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Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Divisions …………………..……....………………………………………………….….. 3 Introduction …………………..……....…………………………………………………….. 4 Departmental Budget Overview ….….…………………………………..……………… 5 Budget Breakdown by Division / FY 2026 Initiatives ………..……….…………... 11 Conclusion ...........................................….………..………………………………..…. 28 Appendix I: FY 2025 Accomplishments ………………………………………….. 29 Appendix II: FY 2025 Key Performance Indicators ……………………………… 48 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 3 5 10 15 20 25 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 4 INTRODUCTION Good morning Honorable Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Chair of the 36th Legislature’s Committee on Budget, Appropriations and Finance, members of the Committee, other members of the 36th Legislature present, legislative staff, and to the public listening and viewing over various forms of media. I am 5 Jean-Pierre L. Oriol, Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources (“DPNR” or “Department”); I have present with me Mrs. Apryl Henry, Director of Business & Administration, and in the audience, DPNR’s financial team. DPNR was established by Title 3 V.I.C. § 400(a) to administer and enforce all laws pertaining to: fish 10 and wildlife; trees and vegetation; water resources, including the protection of safe drinking water; air and water pollution; flood control; preservation of mineral and other natural resources; preservation of the archaeological, architectural, cultural and historical heritage of the United States Virgin Islands, including public libraries and museums; pesticide control; coastal lands and off-shore islands and cays; mooring and anchoring of vessels within the territorial waters; earth change 15 permits; and zoning. The enforcement powers of the department are codified under Title 12 V.I.C., as well as Title 29 V.I.C. The Department is comprised of the following divisions: 1) Business and Administrative Services (DBAS); 2) Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning (CCZP); 3) Coastal Zone Management (CZM); 20 4) Environmental Enforcement (DEE); 5) Environmental Protection (DEP); 6) the Executive Office; 7) Fish and Wildlife (DFW); 8) Libraries, Archives and Museums (DLAM); 9) Permits (DP); 10) the Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (VISHPO); 11) the Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas; and 12) the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA). 25 The following departmental budget overview and funding breakdown by division and source illustrates how DPNR is leveraging a combination of general, federal, and non-appropriated funding to meet its statutory responsibilities, implement transformative projects, and support sustainable development across the Territory. This financial snapshot not only reflects our core operational needs but also highlights the targeted investments that will drive measurable outcomes in infrastructure, 30 environmental protection, cultural preservation, and service delivery in the territory. 35 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 5 DEPARTMENTAL BUDGET OVERVIEW The Department’s recommended FY26 budget totals $146,949,100 consisting of $7,009,487 (5%) from the General Fund, $10,861,427 (7%) from Non-Appropriated Local Funds, and $129,078,186 (88%) in federal grants. Notably, ~$100 million (77%) of the federal funding is allocated to land 5 acquisition and infrastructure grants that pass through DPNR and do not support departmental operations. 10 General Fund Request The Department’s FY’26 General Fund appropriation is $7,009,487, unchanged from FY’25. This includes $4,894,087 for Personnel and Fringe Benefits supporting 61 positions (23 Exempt, 38 15 Classified); $238,302 for Supplies; $1,271,514 for Other Services and Charges; and $605,584 for Utilities. The appropriation also covers required local match funding for several federal grants, including the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, and supports mandated obligations such as the Tutu Wells Mitigation Site and the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission. A summary by category is provided in the table below, followed by a detailed breakdown of Other 20 Services and Charges. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 6 FY’24 Budget FY’25 Budget FY ’26 Recommended Personnel $ 3,901,852 $3,148,707 $3,208,832 Fringe Benefits 1,858,326 1,667,760 1,685,255 Sub-total $5,760,178 $4,816,467 $4,894,087 Other Services & Charges $1,628,745 $1,476,749 $1,271,514 Supplies 200,000 223,000 238,302 Utilities 515,000 493,271 605,584 Capital Outlays 500,000 0 0 Sub-total $2,843,745 $2,193,020 $2,115,400 Totals $8,603,923 $7,009,487 $7,009,487 Other Services & Charges* FY ‘26 Allocation Debris Removal $ 12,000 Professional Services (Tutu Wells) 375,000 Communications 132,000 Advertising & Promotion 5,000 Printing & Binding 5,000 Travel 73,000 Travel – Purchase Bulk Airline 20,000 Transportation – Not Travel 10,000 Automotive Repair and Maintenance 35,000 Repairs & Maintenance 108,000 Rental of Land & Building 274,912 Security Services 60,000 Grants/IND Gov Agencies 40,000 Other Services 121,602 Total Other Services: $1,271,514 *Includes Other Services under Miscellaneous category 5 General Fund Allocation by Division Of the twelve (12) divisions within the Department, nine (9) rely on the General Fund appropriation, with the remaining three (3) divisions (CZM, CCZP and DFW) being funded entirely by federal grants and/or other non-appropriated local funds. The following table 10 indicates the recommended allocation of the General Fund for these divisions for the upcoming fiscal year. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 7 Allocation of General Fund by Division Allocation Percentage Executive Office $716,408 10.22% Business & Administrative Services $2,060,685 29.40% Environmental Enforcement $153,556 2.19% Permits $885,297 12.63% Libraries, Archives & Museums $1,573,124 22.44% VI State Historic Preservation Office $172,794 2.47% Territorial Parks & Protected Areas $135,160 1.93% VI Historic Preservation Commission $200,000 2.85% Environmental Protection $746,140 10.64% Virgin Islands Council on the Arts $366,323 5.23% Total Allocation by Divisions $7,009,487 100% Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 8 Federal Funds Most of the Department’s funding comes from federal awards. For FY 2026, federal grant funds will 5 contribute $129,078,186 or 88% of the overall budget to the Department’s operations. Allocated across all categories, the estimated amounts are Personnel Services at $9,449,063 which covers salaries and fringe benefits for 102 positions (43 exempt, 59 Classified); Supplies at $1,268,951; Other Services and Charges at $87,276,800; Utilities at $35,500, Indirect Cost at $1,727,423 and Capital Outlay at $29,320,449. Below is a breakdown of federal funds by Division. 10 Divisions Allocation Percentage Coastal Zone Management $ 1,670,623 1.3% Business & Administrative Services 353,805 0.3% Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 9 Environmental Enforcement 917,374 0.7% Environmental Protection 47,560,903 36.8% Fish and Wildlife 7,342,731 5.7% Libraries, Archives & Museums 1,040,000 0.8% VI State Historic Preservation Office 559,773 0.4% Territorial Parks & Protected Areas 69,257,827 53.7% Virgin Islands Council on the Arts 375,150 0.3% Total Allocation by Divisions $129,078,186 100.0% Non-Appropriated Local (Special) Funds The FY 2026 recommendation from Non-Appropriated (Special) funds is $10,861,427 or about 7% of the Department’s total request. These funds, derived from fees, fines, and rentals of submerged and 5 filled submerged lands provide support to the Executive Office, DEE, Permits, CCZP, CZM, and DEP. Fees collected are deposited into the following funds: General, Coastal Protection, Legal Publication, Fish and Game, Underground Storage Tank, Natural Resource Reclamation, and Air Pollution Control. Collections as of May 31, 2025, are in the amount of $3,435,196; total collections of non-appropriated funds in FY 2024 were $8,452,461. 