More than two dozen road and infrastructure projects underway as DPW finishes some and begins others
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has proclaimed May 16-22 National Public Works Week in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The 2021 theme for the national week of recognition of public works agencies around the country, which is celebrating its 61st anniversary, is “Stronger Together.” It comes as the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) is at various stages of more than two dozen major road and infrastructure projects throughout the Territory.
On St. Thomas, DPW has completed paving Bunker Hill in Downtown Charlotte Amalie, redeveloping Main Street and repairing Mafolie Road, where a section of the roadbed collapsed. Crews also have installed the palm trees and other landscaping along the Waterfront as the department nears completion of the second half of Phase 1 of the road-widening.
In June, DPW will begin the extensive re-paving project in Frederiksted Town, and earlier this month, Governor Bryan sent down legislation to the Senate requesting $1.5 million to complete improvements to the Frederiksted waterfront, spanning from Dorsch Beach along Strand Street to Buddhoe Park.
Other road and infrastructure projects underway include:
• Road paving projects throughout the downtown areas, which are in various stages of completion.
• Restoration and redevelopment of Gallows Bay Marina, which is set to begin this summer.
• Restoration of the King’s Alley Pier, which is set to begin in early summer.
• Lighting of the Ann Abramson Pier and installation of a tender dock at the pier, which also is set to begin in early summer.
“The United States Virgin Islands Public Works Department employees, such as engineers, administrators and essential laborers, play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing the health, safety and welfare of all Virgin Islanders,” the proclamation states. “Public Works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
“Every engineer, project manager, support staff and leader plays a vital role in pushing the department’s mission forward,” said Public Works Commissioner Derek Gabriel said. “I want to take this opportunity to salute each member of our staff. Know that your contributions are valuable and necessary.”
The Bryan-Roach Administration is committed to transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring the disaster recovery is completed as quickly as possible.