U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Gov. Albert Bryan Jr., alongside Department of Planning and Natural Resources Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol, signed the Virgin Islands Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan (Comp Plan) into law at Government House on St. Croix. This transformative legislation ends decades of inaction and represents a crowning achievement of the Bryan-Roach administration, addressing a challenge that persisted for nearly half a century.

“This plan reflects the voice and vision of our people,” said DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol. “I want to thank the many stakeholders who participated in this important process, from agency representatives and volunteers to the community members who attended town halls, provided feedback, and shared their valuable perspectives. The Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together for the good of our territory. It is a framework built on collaboration, and its success is rooted in the contributions of our Virgin Islands community.”

“I am proud to begin 2025 by signing Act 8981 into law, adopting the territorial Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan developed by DPNR and our entire community,” Bryan said. “This plan goes beyond being a policy document—it realizes decades of effort and reflects our administration’s commitment to tackling overdue issues and moving the Virgin Islands forward. I want to thank the stakeholders, Commissioner Oriol and his team, and every member of our community who engaged in this process and provided their valuable input. Together, we have created a roadmap that balances progress with preservation.”

The Comp Plan fulfilled a mandate established 54 years ago when the Legislature passed Act 2774, requiring a comprehensive framework to guide the territory’s growth. Despite previous legislative efforts, plans were never approved.

“I applaud the 35th Legislature and their predecessors for their bipartisan support of this monumental step,” Bryan added. “For years, Virgin Islanders have expressed frustration with spot zoning, inconsistent permitting, and outdated regulations. This administration has made it a priority to tackle these tough challenges head-on, modernizing our zoning laws and providing a pathway for sustainable, responsible development that reflects the aspirations of our people.”

Delivering Decades of Collaboration
The Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan reflects extensive collaboration and community input. Beginning in October 2022, DPNR coordinated with agencies to align the plan with strategies for transportation, agriculture, and housing. Public engagement played a critical role, with more than 1,500 Virgin Islanders participating in town halls across the territory. Ninety-two volunteers contributed through working groups, and over 700 residents subscribed to updates on planusvi.com to stay informed.

Key Elements of the Plan
The Comp Plan provides a framework for balanced growth and conservation, focusing on:
• Development Guidance: Establishing clear parameters for where and how new development occurs.
• Land and Water Use Balance: Ensuring responsible resource use while protecting the environment.
• Conservation Efforts: Preserving environmentally sensitive areas, coastlines, and historic sites.
• Infrastructure Investment: Prioritizing improvements to community services and infrastructure.

Building a Sustainable Future
Bryan emphasized the significance of this achievement and its impact on the territory. “For decades, our territory struggled with the tools needed to balance growth with preservation,” he said. “This plan reflects our administration’s dedication to addressing the complex issues confronting our community and delivering solutions that ensure sustainable development while protecting our natural and cultural heritage.”

The Comp Plan identifies the pressing issues of overdevelopment, traffic congestion, and declining water quality and provides strategies to address them. “Our work doesn’t stop here,” Bryan said. “We will implement this plan with ongoing community dialogue to protect our natural resources while creating opportunities for future generations.”
The Bryan-Roach administration continues to deliver solutions for long-standing challenges. The Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan stands as a testament to their commitment to meaningful, lasting progress for the U.S. Virgin Islands.
For more information about the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan, visit planusvi.com.

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