10 Breaking down the Special Funds by category, the estimated amounts are: $3,843,350 for Personnel and Fringe Benefits Services, which fund 42 positions (21 Exempt, 21 Classified) within the Department; $522,953 for Supplies; $4,909,976 for Other Services and Charges, $47,000 for Utilities and $1,538,148 for Capital Outlay. The table below provides the Allocation of Special funds by 15 Division. Allocation of Non-Appropriated Local Funds by Division Divisions Allocation Percentage Executive Office $3,099,580 29% Environmental Enforcement 1,517,177 14% Business & Administrative Services 414,148 4% Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning 1,051,128 10% Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 10 Coastal Zone Management 1,098,922 10% Libraries, Archives & Museums 464,985 4% VI State Historic Preservation Office 1,597,231 15% Environmental Protection 1,515,916 14% Permits 102,340 1% Total Allocation by Divisions $10,861,427 100% Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 11 BUDGET BY DIVISION The following portion of the presentation provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of each of the 12 divisions and the estimated FY 2026 budget for each division. Here, I will focus my discussion on the major initiatives that each division will embark upon for FY 2026. 5 Business & Administrative Services (DBAS) The Division of Business and Administrative Services manages budgeting, personnel, payroll, revenue collection, and fiscal matters across all funding sources. Below is the estimated FY26 budget breakdown for the division. 10 Division: DBAS # of Personnel Existing: 17 Funded Vacant: 5 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $632,633 $235,000 $280,415 Fringe 329,298 118,805 133,733 Supplies 90,185 Debris Removal 12,000 Rep & Maintenance 15,000 Rental of Land/Bldg. 238,383 Communications 95,000 Transportation-Not Travel 1,000 Travel 25,000 Other Services NOC 20,186 Utilities/Single Payer 602,000 Totals $2,060,685 $353,805 $414,148 Comprehensive & Coastal Zone Planning (CCZP) The Division of Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning develops long-range plans and 15 policies to guide the Territory’s physical, economic, and social development. It oversees zoning map amendments, subdivisions, planned area developments, and group dwellings, ensuring alignment with established planning standards. CCZP also serves as a planning resource for government agencies and the public, coordinating capital projects and planning efforts across sectors. Below is the estimated FY26 budget breakdown by category. 20 25 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 12 Division: CCZP # Of Personnel Existing: 2 Funded Vacant: 1 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel 180,000 Fringe 92,125 Supplies 40,000 Prof Services 654,003 Training 20,000 Rental- Land/Building Communications Adv & Promotion 20,000 Trans. Not Travel 20,000 Travel 20,000 Other Services 5,000 Totals $1,051,128 FY26 INITIATIVES In FY 2026, the Comprehensive and Coastal Zone Planning (CCZP) Division will continue advancing the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan (USVI Comp Plan) through proposed 5 amendments to key sections of the zoning law. These include updates to Section 225 (Definitions), Section 228 (Table of Permitted Uses), Section 235 (Administration and Enforcement), Section 240 (Penalties for Violations), and Section 242 (Fees). CCZP will also collaborate with other divisions and agencies on zoning amendments related to special areas such as Agricultural Zones and Historic Districts. To support public understanding and 10 compliance, the Division plans to host zoning law training sessions and develop a visual user guide to help residents and developers interpret and apply zoning regulations effectively. Coastal Zone Management (CZM) 15 The Division of Coastal Zone Management works to protect and enhance the Territory’s coastal environment while supporting responsible economic development. CZM regulates development in the coastal zone’s first tier, manages the St. Croix East End Marine Park, oversees submerged and filled land leases, and implements policies to protect marine ecosystems—particularly coral reefs—through erosion control and non-point source pollution programs. The Division is funded 20 by two NOAA Cooperative Agreements, supplemented by fee and penalty collections used to meet the required non-federal match. These funds support 25 positions dedicated to fulfilling the program's objectives. Below is the FY26 funding breakdown: Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 13 Division: CZM # Of Personnel Existing: 18 Funded Vacant: 5 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $959,208 $624,703 Fringe 460,415 304,219 Supplies 21,000 90,000 Trans. Not Travel 5,000 0 Professional Services 50,000 0 Advertising & Promotion 5,000 0 Capital Outlay 0 0 Travel 40,000 0 Sub-Grants 95,000 0 Other Services 35,000 80,000 Indirect Cost 0 0 Totals $1,670,623 $1,098,922 FY26 INITIATIVES In FY2026, the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Division will focus on advancing several 30% 5 design projects from the Territory’s Watershed Management Plans to full design in preparation for implementation. These projects, identified in collaboration with the Department of Education and other property stakeholders, aim to address key environmental challenges within the coastal zone. CZM was awarded approximately $22 million under a NOAA grant, which will be used to support the design and implementation phases of these priority watershed projects. 10 Under the enhancement section of our cooperative agreement with NOAA, the Division will pursue enhancements in permitting requirements that will synchronize the way all Divisions with earth change responsibilities review such applications. 15 Environmental Enforcement (DEE) The Division of Environmental Enforcement serves as the law enforcement arm of the Department, tasked with enforcing boating safety, permitting laws, and protecting the Territory’s natural resources. DEE also supports Homeland Security efforts through land and marine patrols and maintains a zero-tolerance policy on illegal drugs, assisting federal and local 20 agencies as needed. The Division operates with a team of 10 staff members, including nine active enforcement officers. Below is the FY26 funding breakdown. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 14 Division: DEE # Of Personnel Existing: 10 Funded Vacant: 7 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $ 96,507 $402,453 $666,931 Fringe 57,049 199,486 327,491 Supplies 0 63,000 203,755 Repair & Maintenance 0 0 123,000 Capital Outlay 0 0 68,000 Advertising & Promotion 0 0 3,000 Printing & Binding 0 0 8,000 Communication 0 0 20,000 Transp. - Not Travel 0 0 5,000 Travel 0 0 25,000 Other Services 0 83,524 10,000 Training 0 0 20,000 Utilities 0 0 37,000 Indirect 0 168,911 0 Totals $153,556 $917,374 $1,517,177 FY26 INITIATIVES The Division of Environmental Enforcement in partnership with Online Mooring LLC, is 5 launching a new electronic boating registration card system. These digital cards, accessible via mobile devices or as downloadable files, contain key registration details such as vessel ID, owner information, and expiration dates. Designed to improve convenience and enforcement efficiency, the e-card will be issued immediately upon registration approval and will serve as valid proof of registration until the physical decal is received and affixed to the vessel. This 10 initiative reflects the Division’s commitment to modernizing services and offering boaters a timely, user-friendly, and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional paper registration. In addition, DEE is enhancing field operations by procuring Apple iPad tablets to replace 15 manual, paper-based processes. In collaboration with the Bureau of Information Technology (BIT), DEE is developing digital forms to be preloaded onto the tablets, enabling officers to document patrol logs, issue citations, and access vessel registration records in real time. This upgrade will