. The system focused on data collection and reuse, evidence collection, transparency, and full accountability. 

Francis said this week’s meetings pointed up that many states and other territories are struggling to quickly collect and report out on data and make changes on demand. "Although the OEO started out significantly later than other states and territory, we are today very much in-line and some cases, significantly ahead of many other jurisdictions," he said.

DeJongh said the role of the OEO has changed from primarily a program-project monitoring activity to a program-project management activity and that the office would guide program-project implementation for any government agency as necessary. 

“The OEO will add resources and deploy them where needed to make sure that the funds are spent and spent correctly while also ensuring that expenditures are being reported in a timely, transparent and fully accountable manner.” 

DeJongh said the use of ARRA funds eases the financial drain on the government’s General Fund at a time when the deJongh Administration continues to come up with ways to combat the effects of the economic recession while, at the same time, providing quality services to Virgin Islands residents.

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. 

Enhancing Ferryboat Service Between St. Thomas and St. John
Posted by Jean Greaux on July 16, 2009 at 3:35 PM AST

Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. said today that the Virgin Islands has received federal grant money which will enhance passenger ferry service between St. Thomas and St. John:

“The government has received a grant through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) totaling $3 million dollars for the specific purpose of upgrading the ferry service now being provided between Cruz Bay, St. John and Red Hook, St. Thomas.”

Public Works Commissioner Darryl A. Smalls said the federal stimulus funds combined with $1.5 million from the Federal Highway Administration Federal Aid Program and approximately $644,000 from the Ferry Boat Discretionary Program will be used for the purchase of two ferryboats, one each for the current franchise operators:

“We will be working closely with the two companies, Varlack Ventures and Transportation Services, to develop the design specifications for the new ferries that can best serve those residents who ply the waters between St. Thomas and St. John whether for work or recreation or those who simply rely on the service as part of their way of life.” 

DeJongh said the territory competed with many other U.S. jurisdictions for the one-time grant. “A total of $60 million dollars was available for this purpose and the Virgin Islands made a strong enough case to secure $3 million to upgrade the level of ferry services provided our residents.” 

The governor said he looks forward to utilizing all monies made available to the Virgin Islands through the federal stimulus as a means of stimulating our own economy while at the same time, enhancing already established programs and commencing new programs and initiatives that will enhance the way of live for all Virgin Islanders. 

Governor Secures $71 Million in State Stabilization Funds from Federal Government
Posted by Jean Greaux on June 15, 2009 at 9:02 PM AST

Following face-to-face meetings with U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan, Governor deJongh said earlier this evening that the territory is eligible for almost $71 million in federal stimulus monies.

“This announcement is an additional $4 million more than originally anticipated and it is a testament to the work that the members of my Administration have done in Washington these past several months. The release of these funds will assist us in maintaining education services, keeping teachers in the classrooms and at the same time, preventing the cutting of valuable education programs."

 “This funding comes at a time when the Territory is grappling with a budget revenue shortfall that is somewhere in the neighborhood of almost $200 million dollars. The funding that will become available will go a long way towards assisting the Territory in bridging our current projected revenue shortfall.”

The Governor noted that the monies will also provide the government with resources to assist in making the necessary improvements that were identified during repeated discussions with officials of The White House, U.S. Departments of Education and Interior and with Vice-President Joe Biden.

DeJongh said the release of the State Stabilization funds to the Territory are being allocated on the same basis as the other States:

“The many suggestions we have put forward regarding the terms and conditions of these grants have enabled the federal government to tailor the program in a manner that best addresses the specific needs of the Virgin Islands and other insular territories and possession of the United States. I was proud to initiate these suggestions and I am pleased to have the federal agencies work with us to best meet the needs of our residents.” 

A condition of the federal stimulus monies requires the V.I. Government to meet certain goals and objectives including: enhancing the qualifications and effectiveness of teachers in public elementary and secondary schools; establishment of a data system in compliance with the federal America COMPETES Act; improve the quality of academic standards and assessments as well as implement enhanced standards and assessments; modernize, renovate, and repair public educational facilities that are used primarily for classroom instruction; strengthen technology infrastructure of public elementary and secondary schools, public institutions of higher education and government agencies and establishment or completion of the implementation of a credible financial management system. 

