Senators authorize $4M for Virgin Islands disaster recovery projects
June 10, 2025 | 2025 Legislature, Virgin Islands
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The recent meeting of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance highlighted significant advancements in housing and disaster recovery initiatives in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) reported on the progress of various projects aimed at revitalizing the territory's infrastructure and improving homeownership opportunities for residents.
One of the key topics discussed was the relaunch of the rental rehabilitation reconstruction program, which began in March 2020. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance housing conditions and support community recovery. Notably, the Loveland Phase 2 project, which will provide 106 new housing units, broke ground in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The ODR also announced the launch of a "build a home" program designed to assist first-time homebuyers. Currently, 45 lots are ready for construction, with an additional 86 homes already underway. This initiative aims to boost homeownership and stimulate the local economy, with projections indicating over $441 million in expenditures related to these recovery efforts.
In terms of financial implications, the ODR anticipates generating significant revenue through various disaster recovery projects, including utility, healthcare, infrastructure, and education initiatives. For the fiscal year 2023, the ODR expects to spend $23 million on these projects, which could yield approximately $139 million in revenue for the territory.
The meeting also addressed the urgency of executing contracts for obligated funding to demonstrate progress to federal partners. Upcoming projects include educational facilities and power generation replacements, with a focus on ensuring that all critical facilities are under contract by 2026.
Senators expressed their support for the ODR's efforts, authorizing an additional $4 million to help sustain these initiatives. The commitment from the legislature reflects a shared goal of building resilience within the community and ensuring that recovery efforts continue to move forward.
As the ODR prepares to tackle the challenges ahead, the collaboration between government agencies and the community remains vital in fostering a sustainable recovery and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
One of the key topics discussed was the relaunch of the rental rehabilitation reconstruction program, which began in March 2020. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance housing conditions and support community recovery. Notably, the Loveland Phase 2 project, which will provide 106 new housing units, broke ground in March 2025 and is expected to be completed by December 2025.
The ODR also announced the launch of a "build a home" program designed to assist first-time homebuyers. Currently, 45 lots are ready for construction, with an additional 86 homes already underway. This initiative aims to boost homeownership and stimulate the local economy, with projections indicating over $441 million in expenditures related to these recovery efforts.
In terms of financial implications, the ODR anticipates generating significant revenue through various disaster recovery projects, including utility, healthcare, infrastructure, and education initiatives. For the fiscal year 2023, the ODR expects to spend $23 million on these projects, which could yield approximately $139 million in revenue for the territory.
The meeting also addressed the urgency of executing contracts for obligated funding to demonstrate progress to federal partners. Upcoming projects include educational facilities and power generation replacements, with a focus on ensuring that all critical facilities are under contract by 2026.
Senators expressed their support for the ODR's efforts, authorizing an additional $4 million to help sustain these initiatives. The commitment from the legislature reflects a shared goal of building resilience within the community and ensuring that recovery efforts continue to move forward.
As the ODR prepares to tackle the challenges ahead, the collaboration between government agencies and the community remains vital in fostering a sustainable recovery and enhancing the quality of life for residents in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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