significantly improve efficiency, accuracy, and information sharing between DEE and local or federal law enforcement agencies, reinforcing the Division’s mission to protect the 20 Territory’s natural resources and public safety. Environmental Protection (EP) 25 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 15 The primary objective of the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) is to protect and conserve the Territory’s natural resources while minimizing residents' exposure to environmental hazards. DEP staff work to implement strategic measures that safeguard human health and the environment, focusing on key priorities such as clean air and water, land conservation, and chemical safety. Below is the FY2026 funding breakdown: 5 Division: DEP # Of Personnel Existing: 21 Funded Vacant: 21 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $223,546 $2,071,990 $351,147 Fringe 95,977 1,030,259 170,437 Supplies 18,617 375,239 90,036 Professional Services 375,000 5,662,637 40,000 Repairs & Maintenance 0 4,000 14,000 Auto Repairs & Maintenance 10,000 0 30,000 Communication 0 0 0 Advertising & Promotion 5,000 5,250 0 Transportation – Not Travel 5,000 0 5,000 Travel 5,000 500,591 30,000 Bulk Ticket Purchase 8,000 0 0 Sub Grants 0 31,111,917 10,000 Other Services 0 5,449,501 775,296 Electricity 0 0 0 Water 0 0 0 Indirect Cost 0 974,570 0 Capital Outlay 0 374,949 0 Totals $746,140 $47,560,903 $1,515,916 FY26 INITIATIVES 10 In FY 2026, the Division of Environmental Protection (DEP) will focus on eliminating its high- risk designation to improve program operations and streamline the grant reimbursement process, which currently limits access to full funding and flexibility. As part of its modernization efforts, DEP will transition permitting services to the Municity e-permitting platform, allowing applicants to submit and receive permit documentation electronically for 15 greater convenience and efficiency. To support this transition and improve overall program delivery, DEP will prioritize strategic recruitment to ensure timely permit processing, effective enforcement, and expanded community education and outreach. Additionally, recognizing the critical role of Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 16 water quality in public and environmental health, DEP will strengthen collaboration between its Water Quality and Non-Point Source Pollution Programs to more effectively identify and address sources of pollution that threaten ecosystems and community well- being. 5 Executive Office The Executive Office coordinates the strategic planning and operations of DPNR. The Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, Media Relations, and the Office of Human Resources all fall under the Executive Office. Below is a breakdown of the requested budget for Fiscal Year 2025. 10 Division: Exec. Off # Of Personnel Existing: 6 Funded Vacant: 2 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $499,367 $230,000 Fringe 200,041 89,580 Supplies 11,000 80,000 Rep & Maintenance 0 250,000 250,000 Rental of Land/Bldg. 0 450,000 Rental/Mach & Equip 0 20,000 Prof. Services 0 800,000 Communication 0 20,000 Ad & Promotion 0 5,000 Printing & Binding 0 5,000 Transp. – Not Travel 0 10,000 Travel 6,000.00 30,000 Other Services 0 1,000,000 Electricity 0 10,000 Machinery & Equip. 0 100,000 100,000 Totals $716,408 $3,191,503 $3,099,580 FY26 INITIATIVES In FY26, the Department of Planning & Natural Resources (DPNR) will achieve several key 15 milestones in FEMA-funded capital projects. Most notably, we anticipate the long-awaited reopening of the Dr. Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library and the Athalie McFarlane Petersen Library, as well as the completed renovation of our St. John Office, restoring vital community resources. Renovation work at the Enid M. Baa Library will continue through FY26 as part of our ongoing disaster recovery portfolio. 20 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 17 Simultaneously, progress continues on the FEMA-funded restoration of Fort Frederik and Fort Christian museums, with architectural and engineering (A&E) design ongoing and construction bids set to be advertised upon finalization. In parallel, a separate procurement for conceptual exhibit design at both sites is supported by USEDA funding, which was initiated and evaluated in FY25. The selected exhibit design vendor will work in coordination with the construction 5 contractor to ensure alignment with the renovation timeline. Once complete, DPNR will issue a dedicated RFP for the fabrication and installation of exhibit components, ensuring a smooth transition from construction to public interpretation. Lastly, to continue the modernization of the Department, the Executive Office has submitted a BEAD funding request to OMB for FY26 to expand its e-permitting platform (Municity) to include 10 the Divisions of Environmental Protection (EP), Fish & Wildlife (DFW), and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). This upgrade will streamline permitting workflows, enhance enforcement capabilities, improve service delivery, and support revenue growth. Fish & Wildlife (DFW) 15 The Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) implements scientific and technical assistance projects for conservation to enhance the natural heritage of the Virgin Islands. DFW completes Territorially mandated work to restore habitats and preserve indigenous species using federal grants apportioned by Congress annually to US jurisdictions along with competitive grants 20 awarded to the Division. All projects are based on long-term strategic plans for safeguarding wildlife and marine resources. Division: DFW # Of Personnel Existing: 20 Funded Vacant: 12 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $2,037,289 Fringe 951,960 Supplies 422,442 Indirect Cost 279,132 Repair & Maintenance 157,000 Debris Removal 10,000 Auto Repairs & Maintenance 30,000 Rental of Land & Bldg 225,032 Rental Machines & Equip 2,500 Professional Services 6,048 Communication 10,000 Advertising & Promotion 5,000 Printing & Binding 25,000 Travel 123,000 Bulk Airline 10,000 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 18 Sub Grants 408,340 Other Services 2,543,988 Utilities 35,500 Capital Outlay 60,500 Totals $7,342,731 FY26 INITIATIVES In FY 2026, the Division of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) will launch a major effort to expand facilities 5 supporting wildlife and fisheries conservation through a network of Community Outdoor Resilience Centers (CORCs) that provide outdoors amenities to access fish and wildlife resources. Key projects include the renovation of the Red Hook office to support public boating access and a mangrove trail with boardwalk on St. Thomas and repurposing the former Elena Christian Junior High School into an educational fish hatchery. DFW will also enhance boating 10 infrastructure by installing fish cleaning stations, monofilament collectors, educational signage, and ADA-compliant kayak launches across the Territory under the Boating Infrastructure Program. DFW will submit its updated State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP)—last revised in 2017—for the 15 first time electronically via wildlife.vi.gov to Congress. This data-driven plan expands eligibility for federal funding beyond traditional game species to include areas like aquatic invasive species, baitfish, sargassum, aquaculture, rare pollinators, and conservation opportunity areas. The plan outlines actionable, measurable spatial and species-specific goals, positioning the Virgin Islands to secure millions in future federal funding. 20 Continuing efforts to connect communities with nature, DFW will pursue new annual habitat goals, such as creating additional trails through representative ecosystems. In FY25, trail crews funded by the Office of Insular Affairs’ native plant program mapped and assessed nearly three new miles of wetland forest trails on St. Croix and a half mile of wetland trails on St. Thomas. 25 DFW will also sustain its support for youth and community programs, including the Complex High School Marine Biology Club, Sea Turtle Assistance and Rescue (STAR) Network, UVI Youth Ocean Explorers scholarships, and guided kayaking trips. 