December 17, 2023

Governor Bryan and Congresswoman Plaskett Announce $133 Million in Funding for Julius E. Sprauve School Construction on St. John

U.S. Virgin Islands – Governor Albert Bryan and Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett released the following statement announcing $133 million in federal grant funding to rebuild the Julius E. Sprauve School on St. John:

“This historic investment from FEMA marks a transformative moment for the future of education in St. John. With these funds, we will not just rebuild the Julius E. Sprauve School, but we will create a beacon of learning and community resilience, ensuring our children have a state-of-the-art educational facility that stands as a symbol of our unyielding commitment to their futures and to the enduring strength of the Virgin Islands,” stated Governor Bryan.

“The funding awarded by FEMA for the demolition and construction of the Julius Sprauve School is timely, particularly since the land exchange has taken place and will allow the Virgin Islands Government to move forward in the construction of the much-needed kindergarten through 12th school on St. John, said Congresswoman Plaskett. “Funding for the school has been granted under the prudent replacement standard, which is integral for improving our preparedness and resiliency against natural disasters. The changes in law I was able to obtain allow FEMA, for the duration of the recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Virgin Islands, to rebuild critical infrastructure like the Julius Sprauve School to incorporate resilient design and features up to the latest industry building standards and notwithstanding pre-disaster conditions in the Virgin Islands (the standard that normally applies). I want to congratulate the Governor and his team for holding fast and presenting the necessary case to ensure that the award incorporated all the needs of the community along with the true damages from the storm.”