U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. said Monday that the Government of the Virgin Islands is seeking formal clarification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development following a news report regarding the reported suspension of federal funds administered through the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.
Governor Bryan said neither he nor the Office of the Governor had received formal notification from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development beyond correspondence sent directly to VIHFA.
“Like many Virgin Islanders, I first learned of this reported action through the Fox News story published today,” Governor Bryan said. “As of this moment, neither my office nor I have received formal notification from HUD beyond the correspondence sent to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.”
The governor said the administration is reviewing the matter and will request direct clarification from HUD regarding the scope, basis, and duration of any suspension of VIHFA funds.
“We expect to be provided the full details of any concerns raised and will respond through the appropriate administrative process,” Governor Bryan said.
Governor Bryan reaffirmed his administration’s support for accountability and transparency in the management of federal funds. He also noted that many of the matters referenced in HUD’s correspondence involve issues identified in prior years and that VIHFA has reported taking significant corrective action since those findings were first raised.
“Many of the matters identified in HUD’s correspondence reflect issues that have been known for some time,” Governor Bryan said. “According to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority, significant corrective actions have already been undertaken in the years since many of those findings were first identified.”
The governor said the administration looks forward to working with HUD to ensure those corrective efforts are fully considered and to address any remaining concerns through the established administrative process.
Governor Bryan also emphasized that any review or enforcement action involving VIHFA funds should be conducted in a manner that does not unnecessarily interrupt housing assistance, disaster recovery or ongoing community development projects.
“These resources support families, communities and projects that remain essential to the territory’s continued recovery,” Governor Bryan said. “It is important that this process be handled in a manner that protects the people of the Virgin Islands and does not unnecessarily disrupt critical housing and disaster-recovery programs.”
The administration will remain in communication with HUD, the White House and VIHFA as it seeks additional information regarding the reported suspension of VIHFA funds.
“We will provide the public with verified information as it becomes available,” Governor Bryan said.
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