30 Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) The Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) encompasses the Virgin Islands Public Library System, the territorial archives, and the Fort Museum Program, delivering vital services 35 in education, cultural preservation, and public engagement. DLAM manages five public libraries across the Territory, including the Dr. Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library, Enid M. Baa Library & Archives, Florence Williams Public Library, Athalie McFarlane Petersen Library, and the Elaine Ione Sprauve Library & Cultural Museum offering access to information, research, and cultural programming. 40 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 19 The Museum Unit plays a critical role in preserving and interpreting the rich history, arts, and cultural heritage of the U.S. Virgin Islands. It is responsible for the stewardship of Fort Christian and Fort Frederik, both National Historic Landmark sites, as well as their extensive collections of historical artifacts. These sites serve not only as cultural anchors but also as event venues for 5 government and private functions, offering a unique setting for public engagement and community use. Division: DLAM # Of Personnel Existing: 18 Funded Vacant: 5 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $859,460 0 $186,524 Fringe 496,664 0 103,705 Supplies 40,000 40,000 19,162 Rep & Maintenance 75,000 0 Auto Rep & Maintenance 5,000 0 Debris Removal 0 0 3,000 Security Services 60,000 0 1,000 Communications 20,000 0 20,000 Transp. - Not Travel 2,000 0 5,000 Advertising & Promotion 10,000 3,000 Travel 10,000 0 10,000 Printing & Binding 5,000 10,000 Professional Services 0 70,000 57,594 Other Services 10,000 Capital Projects 0 900,000 56,000 Totals $1,573,124 $1,040,000 $464,985 10 FY26 INITIATIVES In FY 2026, the Department of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) will prioritize expanded access to educational resources, digital tools, and community-centered programming. A key initiative includes an upcoming collaboration with NASA that will support lifelong learning and promote engagement with STEM content through technology 15 integration. DLAM will enhance public access, modernize facilities, and extend outreach efforts to historically underrepresented communities. These initiatives align with national goals in literacy, workforce preparedness, and civic engagement. Workshops and lecture series will be offered throughout the year. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 20 Traditional literacy remains a core focus. DLAM will continue to expand library collections and support programming such as family literacy nights, intergenerational book clubs, and outreach in areas with limited library access—particularly those that demonstrate academic impact and strong community partnerships. These efforts aim to improve reading skills while fostering a love of learning and community connection. 5 In our Forts, DLAM will develop the conceptual design of new permanent exhibits highlighting the Virgin Islands' natural and cultural heritage in each facility. This includes audio and visual production, to include self-guided tours of the facilities. Permits (BP) 10 The Division of Building Permits is responsible for reviewing and issuing construction-related permits, including those for floodplain management and structure demolition, while ensuring all building activities across the Territory comply with local and national codes. Below is the FY2026 15 budget breakdown for the division. Division: Permits # Of Personnel Existing: 21* Funded Vacant: 3 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $519,874 $65,000 Fringe 303,423 37,340 Supplies 35,500 Rep & Maintenance 4,000 Auto Rep & Maintenance 15,000 Rental of Land/Building 0 Rental Mach/Equip 0 Professional Services 0 Communication 0 Ad & Promotion 0 Transp. Not Travel 1,500 Travel 6,000 Other Services 0 Electricity 0 Water 0 Totals $885,297 $102,340 *Includes 13 employees on an expiring FEMA award 20 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 21 FY26 INITIATIVES In FY2026, the Division of Permits will continue prioritizing training and outreach to the construction industry and key stakeholders. These efforts will focus on clarifying recent code 5 changes and providing guidance on the permit submittal and inspection process through the department’s Municity e-Permitting platform. To further enhance service delivery, the Division plans to acquire an additional plan review tool within the e-Permitting platform to support greater accountability, accuracy, and faster processing times. 10 Additionally, the Division has been awarded a grant under the NFIP-CAPSSE program, which will support efforts to strengthen the Territory’s Floodplain Management Program. This funding will help improve the Virgin Islands' community rating and compliance with national floodplain standards, reinforcing DPNR’s commitment to resilience and public safety. 15 Territorial Parks & Protected Areas (TPPA) The Division of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas is responsible for the supervision, management, and regulation of all public parks, recreational lands, and marine parks across the 20 Territory, as designated by regulation or the Commissioner. The Division is mandated to establish the Virgin Islands Territorial Parks System, which will serve as a unified framework that promotes the history, culture, conservation, recreation, and wellness of the people of the Virgin Islands. 25 Division: TPPA # Of Personnel Existing: 7 Funded Vacant: 0 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $58,000 $422,248 Fringe 35,160 158,035 Supplies 13,000 347,270 Other Services 0 Professional Services 210,000 Sub Grants 39,040,529 Indirect Cost 304,810 Capital Projects 27,985,000 Travel 10,000 789,935 Repairs & Maintenance 9,000 Bulk Airline 10,000 Totals $135,160 $69,257,827 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 22 FY26 INITIATIVES During FY 2026, the Division of Territorial Parks & Protected Areas will focus on advancing 5 several key initiatives to build out the Virgin Islands Territorial Parks System. Priority will be given to the approval and implementation of the Comprehensive Conservation Plan, as mandated by Act 8609, and the development of the Territorial Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan, funded through the Land & Water Conservation Fund. 10 TPPA staff will also continue developing management plans for newly acquired park properties under the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC) grant, guided by conservation priorities, sustainable land use, and community input. Each site will be evaluated to ensure that planning aligns with its natural topography, promotes public access, and includes accommodations for individuals with disabilities. 15 To enhance public engagement, TPPA will invite community members to provide input on how they interact with these spaces and their vision for the new park system. A new GIS and mapping fellow will join the team to create interactive maps of TPPA-managed properties, including upcoming acquisitions, which will be made available online at dpnr.vi.gov/parks. Additionally, 20 TPPA will continue collaborating with community partners to strengthen environmental stewardship through programs funded by the NOAA CRRC grant, including conservation corps initiatives with CHANT, mangrove and coral restoration and workforce development with GRROE and CWORI, and summer environmental education programs with SEA. 25 Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) The Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office is committed to preserving and protecting the Territory’s archaeological sites and historic built environment. This mission is carried out 30 through consultation with federal, state, and local agencies, public education and outreach, and regulatory oversight of development activities that may impact historic resources. VISHPO also supports and sponsors projects that advance historic preservation and archaeology throughout the Virgin Islands. In collaboration with the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission, VISHPO helps 35 safeguard the historic and cultural assets of the Territory’s Historic District Towns and the Virgin Islands Registry of Historic Buildings, Places, and Sites. These efforts preserve the distinct character, charm, and architectural integrity of the Virgin Islands, reinforcing its identity as a uniquely historic destination within the Caribbean. 