Terminal Upgrades to Provide Modern Comforts at Rohlsen Airport

ST. CROIX, US VIRGIN ISLANDS- ODR Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien recently caught up with Civil Engineer Tafari Nelson of the Virgin Islands Port Authority for an update on the first of four phases of repairs and upgrades at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix.

According to Mr. Holley, Project Manager with American Infrastructure Development Inc., the project will add approximately 300 seats to the waiting area along with new air conditioning units, hurricane-rated glass and other energy-efficient upgrades.

The $8.6M project is primarily funded by a $7million disaster recovery grant from the US Department of Commerce- Economic Development Administration, with a local match of $1.6 million from the VI Port Authority.

It includes enclosing over 6,000 square feet of walkway and open-air space, refurbishing the existing passenger lounge space and restrooms, providing additional concession space and upgrading the mechanical systems for the new air-conditioned areas.

“This is a great project for the community, and we are really happy to be here on this project,” said Paul Thompson, Senior Construction Manager at J. Benton Construction. The company has approximately forty employees on the job in addition to local subcontractors.

The project is slated for completion by September 2021ahead of the original March 2022 deadline.