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THE DEPARTMENT OF SPORTS, PARKS & RECREATION 36TH LEGISLATURE OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS Vincent Roberts Commissioner February 27, 2026 THE COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 1 Good morning, Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Chairman of the Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance, Senators of the 36th Legislature, and members of the viewing and listening public. I am Vincent Roberts, Commissioner of the Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation. I appear before you pursuant to your February 12, 2026, correspondence requesting a detailed expenditure plan and a status update regarding the $5 million reprogrammed under Act 9052, an act amending Act 8651, for the completion of the Randall “Doc” James Racetrack on St. Croix. Today, I will provide a clear narrative of the $5 million allocation, what has been expended to date, and the project’s financial and operational status. The $5 million allocation is being administered through the Office of Disaster Recovery (ODR) under ODR Contract No. 010-2022-3, Task Order No. 010-24-87480, with CMTS, LLC serving as the Program Manager. The funding supports Phases I and II of the 3-phase redevelopment plan. Specifically, it funds 100% completion of track design, permitting, and construction of the track running surface and cistern under Phase I; the renovation and reconstruction of the stables, barns, and paddocks under Phase II; and the design of the grandstand under Phase III. As of the most recent project review meeting on February 18, 2026, the track topographic as-built surveys have been completed. These as-builts confirm grades, drainage, and material quantities necessary to reconstruct the running surface to modern safety standards. Based on the survey analysis, approximately 11,000 cubic yards of track material are required, with approximately 9,000 cubic yards already available in existing on-site stockpiles. The remaining balance consists of a specialized equine surface mix that must meet specific technical standards and will require importation. Due to freight constraints and long lead times in the Caribbean region, procurement of this material must be initiated early to maintain the accelerated schedule. Construction documents are nearing completion; bid packages will be formally initiated within the next two to three weeks (mid-March). Phase II, which includes the stables, barns, and paddocks, has progressed through the delivery of as-built documentation. Stakeholder coordination meetings were held in December to confirm operational requirements for horsemen and participants. Similar to the running surface, construction documents should be completed early next week, after which bid packages will be formally initiated. 2 Although Phase III construction is unfunded, the grandstand design is approaching 100 percent completion, positioning the Territory for future capital investment. With completion projected for mid-March. Completing the design now ensures that once funding is secured, the project will not lose additional time in the design stage. Permitting remains an important component of project readiness. The Coastal Zone Management permit transfer application was received on December 8, 2025, and requires a signatory authorization letter from VIGL, which remains pending. The Department continues to coordinate with our sister agencies and legal counsel to ensure that permitting does not impede the construction schedule. With respect to the financial status of the project, the professional services contract for CMTS under Task Order 010-24-87480 has a total value of $1,000,892. This contract supports pre-design, schematic design, construction documents, bid phase services, construction administration, and reimbursable expenses. As of Invoice No. 10892 dated February 15, 2025, the contract breakdown is as follows: • Pre-Design / Programming Phase: $45,158.55 — 100% complete • Schematic & Design Development Phase: $203,393.95 – 100% complete • Construction Document Phase: $388,482.50 total; $13,927.25 billed to date; 4% complete • Bid Phase: $94,165 allocated; not yet invoiced • Construction Administration Phase: $217,060 allocated; not yet invoiced • Reimbursable Expenses: $52,632.10 total allocation, with $7,482.64 invoiced to date Total contract amount: $1,000,892.10. After application of the 5% GRT tax, the remittance amount to date stands at $237,989.67 prior to the current billing period. The invoice covering January 2026 alone, reflects 119.58 hours of professional services totaling $19,446.95, primarily under the Construction Document Phase. These services directly support the advancement of construction documents, schedule development, and procurement preparation. 3 To date, expenditures under the $5 million allocation have been directed toward design progression, engineering, program management, documentation control, permitting coordination, and bid package preparation. Large-scale construction drawdowns have not yet occurred because procurement packages are being finalized and material acquisition strategies are being structured. Biweekly coordination meetings continue to monitor schedule, budget, and deliverables, with the next in-person review of construction packages scheduled for mid-March. Chairman Francis and Honorable Senators, the $5 million allocation is being managed with structured fiscal oversight and disciplined project controls. Approximately $250,515.44 has been invoiced under the professional services contract to date, with the balance available to support final design, bid-phase services, construction administration, and Phase I and II execution. The Randall “Doc” James Racetrack is both a historic institution and an economic engine for St. Croix. The Department remains committed to transparency, fiscal discipline, and delivering this project responsibly and efficiently. I thank the Committee for its continued oversight and stand prepared to answer your questions. 4