40 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 23 Division: VISHPO # Of Personnel Existing: 6* Funded Vacant: 3 Budget By Funding Source General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $143,495 $269,778 Fringe 74,383 132,137 Supplies 25,000 0 Repairs & Maintenance 5,000 0 Auto Rep & Maintenance 5,000 0 Debris Removal 0 0 $10,000 Communication 5,000 0 Advertising & Promotion 2,500 Travel 11,000 0 Bulk Airline Ticket 2,000 0 Transp. Not Travel 500 0 Sub-Grants 270,583 Other Services 101,416 157,858 Capital Outlay 1,314,148 Totals $372,794 $559,773 $1,597,231 *Includes 2 employees on an expiring HPF award FY26 INITIATIVES The Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office (VISHPO) remains dedicated to supporting 5 the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission (VIHPC) in the stewardship of the territory’s rich cultural and architectural heritage. In FY 2026, VISHPO will continue assisting the Commission with the management of historic districts and site reviews to ensure the integrity of the built environment. A key initiative for FY 2026 is the publication and promotion of the Historic Districts Guide for 10 Charlotte Amalie, Christiansted, Frederiksted, and Cruz Bay, which will be made available on the DPNR website. This comprehensive resource will provide property owners, developers, and the public with clear guidance on making improvements within the historic districts, including the application process and links to additional preservation resources. VISHPO will actively promote this guide to encourage community engagement and compliance with preservation standards. 15 VISHPO is also advancing its role in the St. Croix National Heritage Area, approved by Congress. The required management plan has been submitted to the Department of Property and Procurement for bid solicitation. In FY 2026, VISHPO will allocate resources to support the plan’s development, ensuring alignment with federal guidelines and timely completion. 20 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 24 Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) The Virgin Islands Council on the Arts is dedicated to enriching the Territory’s cultural landscape by preserving, supporting, and promoting excellence in the arts. VICA ensures that the arts 5 remain accessible to all Virgin Islanders through strategic leadership and community engagement. Funded by the National Endowment for the Arts, with matching appropriations from the Government of the Virgin Islands, VICA administers a competitive grant program that supports individual artists, arts organizations, schools, and community-based groups across the Territory. 10 Division: VICA # Of Personnel Existing: 3 Funded Vacant: 0 General Fund Federal Fund Special Fund Personnel $175,950 0 Fringe 93,260 0 Supplies 5,000 0 Communication 12,000 0 Grants/Ind Gov’t Agencies 40,000 0 Rental of Land/Bldg 36,529 0 Other Services 0 $375,150 Utilities 3,584 Totals $366,323 $375,150 FY26 INITIATIVES 15 As VICA prepares for FY2026, its strategic planning begins each June with a community-wide survey distributed through Survey Monkey, social media, and in-person outreach. The survey targets individuals, grantees, educators, arts organizations, and UVI, with additional access at agricultural fairs and “How to Apply” workshops held on all islands. Public input is actively collected through email, workshops, funded events, radio appearances, and exhibitions at VICA’s 20 Art Spaces—ensuring inclusive, territory-wide participation. The Art Spaces initiative continues to thrive, with VICA’s offices on St. Thomas and the Dorsch Cultural Center on St. Croix providing key venues for exhibitions, performances, artist networking, and technical support. The “Dorsch After Dark” series will return in 2026, offering a monthly platform for emerging and established artists. These creative hubs also provide artists 25 with resources to complete grant applications, press releases, and professional development tasks, reinforcing the territory’s arts infrastructure. VICA will continue to promote its signature programs: the USVI Folklife Festival, held in partnership with The Ten Sleepless Knights and the Reichhold Center for the Arts; the Made in Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 25 the USVI Pop-up Shops and the Poetry Out Loud competitions. These programs celebrate the love of our cultural traditions, promote local entrepreneurship, and introduce the arts to our youth. Human Capital As of June 30, 2025, DPNR maintains a workforce of 151 active employees across its twelve 5 divisions, consisting of 83 classified, 1 GS (General Schedule), and 67 exempt personnel. In FY 2025, DPNR welcomed 16 new hires, experienced 10 resignations, five (5) retirements with five more pending before the end of the calendar year, and terminated two (2) employees. We are presently interviewing for three (3) positions in which the postings have closed and currently have five postings which we intend to fill before the end of the fiscal year. We also anticipate 10 releasing another 15 postings by the end of this month. The Department continues to experience human resources challenges due to salary constraints. We have developed a pathway to address retention and have made starting salaries for many positions more competitive; however, this still relies on the negotiations for collective bargaining being completed. We have also taken advantage of several fellowship opportunities, with three 15 currently providing services to the Department and a fourth to begin later this summer, to fill personnel shortfalls within the department. These staffing changes reflect the department’s ongoing efforts to strengthen capacity and maintain operational effectiveness. Supplemental Budgets 20 In an effort to address critical operational gaps, DPNR has submitted two supplemental budget requests for Fiscal Year 2026. These requests are essential to ensure continuity of service and staffing across two divisions – the Division of Libraries, Archives and Museums and the Division of Permits. Without these Supplemental requests, employees will be laid off, and services to the public will be further impacted. 25 Supplemental Request #1 requests $575,143 to support six (6) months of funding to support 13 existing staff, as well as fill vacancies, from the Division of Permits. Following the passage of the 2017 storms, DPNR was awarded a $7M disaster supplemental award from FEMA, which allowed us to shift existing employees at the time off of the General Fund and hire over 20 new employees. The award was set to expire in August 2025; however, we were able to reallocate resources and 30 justify an extension of the award to continue to support staff through March 2026. Without supplemental funding, we will not be able to support staff salaries, the majority of which are inspectors which would directly impact disaster recovery projects in the territory. Below is a chart outlining the positions that will be impacted. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 26 Supplemental Request #2 seeks $1,416,159 to fund DLAM’s operational staffing needs for the full fiscal year. The Division of Libraries, Archives, and Museums (DLAM) cannot fully reopen or operate territory-wide without appropriate staffing. The current budget ceiling does not allow 5 for the retention and recruitment of the necessary workforce. Without Supplemental Request #2, public libraries will remain closed or underutilized, denying access to vital educational and cultural resources. I would also like to note that the Trump Administration permanently closed the offices of the Institute of Museums and Library Sciences in April 2025 and the current federal budget shows no allocations which would incorporate the operation of libraries. Thus, the $138k 10 we received in FY 2025 to support subscription services, pay for our e-rate and provide outreach supplies, is likely the last amount of federal support we will receive for the next several years. Below is a chart of the supplemental request for the Division: Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 27 5 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 28 CONCLUSION The Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) achieved several significant milestones in FY 2025, reflecting our ongoing commitment to service, stewardship, and sustainability. For ease of reference, a detailed summary of accomplishments by division is provided in the Appendix to this testimony. Highlights include: 5 • Completion and adoption of the Comprehensive Land & Water Use Plan, a critical tool for guiding responsible development across the Territory; • Launch of the Electronic Permitting (e-permitting) system, Municity, for application submissions; • Zoning 101 training sessions for all DPNR staff, offering practical, layperson-friendly 10 instruction on zoning and subdivision codes, development calculations, and code strengths and weaknesses. These sessions were recorded for ongoing staff development. • Securing over $70M in funding to support the conservation and enhancement of our green spaces; • Continued public engagement through Science Saturdays, streamed live via Facebook on 15 the second Saturday of each month, promoting environmental awareness and education. • Upgrading of enforcement fleet assets, including new vessels deployed in both districts to strengthen regulatory enforcement and public safety. • Execution of over $8 million in subrecipient agreements under the Historic Disaster Recovery Program, supporting critical restoration efforts. 20 • Promotion of Virgin Islands culture and heritage through art displays, musical performances, and folklife festivals held across the Territory. In addition to the completed accomplishments listed above, we also anticipate prior to the end of the fiscal year making several land purchases for the Territorial Park System and launching our recreational fishing program to the public. 25 These accomplishments are a direct result of the hard work and dedication of the 150+ men and women of DPNR. I extend my deepest gratitude for their service and commitment to our mission. Their collective efforts continue to foster economic growth while safeguarding the Territory’s natural and cultural resources for future generations. In closing, I thank the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands for the opportunity to present the 30 Department’s FY 2026 budget. With your continued support and our federal partnerships, DPNR is well-positioned to maintain operational efficiency, restore essential services, and contribute meaningfully to the Bryan-Roach Administration’s vision of a stronger, more resilient Virgin Islands. The road ahead will present challenges especially in securing adequate funding—but the staff of 35 DPNR stand ready to meet them head-on. Thank you, and we welcome your questions. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 29 APPENDIX I: FISCAL YEAR 2025 ACCOMPLISHMENTS COMPREHENSIVE AND COASTAL ZONE PLANNING 5 1. The Department received the final draft of the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan on December 10, 2024, and participated in the Committee of the Whole held December 17th on same. The CLWUP was subsequently adopted on December 31, 2024 by Act No. 8981 2. The CLWUP strategies were compiled into an Implementation Matrix, the portion of the Comprehensive Land & Water Use Plan that will push it forward. They represent a “to do” 10 list for the GVI, stakeholders, and the community to implement the plan over the next 10 to 20 years. 3. The Division conducted Zoning 101 training for the Department. This refresher training was recorded for staff future use and explained the Zoning and Subdivision Codes in layman’s terms. Its intent was to show the breadth of planning activity areas 15 the different divisions of DPNR are engaged in, to give all Department staff a better understanding of the two Codes, and an explanation of development review calculations. 4. The division lost one Planning Technician during the Fiscal Year but continues its day- to-day work and in FY ‘25 conducted 17 bill reviews, 2.164 business license zoning 20 reviews, 302 Earth Change zoning reviews, one Major CZM permit review, 65 Zoning Certification letters, 10 public hearings, 10 recommendation reports, issued 21 Cease and Desist Orders, and presented six applications before the Legislative Committee of the Whole. COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT 25 The Division of Coastal Zone Management saw the following activity across the first three quarters of 2025: • 48 Outreach activities resulting in 30 approximately 2,110 community members being reached. • 84 Minor Land Applications • 20 Modifications • 18 Repair and Maintenance Requests 35 • 12 Certificates of Completion • 16 Cease and Desist Orders issued, 1 pending. • 15 Notices of Violation issued, 5 pending • $124,935.10 in fines collected • 11 Public hearings covering 17 projects 40 • 12 Decision meetings covering 28 projects • 16 Federal Consistency Projects Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 30 1. The CZM Division along with its sister Divisions celebrated the successful development and adoption of the Comprehensive Land and Water Use Plan in FY2025. 2. CZM was successful in obtaining additional funding for initiatives to implement some recommendations from the land and water use plan. Specifically, CZM was awarded $294,000 and $600,00, projects to be implemented will include the development of a 5 geospatial tool that will utilize both existing and new data that will assist with the comprehensive review of development proposals in the islands. This effort is being coordinated with the other Divisions in DPNR, the GIS Division of the Lieutenant Governor's Office, the Department of Public Works, and the University of the Virgin Islands. 10 3. CZM was successful in coordinating the completion of the Great Pond Restoration Action Plan in St Croix, the Division is now pursuing opportunities for funding to implement the actions recommended under the action plan. In FY2025, CZM in collaboration with the University of the Virgin Islands and funding support 15 from NOAA, completed a nearshore wave analysis looking at beaches and erosion across the 3 major islands. This project was a continuation of the work completed in 2023 on Coastal Vulnerability. 20 25 30 35 Change in beach area between early 2017 and 2022. Many beaches have recovered from the 40 storm, or at least regained area. However, some of the highest gains in beach area are also indicative of the delay in revegetation in some beaches – beaches appear wider because the footprint of vegetation has decreased. 45 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 31 ENVIRONMENTAL ENFORCEMENT 5 The Division of Environmental Enforcement registered vessels and issued permits as follows in Fiscal Year 2025: • Boats & Watercraft 3906 10 • Mooring Registration 603 • Anchoring 40 • Cruising Permit 1 • Multi-Vessel Moorings 36 15 The Division’s outreach initiative, the National Safe Boating Program was promoted in several schools 20 throughout the territory, reaching approximately 170 students. This initiative culminated at the 2025 Boating Safety week in the 25 month of May. 30 35 40 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 32 The Division received delivery of two 10 meter (36’) aluminum Interceptor patrol vessels on December 4, 2024. This new generation of fast attack patrol vessels will provide the capability of long-range patrols for our officers in the comfort and safety of an enclosed cabin. 