Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. has signed a $295,000 contract with Boschulte Design Studio to provide the architectural and enginee

"When I took office in January, I made a commitment to the thousands of horse racing fans in the territory that it was incumbent upon us to improve the facilities at Clinton Phipps and this contract award is a step in that direction," deJongh said.ring services for a new Clinton Phipps Race Track on St. Thomas' East end.

The contract, which was reviewed for legal sufficiency by both the Departments of Property and Procurement and Justice prior to the Governor's ratification, requires Boschulte Design Studio to provide project administration services, develop schematic design documents, design development and construction documents, secure CZM Major Land Permit and building permit approvals as well as construction procurement services and contract administration services. 

According to the contract, the program elements for the design work include: new grandstand structure, concession spaces, covered bleachers, indoor seating area, VIP lounge, media room, judges room, restrooms, pari-mutuel betting, restaurant and gaming and storage. In addition, the contract provides for the planning of site improvements including stables, paddock, on-site parking, guardhouse and quarantine area. 

"There is a definitive need for us to bring about significant improvement to the overall facilities at Phipps racetrack," deJongh said, adding, that "the sport of kings attracts large numbers of Virgin Islanders on race days as well as visitors from the British Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico and the present appearance of the track is not what it should be."