Lieutenant governor, all 15 senators and delegate to Congress pledge unified support for appeal and protection of future housing funding
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. convened an 11 a.m. meeting Friday with Lt. Gov. Tregenza A. Roach, Esq., all 15 members of the 36th Legislature and Delegate to Congress Stacey E. Plaskett to provide an update on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s recent administrative action involving the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority.
Governor Bryan outlined the status of obligated recovery funding, the potential impact on future federal housing resources, and the next steps in the appeal and federal review process, which VIHFA has already initiated. He also answered questions, received recommendations and suggestions from members of the group on the pathway forward, and emphasized the importance of ensuring the territory’s elected leaders have accurate and consistent information as the matter proceeds.
The governor also received recommendations and suggestions from various members of the group regarding the pathway forward in the appeal process.
During the meeting, the lieutenant governor, all 15 senators and the delegate to Congress pledged their support for a unified territorial effort throughout the appeal process, with the shared goal of protecting the Virgin Islands’ access to future federal housing funding administered through VIHFA.
Based on the information currently available, approximately $1.9 billion in Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery and Community Development Block Grant Mitigation funding already obligated to the Virgin Islands has not been suspended or terminated. Recovery programs serving homeowners, renters, small businesses and communities remain operational.
Governor Bryan also explained that HUD’s action could affect VIHFA’s ability to receive or administer future federal funding and participate fully in federal housing and community development programs, including resources that support affordable housing.
“It was important that the territory’s elected leaders receive the same information, understand what remains unresolved and have an opportunity to ask questions,” Governor Bryan said. “I appreciate their commitment to standing together as we work through the appeal process. We must remain coordinated as we protect recovery funding, preserve access to future housing resources and address any deficiencies identified through the federal process.”
VIHFA has requested an appeal and is working with specialized counsel. White House officials are also coordinating a meeting among HUD, the Bryan-Roach administration and VIHFA to clarify the scope of the action and the process for resolving the matter.
The administration and VIHFA will continue responding through the appropriate federal legal and administrative channels while maintaining the day-to-day delivery of recovery programs.
Homeowners, contractors, subrecipients and community partners should continue working with their existing VIHFA representatives and proceed with work authorized under current agreements.
Governor Bryan said the administration will continue providing elected officials and the public with updates as additional information becomes available.
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