5 10 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 33 EXECUTIVE OFFICE The Department continues to advance critical infrastructure upgrades across its divisions, some projects experienced unforeseen delays in FY25 due to supply chain disruptions and necessary scope adjustments: • Charles W. Turnbull Regional Library (St. Thomas): This project required significant 5 roof replacement and experienced delays due to prolonged lead times on roofing materials. In addition, electrical system upgrades, air conditioning repair, and water pump replacements were necessary. We are pleased to report that all components— except for the pump replacement have been successfully completed. The remaining pump work is expected to be finalized in the upcoming quarter. 10 • Florence A. Petersen Library (St. Croix): The roof replacement proceeded as planned; however, during execution, unanticipated conditions in the ceiling and walls required expanded scope. A change order was approved to address mold remediation, additional demolition, and construction work. Demolition was completed in April, followed by mold remediation in June, renovation activities are currently underway and being closely 15 monitored for timely completion. • St. John Satellite Office: The completion of this project was delayed by the contractor due to an error in executing the approved design plans. The Department is working closely with the contractor to resolve the design deviation and bring the project to closeout. 20 Despite these setbacks, the Department remains committed to restoring and modernizing public facilities in a manner that ensures long-term resilience, safety, and improved public access. We appreciate the public’s patience and continued support as these vital cultural and community infrastructure projects move forward. 25 FISH AND WILDLIFE The Division of Fish and Wildlife addresses short-term and long-term challenges for fish and wildlife resources in the Territory by providing training opportunities for staff to provide technical guidance and present our scientific work to national and international committees and 30 agencies. 1. In FY 2025, DFW was awarded a competitive NOAA Bycatch Reduction Engineering Program award to work with local fishers to engage in cooperative research on fish trap escape vents for small reef fish. 35 2. The third issue of our, ‘Go Wild, Go Fish,’ has already reached over 700 persons and the magazine issues’ reach is over 3,600 views to date: https://heyzine.com/flip- book/2ce84e5b31.html. 40 3. Our staff co-authored a scientific paper on the role of invasive seagrass on juvenile yellowtail snapper and presented five talks at scientific conferences. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 34 4. DFW solidified community partnerships by serving on the Virgin Islands Food and Farm Council and collaborating on the former Viya Phone Book’s Good Food Pages for 2025. 5 5. The Division used its Reef Responsible platform to engage more than 450 fairgoers at the St. Croix Ag Fair in February 2025 and presented Reef Responsible concepts with games and giveaways at the Nisky Moravian School, the St. Thomas Children’s Museum Kid Expo, UVI’s Afternoon on the Green, Coral Reef Fest, and the Week of the Young 10 Child on St. Croix. 6. Staff served as weighmasters at a dozen sport fishing tournaments, sponsored by the VI Game Fishing Club, CORE, and Golden Hook Fishing Club, collecting data for continuing long-term studies of trends in fish harvested during tournaments. Those 15 data are used in stock assessments for pelagic fish. 7. DFW hosted workshops to consider wildlife and fisheries strategies. Importantly, a special session at the U.S. Caribbean Community of Practice session at UVI in March 2025 engaged local stakeholders to provide expert information on conservation 20 opportunity areas, wildlife, plant, and fish species for inclusion in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). A UVI SEAS Alliance Intern is currently coding a website to display the information for the SWAP electronically and researching over 200 species profiles! 8. We engaged the oldest national non-profit working on fish and wildlife policy on a 5- 25 year strategic plan for the Division that includes strategies for staff morale, policy revisions, and programmatic change. The Wildlife Management Institute conducted virtual and in-person focal interviews with DFW staff, DPNR divisions’ staff and leadership, and external stakeholders on St. Croix and at national meetings during FY25. 30 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 35 9. Additionally, DFW reminded the general public and visitors that it was illegal to remove shells, sand, and coral from the territory though coordination with Environmental Enforcement, V.I. Port Authority, and Customs and Border Patrol From 2008 to 2016, and 2020, to date DFW has worked with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to confiscate and return to sea: 6,233 lbs of coral, 4.133 lbs of conch, 5 1,300 lbs shells, 1, 287 lbs of sand, 648 lbs of rocks, and 284 lbs of whelks that were successfully returned to the wild. 10. New murals and information on invasive species are now displayed at each Seaplane port of entry on St. Croix and St. Thomas. 10 11. We also sent representatives to discuss invasive species at the Territorial Climate and Infrastructure Workshops sending a representative to the White House’s National 15 Invasive Species Committee’s Advisory Committee. Among our day-to-day work, DFW taught 800 free archery lessons, and conducted 275 sea life surveys to assess fish stocks in the territory, registered over 400 commercial and recreational fishers, funded more than 400 kayak tours, and issued eighty (80) research, retention, and 20 collection permits over FY 2025. LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND MUSEUMS 25 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 36 In FY2025, DLAM advanced its mission of education, preservation, and community engagement through dynamic programming. The Florence Williams Public Library emerged as a vibrant community hub, participating in events 5 such as Jump Up, Art Thursday, and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The library extended its hours and introduced innovative offerings—author readings, DJ sets, moko jumbie performances, and head wrap demonstrations—attracting new patrons through 10 strategic partnerships. It also hosted public town halls, training sessions, and debuted the “Lunch-in- the-Library” and “Toddler Time “series. Throughout the year, school visits introduced 15 students and families to library services, including the Talking Books Library, bilingual programs, and computer lab resources for research, job applications, and resume building. The inaugural DLAM Easter Egg Hunt blended fun with literacy 20 through interactive word and storytelling games. While our online platform Hoopla was promoted year-round to expand access to digital media. Key collaborators included the St. Croix Children’s Museum, the VIPR Friendship Committee, and St. Croix Central High School Spanish students. Additionally, DLAM proudly hosted the premiere of We Are Taino at the Florence Williams Library 25 and Fort Christian Chapel, featuring Kasike Maekiaphan Phillips of the Guainía Taino Tribe. The Archives Unit digitized funeral pamphlets for genealogy records, scanned historical police 30 records with the support of returning Danish archivists, and coordinated meetings with the Council of State Archivists (CoSA) during their visit to St. Croix Landmarks Society and UVI Library. 35 The Museum Unit curated cultural art exhibits, hosted drum circles, and welcomed thousands of visitors, reinforcing DLAM’s leadership in cultural preservation, youth engagement, and equitable access to knowledge across the Virgin Islands. 40 Currently, our Tides of Freedom exhibit is displayed at Fort Frederik Museum through October 2025. DLAM collaborate with VIEPSCOR’s Youth Earth Explorers STEM summer camp, support the 45 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 37 Governor’s Summer Reading Challenge, and host a fundraising ball in August 2025 to support the preservation of the Fort Christian Museums. DLAM Stats FY25 from Oct 1- May 31,2025 5 • Computer Lab users- 413 • Number of children in Library -1,179 • Number of adults in Library-2,887 • Library Programs & Outreach 77 • Adult new patrons issued USVI Public Library System Cards-242 10 • Under 18 new patrons issued USVI Public Library Cards-148 • HOOPLA online digital library has 393 patrons 5,493 borrows • Fort Museum Paid Guests - 8,155 15 PERMITS The Division of Building Permits main function is reviewing applications, issuing permits, and conducting inspections. 