DeJongh, who met with Secretary Duncan this past weekend, said the Virgin Islands will receive the State Stabilization funds under two components: The Education Stabilization Fund and the Government Services Fund. The Department of Education will award 81.8 percent of the total monies under the Education Stabilization Fund and the remaining 18.2 percent under the Government Services Fund. 

During a Governors only meeting on earlier today, Secretary Duncan spoke of the need for the U.S. Department of Education to provide the rules and regulations for the Territories in a timely manner. Following the meeting, Governor deJongh said:

“I had the opportunity to mention to Secretary Duncan about having more attention paid to the challenges confronting the V.I. Department of Education. Iview the awarding of these federal stimulus dollars for the Virgin Islands as an unprecedented opportunity for us as a government to undertake comprehensive educational and fiscal reforms that will result in better programs and improved educational outcomes for our children.

Governor and Lt. Governor Host Cabinet Meeting
Posted by Jean Greaux on May 21, 2009 at 6:25 PM AST

Governor deJongh convened a meeting of his Cabinet today at Government House on St. Thomas. The meeting provided the opportunity to discuss a variety of issues, including an update from the Office of Management and Budget regarding the Territory’s financial condition; Department of Finance’s recommendations for exercising tighter accounting control of the GVI’s petty cash; VITEMA’s efforts in preparation for the upcoming hurricane season; the Division of Personnel’s NOPA process amidst the current GVI hiring freeze; and the Office of Economic Opportunity’s oversight of stimulus funding in the Territory.

Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. meets with his Cabinet on May 20,2009 at Government House on St. Thomas.

DeJongh opened the meeting with a discussion focused on the Cabinet’s efforts in its administrative, budgetary, communications, legislative, and policy priorities, and applauded the positive working relationship between Cabinet members and the community during this time of economic downturn and budget deficits: 

“With the pledge of the Obama Administration to assist states and Territories with ARRA competitive and formula grant monies, we will leverage all of our available resources as we continue to build a foundation upon which our future generations will stand. I look forward to the Cabinet’s continued efforts, alongside those of Government House, the U.S. Congress, and the White House, in working to achieve our goals."

Lieutenant Governor Francis also provided an update on the status of the online business licensing process, including recent steps taken to coordinate and streamline the applications process. In coordination with the departments of Public Works, Health, Planning and Natural Resources, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Fire, Waste Management, and other Agency heads, the Lieutenant Governor discussed the steps being taken by the VI Government to implement an online licensure process. User-friendly e-services such as e-permitting, e-rooms, and other online processes have also been developed. “As we coordinate our efforts to provide greater clarity to these processes, we improve our overall delivery and availability of services to residents of the Territory,” Francis said.

Office of Management and Budget Director Debra Gottlieb spoke of the Territory’s current financial situation, including a projected revenue shortfall of $188.1 million for this Fiscal Year and $192.9 million for Fiscal Year 2010. Ms. Gottlieb stressed the need for departments and agencies to be vigilant in monitoring expenditures and encouraged Cabinet heads to lead by example. “While cuts may not be applicable across the board for all departments and agencies, we are making adjustments to the ’09 and ’10 Fiscal Year budgets so that we are able to sustain our anticipated expenditures. In order to do so, it is necessary that we implement expenditure reductions, continue the limited hiring freeze, monitor spending patterns, and apply other proactive measures. We must also maximize the use of ARRA funds and monitor our overall expenses so that we do not incur unnecessary costs,” Gottlieb said.

OMB Director Gottlieb, along with Personnel Director Kenneth Hermon, also reiterated the need to maintain the current hiring freeze, which has been in effect since May 2008. 

