Bryan-Roach Administration Highlights Federal Investments at White House Communities in Action Conference

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Representatives from the Government of the Virgin Islands, the 35th Legislature, and non-profit organizations from both districts were recently invited to the White House for a discussion on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Building a Better America Initiative. Members of the Bryan-Roach Administration, including Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol, Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel, Economic Development Authority Executive Director Wayne Biggs and Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, attended the White House’s Communities in Action Conference last week. The conference, which brought together leaders from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, was an opportunity to showcase the progress being made towards Building a Better America.

The Virgin Islands is at a pivotal point in its rebuilding and recovery journey following the devastating impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to restoring and enhancing the territory’s infrastructure, and the partnership with the Biden-Harris Administration has been instrumental in these efforts. This collaboration has resulted in significant investments that are reshaping the Virgin Islands for a brighter, more resilient future.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has proven to be a true partner to the Virgin Islands, investing in our recovery and in our future,” said Governor Albert Bryan Jr. “From modernizing our airports and ferry systems to reducing flood risks in our most vulnerable communities, these are not just projects on paper—they are transformative changes that will benefit every single Virgin Islander. As we continue to rebuild from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, we are grateful for the Administration’s unwavering support and are focused on ensuring these federal investments are effectively utilized to uplift our community.”

Key Federal Investments and Support in the Virgin Islands Include:

EPA Drinking Water and Clean Water Infrastructure Funding:An increase of $3.1 million in funding, bringing the total to $51 million for FY 2024, allowing the utilities to complete projects in a single year that would have otherwise taken three years of phased funding.
NOAA Climate Resilience and Risk Reduction Funding:A $69 million award has been allocated to fund the newly formed Territorial Parks Division, further supporting climate resilience and environmental preservation efforts across the Virgin Islands.
FEMA Match Waiver for Critical Projects:FEMA has agreed to waive the local match requirement from 90/10 to 98/2 for critical projects, significantly easing the financial burden on the Territory for vital recovery and rebuilding efforts.
Increased FEMA Funding:The initial proposed funding of $8 billion has been increased to $16.7 billion to date, providing additional resources for ongoing recovery and mitigation projects.
State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Funding:State small business credit initiative increased from $13.1 to $58.8 million to provide access to capital for small businesses throughout the Territory and a technical-assistance grant in the amount of $521,000 to help small businesses be successful.
Technical Assistance from the U.S. Department of Energy:The U.S. Department of Energy is providing technical assistance to address energy issues in the Territory, supporting efforts to modernize the power grid and increase energy efficiency and sustainability.
Cyril E. King Airport:With an $8 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Cyril E. King Airport will see much-needed upgrades, improving safety and modernizing infrastructure to support increased air travel and tourism.

St. Thomas-St. John Ferry Route:A $1.7 million investment from the Federal Transit Administration’s Ferry Grant Program will fund the purchase of an additional ferry, enhancing inter-island connectivity and providing a reliable transportation lifeline for residents and visitors alike.
Charlotte Amalie Waterfront Revitalization Program:The U.S. Department of Transportation has committed $25 million to the second phase of this transformative project, which will reduce traffic congestion in downtown Charlotte Amalie and further enhance the appeal of our capital city as a premier tourist destination.
Flood Risk Reduction in Savan Gut:The Army Corps of Engineers is investing $51.7 million to complete a critical flood mitigation project in the Savan Gut area, protecting homes and businesses from the devastating effects of severe weather events.

These investments reflect the Biden-Harris Administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting the U.S. Virgin Islands in building a sustainable, resilient, and thriving community. The Bryan-Roach Administration continues to collaborate closely with federal partners to ensure that these and future initiatives are successfully implemented for the benefit of all Virgin Islanders.

In addition to these key investments, attendees of the conference were given the opportunity to present requests for the critical needs of the Territory directly to high-level members of the Biden Cabinet, including:

Deanne Criswell, FEMA Administrator
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation
Tom Perez, Senior Advisor to the President
Carmen Cantor, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Insular and International Affairs
Jennifer Granholm, Secretary of Energy
Gretchen Sierra-Zorita, White House Director of Puerto Rico and Territories Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

Attendees engaged in discussions with federal agencies and other leaders, focusing on the progress being made in the Virgin Islands and explored opportunities for continued collaboration on key initiatives that are propelling the territory forward.

“As we engaged with federal partners last week, our focus was on the progress we have made and the bright future we are building for the Territory,” added Governor Bryan. “The challenges we have faced are significant, but so is our determination. We are building a Virgin Islands that is stronger, smarter, and more resilient than ever before.”

The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov