U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “the Authority”) Governing Board unanimously approved several infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving reliability, resilience, and efficiency across the Territory’s power system. These investments strengthen the grid and bring lasting benefits to Virgin Islands residents and businesses.

“These approvals are part of WAPA’s ongoing commitment to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable power to every community we serve,” said WAPA Chief Executive Officer/Executive Director Karl Knight. “Each project contributes to building a modern and resilient utility system—one that better withstands storms, operates more efficiently, and provides better service to our customers.”

Feeder 9A Underground Project – St. Thomas

The Board approved a new contract with Haugland Virgin Islands LLC (HVI) in an amount not to exceed $12.8 million for the Feeder 9A Underground Electrical Construction Project on St. Thomas. Funded 98% by FEMA with a 2% local match provided by the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) through the HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, this project represents a major initiative to move vulnerable overhead lines underground from the Randolph Harley Substation to Strand Gade. By placing power lines underground in downtown Charlotte Amalie, WAPA is improving safety, reducing storm-related outages, and helping local businesses recover more quickly after severe weather.

Composite Pole and Debris Removal Expansion – Territory-Wide

The Board also approved a $10 million increase and contract extension through June 2026 for Haugland VI’s Disaster Debris Removal and Disposal Services (Contract SC-38-19).

This change order ensures WAPA can continue replacing older wooden poles with strong, durable composite poles and dispose of old materials in compliance with federal and local environmental regulations. To date, 9,949 composite poles have been installed across the Territory — 4,849 on St. Croix, 3,202 on St. Thomas, 1,711 on St. John, and 187 on Water Island.