Finance Commissioner Angel Dawson addressed the Cabinet regarding efforts to exercise more control of government petty cash funds by establishing and reinforcing limits for departments and agencies. Additional control measures will be implemented for GVI petty cash and Imprest Funds. “We want to be able to provide the needed funds so that staffs may operate their offices and purchase needed supplies and equipment. However, it is critical that we also manage our petty cash funds responsibly,” Dawson said.

VITEMA State Director Mark Walters provided an overview of the agency’s preparation in advance of the upcoming hurricane season. “With the approach of our storm season, it is necessary that we continue our preparedness training and coordinate with our local and federal partners in maintaining VITEMA’s state of readiness. After Hurricane Omar we put additional measures in place to improve upon our overall Territorial emergency planning and preparation,” Walters said. All departments and agencies were encouraged to continue to work cooperatively with VITEMA, especially the Emergency Services Coordinators, in advance of hurricane season. 

The Cabinet also heard from Public Finance Authority and Office of Economic Opportunity Director Julito Francis regarding the Territory’s progress in securing ARRA grant monies from the federal stimulus package. Cabinet members were urged to work closely with the OEO in the grant applications process. Of the $280 million in formula grant monies for the Virgin Islands, $61 million has been awarded, of which $16 million has actually been received in the Territory. “In cooperation with the departments and agencies of the VI Government, the OEO is closely monitoring all available competitive and formula grant opportunities for Virgin Islands projects and programs through the ARRA. Together and as one government, we are proactively taking steps to identify potential sources of funding in a unified and comprehensive manner,” Francis said. 

Recovery in Action: Council on the Arts Receives $50,000 Grant from the NEA
Posted by Jean Greaux on April 29, 2009 at 2:25 PM AST

The National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the V.I. Council on the Arts a $50,000 grant as part of funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The grant monies will be used to support arts projects and activities which preserve jobs in the nonprofit arts sector threatened by declines in philanthropic and other support during the current economic downturn.

View the award letter

Governor's Action Allows FMAP Certification to Resume Without Delay
Posted by Jean Greaux on April 22, 2009 at 4:36 PM AST

This afternoon, Governor deJongh took action to allow the Department of Health to more efficiently meet the public demand for service in the federal Medical Assistance Program (FMAP). The Governor’s actions ensured that the process for residents to be certified for FMAP benefits resumed without further interruption. 

in his remarks, the Governor said:

“Since receiving an infusion of $4 million from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to get more clients registered, staff shortages were exacerbated especially in light of the unexpected absence of two critical employees,” deJongh said. 

Audio of the Governor's Remarks .mp3 (2.9 MB)

The office was forced to close until such time as staff from FMAP offices on St. Croix could be repositioned to St. Thomas to allow the certification process to continue. On Wednesday, the Governor approved the hiring of several new employees for the program who will now be trained in procedures relating to the Medical Assistance Program certification:

"Not only has the staffing issues been addressed, the department has taken steps to rectify long standing problems in the program including the processing of old claims,” deJongh said. 

Acting Health Commissioner Julia Sheen said the Department of Health has posted ads in various publications requiring all providers to submit old claims by May 15. 

“The claims are for MAP-covered services to clients on or after April 1, 2007 but prior to October 1, 2008. Once the older claims are processed, the Health Department may begin to tap the $4 million in stimulus funding which must be obligated over the next two years."

A consultant to the Department of Health will be on island during the first week in May to work with MAP staff in developing procedures on how those claims should be processed. Residents who have concerns about the status of the FMAP program should contact the Health Commissioner’s office at 773-1311, extension 3010.

Recovery in Action: Stimulus Funds for Health Centers Approved
Posted by Jean Greaux on April 6, 2009 at 5:25 PM AST

Before departing the territory earlier today, Governor deJongh said that two Virgin Islands health care clinics will soon be receiving close to $300,000 in federal stimulus funding now that their respective applications for American Recovery and Reinvestment Act monies have been approved.

