Governor Bryan Congratulates Public Works for Securing $25 Million Grant for Phase 2 of Veterans Drive Project on St. Thomas

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. praised the Department of Public Works for securing a competitive federal grant of $25 million – the maximum amount awarded – for Phase 2 of the Veterans Drive/Waterfront Beautification Project on St. Thomas.

Phase 2 will continue the road project around the Virgin Islands Legislature using the same design elements as in Phase 1, such as a new seawall, widening of the roadway, a wider promenade, a divided median with more trees and historic streetlighting. Phase 2 will also include on-street parking areas and an improved Vendors Plaza area.

“I want to congratulate Commissioner Derek Gabriel, Federal Highways Project Manager Jomo McClean and the entire department for securing these funds, which allows us to move forward on this project sooner rather later,” Governor Bryan said. “Not only is this a boon for the Territory in receiving the funding for the project, it allows the Bryan-Roach Administration to continue its momentum of recovery and rebuilding by using money earmarked for Veterans Drive for other vital projects.”

The award from the Department of Transportation (USDOT) is part of the FY22 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) Grants. The RAISE program enables USDOT to use a rigorous merit-based process to select projects with exceptional benefits, explore ways to deliver projects faster and save on construction costs, and make needed investments in the nation’s infrastructure.

“This award will fund the second phase of the Charlotte Amalie Waterfront Revitalization Program, the Veterans Drive (Route 30) Improvements Project. Phase II is approximately .92 miles, extending from Hospital Gade to Kronprindsens Tvaer Gade (Windward Passage Hotel),” according to the Department of Transportation Notice of Grant Award. “The project will construct a tree-lined four-lane roadway divided by an 11-foot raised median. The project will construct a new seawall, as well as develop the promenade.”

The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit transparency.vi.gov