Spending package funds healthcare, education, public infrastructure and government operations for the new fiscal year
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. earlier this week signed the Fiscal Year 2027 budget bills passed by the 36th Legislature, authorizing funding for government operations, healthcare, education, infrastructure and other essential public services across the Virgin Islands.
The approved measures include $739.2 million from the General Fund for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year that began October 1, as well as separate appropriations supporting the territory’s hospitals, the University of the Virgin Islands, the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the judicial and legislative branches, and several independent agencies and boards.
“This budget allows us to continue the work of delivering the services our people depend on while keeping the government on stable financial footing,” Governor Bryan said.
“Throughout our administration, we have worked to bring greater discipline and predictability to the budgeting process, while making the investments necessary to strengthen our communities and create opportunities for the future. As we enter this new fiscal year, our responsibility remains the same: use the resources entrusted to us wisely and continue delivering results for the people of the Virgin Islands.”
Among the measures approved by Governor Bryan are $66.5 million for the Virgin Islands Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation, $34.1 million for the University of the Virgin Islands and $32.5 million in General Fund support for the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority.
The Governor also approved $5 million in capital improvement funding across the three islands, including $2 million for St. Croix and $1.5 million each for St. Thomas and St. John.
Additional appropriations support the Department of Education, public works and transportation, tourism, elections, the Board of Education, the Career and Technical Education Board, the Office of the Inspector General, the Public Services Commission and other government operations.
Governor Bryan also approved legislation reprogramming previously appropriated funding for the Department of Education to address current and prior-year obligations of the department and the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance, as well as legislation revising the allocation of monies deposited into the Virgin Islands Water and Power Generating and Infrastructure Fund.
Separately, the Governor approved Bill No. 36-0389, ratifying renewals of the Government of the Virgin Islands’ group life, accidental death and dismemberment, vision and medical health insurance plans, along with voluntary employee-paid critical illness, accidental injury and hospital care coverage.
The FY2027 budget represents the final executive spending plan submitted by the Bryan-Roach Administration. When Governor Bryan transmitted his proposed budget to the Legislature in May, the Administration outlined priorities centered on infrastructure, recreation, housing, fiscal stability and continued economic development.
Governor Bryan thanked members of the 36th Legislature for completing work on the spending package and other measures before the start of the new fiscal year.
“I thank the members of the 36th Legislature for their work on behalf of the people of the Territory,” Governor Bryan said. “There will always be areas where the executive and legislative branches may approach an issue differently, but completing the budget is one of our most important shared responsibilities. What matters now is putting these resources to work effectively for the people we serve.”
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