DeJongh said he is pleased that agencies outside of the central government are exploring all means possible to apply for stimulus monies being made available under the ARRA:

“The Health Resources and Services Administration has advised my office that the East End Medical Corporation and the Frederiksted Health Center are both slated to receive stimulus funding.”

“My Administration continues to work closely with not only these health care organizations, but non-profit organizations and instrumentalities of the government in the process of applying for stimulus monies that can be used to augment our existing funding for a number of needs throughout the territory.”

The Governor explained that stimulus monies totaling approximately $161,000 will be allocated to the Frederiksted Health Center to help augment services provided for the increasing number of patients requiring the treatment of hypertension and diabetes as well as the high number of cases of individuals requiring dialysis treatment. DeJongh also noted that the East End clinic made the case for their additional funding in the amount of just over $131,000 to provide complete health care services to those community members in need. 

Plan to Utilize Neighborhood Stabilization Program Funds Approved
Posted by Jean Greaux on April 6, 2009 at 3:45 PM AST

Governor deJongh said earlier today that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has awarded almost $580,000 to the U.S. Virgin Islands to be used in the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) which was created to assist in the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes. 

DeJongh said the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority (VIHFA) will use the Neighborhood Stabilization Funds to purchase and redevelop foreclosed homes and residential properties:

“NSP Funds will be used to create housing, retain jobs, or serve a limited clientele and it will benefit persons whose household incomes do not exceed 120 percent of the area median income. Since the Authority’s mandate is to provide clean, safe and sanitary homeownership opportunities to persons with low and moderate income, the Authority already has a list of persons that would qualify under this program.”

The Neighborhood Stabilization Program was created under the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) for the purpose of assisting in the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes. Funds have been allocated to jurisdictions based on a formula incorporating data regarding the number of home foreclosures, homes financed with sub-prime loans, home default or delinquency rates.

Funds provided under NSP are considered as special allocation of Community Development Block Grants for Fiscal Year 2008. Given that NSP grants are construed as CDBG Funds, the NSP grant is subject to CDBG Program requirements- except where some of the requirement have been waived or altered specifically for the NSP, deJongh said.

According to Housing Finance Authority Executive Director Clifford Graham, the following are the programs the Authority will implement when the NSP grant funds are received:

• Acquisition of properties foreclosed on to create a pool for low and moderate income families and individuals to repurchase.

• Renovate and rehabilitate these foreclosed properties with HOME funds and sell to HOME eligible clients.

• Purchase a foreclosed property to provide housing as a shelter for individuals who are homeless through the Continuum of Care.

Graham said the Housing Finance Authority is prepared to use these funds to specifically buy back properties, rehabilitate and resell or rent to persons who meet the eligibility requirements.

Additionally, deJongh said, the Authority will set aside at least ten 10 percent of NSP funds to provide funding for the creation of a homeless shelter through the Continuum of Care:

“Since the Authority works closely with the Continuum of Care, it will provide funding for homeless shelter through consultation to these organizations.

Governor Holds Stimulus Meeting with Local Non-Profits
Posted by Jean Greaux on March 25, 2009 at 6:45 PM AST

Earlier today, about 200 representatives from 80 different non-profit organizations learned about available benefits from the Economic Stimulus Bill during the largest gathering of non-profit organizations hosted by the Department of Human Services.

Governor deJongh addressed the representatives with words of encouragement and support about their role in providing much needed social services to the territory, despite the reality of the economic crisis. Attorney Peter Hiebert, legal counsel to the Governor in Washington, D.C. was the keynote speaker for the day-long event. He detailed the amount of funding earmarked for various DHS programs, and highlighted the timeliness for non-profits to tap into available subsidies.

Director of Administration and Finance for the V.I. Public Finance Authority, Julito A. Francis clarified procedures by which non-profits are to apply for grants. Meridith Nielsen, drug policy advisor to the Governor at the Law Enforcement Planning Commission, stressed the importance of non-profits working toward prevention of instead of reaction to all attributes of community violence. A representative of V-I Housing Finance Authority Janine Hector and Karl Knight, policy advisor to the Governor both explained the function of their agencies and advised non-profits about realizing their goals when awarded with funding from the Economic Stimulus Bill.

Officials from the non-profit board and Chief of Staff for the United Way, Brian J.G. Lachance discussed best practices for board governance. Accounting and legal advice were also given by Junia John-Straker, executive director of Lutheran Social Services and Tom Bolt, Esq., respectively.

A question and answer session followed the panel discussions where speakers fielded specific questions pertaining to grant management and distribution of funds. 

Recovery in Action: Social Security to Distribute One-Time Economic Recovery Payments
Posted by Jean Greaux on March 23, 2009 at 2:30 PM AST

Governor deJongh said today that Virgin Islanders who receive Social Security benefits will receive a one-time economic recovery payment of $250 from monies provided under the federal stimulus legislation, formally known as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. 

In making the announcement, the Governor said:

“The law provides for a one-time payment for individuals who receive Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Veterans benefits. If you were eligible for one of these benefits during the months of November 2008, December 2008 or January 2009, you may be eligible for the one-time payment."

The Social Security Administration advised the Governor’s office that recipients will receive the one-time payment by the end of May and that the economic recovery payment will be sent separately from monthly benefits checks.

Additional information about the economic recovery payments can be obtained at the following website: www.socialsecurity.gov. 

Administration Priorities Funded in Omnibus Appropriations Bill
Posted by Jean Greaux on March 11, 2009 at 5:03 PM AST

President Barack Obama today signed an omnibus appropriations bill, which provides almost $8 million dollars in funding for special projects in the Territory. The bill includes funding for the new 911 emergency communications system in the Virgin Islands, federal dollars for the solid waste system, highway constructions funds and monies for mass transit as well as land acquisition for the National Park System.

Following the bill signing, the Governor deJongh said:

“I am gratified by the actions of Congress to fund some of my Administration’s top priorities. These projects will go a long way in creating a better and safer Virgin Islands for all our people.”

“These projects have been important priorities of my Administration and I would to thank not only our friends in the House and U.S. Senate who supported our funding requests, but, in particular, I want to acknowledge the effective leadership of Delegate Donna Christensen, who coordinated the appropriations effort with my office to include our projects in this spending bill.”

There is also funding in the bill for the territory’s healthcare facilities, shoreline protection for the St. Thomas waterfront, and wildlife conservation. Additionally, the bill funds a flood control project to protect the town of Frederiksted, and a comprehensive engineering study of practical ways to connect the electricity grids between all four islands and to reduce utility bills for Virgin Islands consumers. 

The FY 2009 omnibus appropriations bill includes $600,000 in funding targeted for the overhaul of the territory’s 911 system, which is currently underway. The bill also provides additional funding in the amount of $380,000 for continued highway improvement projects in St. Croix and on St. Thomas. There is also additional funding of $475,000 for the purchase of new buses. The bill will also provide more than $2 million for improvements to the Territory’s solid waste system, $2.5 million for land acquisition at the St. John National Park and $160,000 for wildlife conservation. $571,000 is being provided to the Department of Health to upgrade health facilities and purchase equipment, including funds for a new mental health facility. Some of the funding will be utilized for the expansion of the Eldra Schulterbrandt long-term care facility.

There is also funding contained in the bill to allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to finalize engineering design plans for channel improvements, 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. In addition, the bill provides funding for the Corps of Engineers to conduct a shoreline protection study of the St. Thomas waterfront. 

The bill also includes $500,000 for an engineering study to connect the electricity grids on all three islands through underwater cables which Governor deJongh said "would allow WAPA to become more efficient, reduce duplication of costly generation equipment and lead to lower electricity bills for all V.I. residents."

Stimulus Funds Flow to Territory's Treasury
Posted by Jean Greaux on March 9, 2009 at 3:42 PM AST

Governor deJongh continues to lead the way on behalf of Virgin Islanders when it comes to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Earlier today, the Governor took action on various fronts to advance the Territory’s case for funding and participation in the nation-wide stimulus program. 

