January 21, 2021

Pictured from left to right:
FEMA Region 2 Mitigation Division Director Michael Moriarty, Office of Disaster Recovery Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien, Governor Albert Bryan Jr, FEMA Region 2 Acting Regional Administrator David Maurstad, Region 2 Acting Deputy Regional Administrator Dale McShine, FEMA Acting Recovery Director John Covell and VITEMA Director Daryl Jaschen

Governor Bryan Meets with Acting FEMA Regional Administrator

to Discuss STEP Program and Hurricane Recovery Progress

ST. CROIX, U.S. Virgin Islands – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. and ODR Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien met with Acting FEMA Region 2 Administrator David Maurstad and their leadership teams at Government House on Wednesday. They discussed the Territory’s hurricane recovery progress, STEP (Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power) program and other issues.

The Acting Administrator reaffirmed FEMA’s commitment to resolving the outstanding issues surrounding the STEP program and assured Governor Bryan that the transition of the White House administrations will not affect the progress of the recovery, Director Motta said.

The Governor and Acting Administrator Maurstad also discussed the situation with FEMA’s eligibility determinations for some of the Territory’s requests for repairs to storm-damaged roads.

“After initially determining some of those roads ineligible, FEMA has recently agreed to revisit six sites at the Territory’s request and has reversed its decision,” Director Motta said.

Also under discussion was the Conditional Letter of Map Revision application (CLOMAR) for the Paul E. Joseph Stadium on St. Croix.

“While Acting Administrator Maurstad could not commit to a date for approval of the application, he assured the Governor that he is familiar with the issue and is expediting the review,” Director Motta said. “While on-island, he took the opportunity to tour the project site. Construction on the project currently is stalled lending FEMA’s review of the application.”