With funding already flowing into the Territory’s treasury, Governor deJongh wrote to President Obama on behalf of the U.S. offshore Territories; sought additional flexibility with education funding from Education Secretary Arne Duncan: signed off on an assurance letter to the Secretary of Energy and executed certification letters for transportation related funding.

The Governor’s letter to President Obama seeks additional flexibility for all territories in the State Stabilization Fund, which is intended to provide fiscal relief in order to prevent budget cuts to education and other essential public services as a result of declining revenues. “On behalf of our fellow citizens in these remote outlying areas, we respectfully request that you direct the Secretary of the Interior to undertake the lead role in the administration of the State Stabilization Fund for the Territories, as authorized and permitted in the Act, in order to ensure the flexibility for the Territories that Congress intended.” DeJongh further pointed out that a precedent exists for the delegation of interagency authority with respect to the administration of federal programs in the U.S. Territories, and further said, “In the interest of maximizing the long-term benefit of the Stabilization Fund program consistent with its statutory purpose, we urge you to consider its application in this instance.

The Governor’s correspondence, which followed deJongh’s recent meetings in Washington where he spearheaded the efforts on behalf of the Territorial Governors, was also signed by Governors Benigno Fitial of the CNMI, Togiola T.A. Tulafono of American Samoa and Felix Camacho, Governor of Guam and was also sent to Interior Secretary Kenneth Salazar and Education Secretary Arne Duncan.

In a separate letter to Secretary Duncan, deJongh pointed out that granting the Department of Interior the authority to administer State Stabilization Funds to the Territories would not only recognize the greater historical experience of the Department of the Interior with island Territories and its broader understanding of their unique needs and problems, it would also avoid difficult administrative problems interposed by the current third party fiduciary relationship with the U.S. Department of Education which could, however inadvertently, thwart the intent of the Congress to ensure fiscal relief.

The Department of Health has become the first government agency to receive funding by way of the federal stimulus bill. A $4 million dollar credit was applied to the Department of Health’s budget for the Territory’s Medicaid program. Acting Health Commissioner Julia Sheen and Floyd Pittman, Director of the Medicaid Program (MAP) welcomed the funding which will be a boon for low income residents of the Territory. “Once residents are certified to receive assistance, MAP will use the funding to pay for hospital, doctor or dental bills that they may have,” Pittman said, adding that 91 persons took advantage of applying for MAP services during the AgFest on St. Croix last month. The Medicaid program is expected to realize $8 million over two years by way of the ARRA.

Governor deJongh today certified the Federal-Aid Highway Programs and the Federal Transportation Administration projects, which will be funded by the ARRA stimulus legislation. The certification by the Governor was a requirement for the release of funding. The Public Works Department is expected to receive just over $18.6 million in the federal-aid highway projects and $1.2 million for transportation administration initiatives. The federal aid highway program includes funding as follows:

Territory-wide: Roadside safety improvement: guard rails, pavement markings and signs. A total of $495,930.21 is targeted for these improvements along the Melvin Evans Highway; La Reine to Strawberry; Salt River to La Reine; Coakley Bay to Solitude on Croix as well as Bonne Esperance to Fortuna; Frenchman’s Bay to Bovoni, Estate Harmony, Skyline Drive and Crown Mountain on St. Thomas and Grunwald, Susannaberg and Estate Carolina on St. John. 

St. Croix: $ 4.8 million is provided for roadside safety improvement: guard rails, pavement markings and signs on Queen Mary Highway from Hannah’s Rest to Sunshine Mall intersection and from the Peter’s Rest Intersection to Contentment. 

St. John: $4.8 million is targeted for improvements on St. John, specifically, the second phase of work on the Gift Hill Road from the Westin Hotel to Estate Susannaberg.

St. Thomas: $7.6 million is provided for roadway reconstruction, geometric improvements, drainage and roadside safety and operational improvements on the Long Bay Road. $914,069.79 is allocated to fund sidewalk and safety improvement in Red Hook on the roadway which extends from the Kean High School to the ferry terminal.

$1.2 million will become available for mass transit infrastructure improvements, to design, construct and rehabilitate mass transit facilities including: bus stops, bus terminals, bus shelters, signage and access to these facilities. Also the funding will be used for territory-wide standardization of facilities to ensure ADA compliance and to develop secure sheltering for patrons of the mass transit systems.

On Wednesday, the Governor also wrote to Energy Secretary Steven Chu to provide assurances that the territory is committed to a robust improvement in energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as a balanced comprehensive Territorial energy policy. DeJongh wrote in his letter to the Energy Secretary that the Virgin Islands is “prioritizing our energy investments to take advantage of existing energy efficiency programs and to expand these programs where appropriate.”

As a condition of the Territory receiving its share of federal stimulus funding for energy programs, deJongh also wrote to DPNR Commissioner Robert Mathes and Chairman of the Senate Economic Development, Energy and Technology Committee Senator Craig Barshinger requesting that they take the necessary action to strengthen our building energy codes, consistent with the requirements spelled out in the ARRA, Territorial law and the relevant provisions of the International Energy Conservation Code.

A similar letter was written by deJongh to the Chairman of the Public Services Commission Joseph Boschulte requesting that the PSC consider additional actions to promote energy efficiency, consistent with the statutory requirements set forth in the ARRA and its obligations to maintain just and reasonable rates while protecting the public. 

All documents relating to the funding the Virgin Islands is slated to receive via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) can be reviewed on the V.I. Government’s recovery web site at www.GovernordeJongh.com/recovery

This morning, Governor deJongh held a press conference to discuss the the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) federal stimulus bill that was recently approved by Congress and signed by President Barack Obama on February 17, 2009.

In his remarks, the Governor reviewed the ARRA federal economic stimulus bill and provided the residents of the Virgin Islands with an overview of the monies that will be coming into the USVI and how those funds will be utilized to bolster the local economy and provide additional funding to government agencies and services.

In speaking about the bill's impact on the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Governor said:

The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 will also have a tremendous impact here in the Virgin Islands. This legislation will for us, as it does for the States on the mainland, provide a unique opportunity for the Government of the Virgin Islands to help enhance the quality of life for our people.

This stimulus bill also provides tax relief to the working families in the Virgin Islands. The federal government will pay for the cost of a $400 tax credit for individuals and $800 for couples filing jointly. Our working families will get a check from the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), reimbursed by the federal government, even if they earn too little to pay taxes. Retirees in the Virgin Islands who are on Social Security and Veterans who receive Veterans benefits, will receive a bonus check of $250 from the federal government. 

The federal government will increase the amount of Medicaid assistance it provides for the Territory’s recipients by 30 percent. Our food stamp recipients will also be eligible for an increase of over 13 percent. 

Unemployed workers will get extended unemployment insurance, plus an extra $100 a month in benefits. 

We will receive over $30 million to make our energy systems, our homes, our offices, more efficient and less reliant on fossil fuels. 

The Territory will also receive $20 million in transportation funds to immediately commence work on shovel-ready projects, both those already begun as well as those that can commence immediately so we are able to use, and not lose, these funds. I am hoping to use available funding from the mass transit funds to provide shelters for those who today wait for our buses in the sun and rain. 

The Virgin Islands will also receive $10 million to repair and improve our public housing. 

But the Governor also made clear that the Stimulus bill is not a cure-all:

But, I want to be clear. This bill does not solve all of our problems. The stimulus money will help us in many areas from education to public works but it will not ensure that we meet all of our basic funding needs. 

This bill is the start of something new and something breathtakingly fresh— it is an unprecedented opportunity to reinvest in our economy, our infrastructure and our people. 

I have reached out to our Legislature to ensure that we work together to make sure this stimulus money does the most for the people of the Territory. Only through full participation and cooperation can we achieve this goal. 

But I want to caution all of us: With opportunity comes responsibility.