20 The following permits were issued within the first three quarters of FY 2025: • 867 Renewable Energy Permits • 654 Building Permits • 556 Electrical Permits 25 • 415 Certificate of Occupancy /Use • 244 Plumbing Permits • 150 Demolition Permits • 47 Flood Zone Permits • 11 Stop Work Orders 30 • 867 Renewable Energy Permits • 10 Mechanical Permits • 47 Flood Zone Permits • 3 Wireless Facility Permits • 415 Certificate of Occupancy /Use 35 The Division conducted over 2883 Inspections and continues to ensure construction complies with all applicable codes of the USVI. The Division is committed to seeking ways to better implement effective enforcement on noncompliance construction within our territory. 40 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 38 Training for End users on DPNR E-Permitting System 5 10 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 39 The Division of Permits launched the end user phase and provided training to all stakeholders for the permitting and inspection usage of DPNR E-Permitting system. Kiosks were placed in our St. Thomas and St. Croix lobby areas for users who come into the office to submit their applications. 5 Building Permits staff have also been instrumental in the finishing stages of the GSI Flood Mapping as we worked in collaboration with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The 10 Division of Building Permits continues its quest to provide guidance to other governmental agencies with projects pertaining to elevation, drainage, and stormwater storage on site, as well as perimeter clearing in areas close to the flood plains. Staff continues to be active in their participation in the DPNR federal consistency meeting for compliance. 15 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 40 The Division of Permits continues to participate in events such as the St. Croix Agriculture Fair, Realtor Expo, and the VIHFA Housing Expo to provide needed information and assistance for our community on the services we provide. 5 STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE • The Virgin Islands State Historic Preservation Office provided mandatory Section 106 Consultation Reviews for federally supported projects in the Territory and provided historic 10 preservation technical assistance to private sector property owners and Virgin Islands governmental agencies. In all, 134 Section 106 reviews have been conducted through June 2025. The VISHPO Historic Building Recovery Program has awarded over $8 million in 15 subgrants for the restoration of 46 historic buildings across the Territory and successfully added eight new sites to the National Register of Historic Places. With six projects pending, the program will continue in FY 2026, including plans to apply for funding through the National Park Service’s Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund (ESHPF) for damages caused by Tropical Storm Ernesto in August 20 2024. With $48 million available nationwide, and VISHPO’s successful management of the 2018 HIM Grant, the Territory is well-positioned to receive further support. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 41 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 42 Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission 2024 Activity Summary In 2024, the Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission (VIHPC), operating under the Virgin 5 Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR), continued its mission to preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the Virgin Islands through regulatory oversight, grant facilitation, and community engagement. The VIHPC, composed of the St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Committee (STT-STJHPC) and the St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee (STXHPC), reviewed a combined total of 144 applications for preservation and development 10 projects within the historic districts of Charlotte Amalie, Cruz Bay, Christiansted, and Frederiksted. St. Thomas-St. John Historic Preservation Committee The STT-STJHPC reviewed 76 applications in 2024, addressing projects such as rehabilitations, signage approvals, and new constructions within the Charlotte Amalie and Cruz Bay historic districts. Notable activities included a special meeting on October 12, 2024, to discuss the full 15 implementation of Cruz Bay Historic District rules and regulations, covering exterior signage, paint colors, windows, doors, and new constructions for private, leased, and governmental properties. Monthly meetings, such as the one held on September 10, 2024, via Microsoft Teams, reviewed specific projects like the rehabilitation of buildings at Kronprindsens Gade and Estate Nisky. The committee, chaired by Kurt G. Marsh, Jr., emphasized community outreach to encourage 20 applications for the Emergency Supplemental Historic Preservation Fund to repair hurricane- damaged properties. 25 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 43 St. Croix Historic Preservation Committee The STXHPC processed 68 applications in 2024, focusing on balancing modern development with the preservation of St. Croix’s architectural heritage. During its monthly meeting on September 19, 2024, the committee approved significant projects, including new construction at 19 and 20 Prince Street, Frederiksted, and signage approvals in Christiansted and Frederiksted that complemented 5 the towns’ historical aesthetics. Additional approvals included repairs to the roof and porch deck at the Botanical Gardens. Chaired by Collette Burgess, the committee worked to ensure developments respected the historical integrity of the island’s historic districts. VIHPC Annual Meeting and Community Engagement The VIHPC held its Annual Meeting from May 22-24, 2024, at Government House in Christiansted, 10 St. Croix. A highlight of the meeting was a walking tour of Christiansted, where commission members, staff, and invited guests visited several historic preservation projects, showcasing ongoing efforts to maintain the island’s cultural landmarks. The VIHPC also supported the extension of the National Park Service’s Harvey, Irma, and Maria (HIM) Reimbursement Grant Program, extended through December 30, 2026, which allocated over $10 million for recovery 15 projects, including the St. Thomas Synagogue, Friedensthal Moravian Church, and private properties in historic districts. Legislative and Funding Efforts In 2024, the VIHPC collaborated with lawmakers to address challenges posed by dilapidated structures in historic districts. A bill discussed by the Disaster Recovery Committee in January 20 aimed to relax certain preservation restrictions to encourage renovation while maintaining historical integrity. The VIHPC’s efforts were bolstered by federal funding extensions, enabling continued support for subgrantees like the St. Thomas Historical Trust and private homeowners to restore properties damaged by the 2017 hurricanes. The VIHPC’s 2024 activities reflect a commitment to preserving the Virgin Islands’ rich history 25 while fostering sustainable development and community involvement. TERRITORIAL PARKS & PROTECTED AREAS During the past fiscal year, the team at Territorial Parks and Protected Areas has grown to a staff 30 of 8 including a NOAA Coastal Fellow who will be completing her time with the division this summer; a new fellow will be joining the team shortly before that position ends. We have been able to hire a Senior Planner using funds from the Land & Water Conservation Fund, a Property & Operations Manager and a Research & Restoration Coordinator using funds from the NOAA Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC), and Legal Counsel using funds from the America 35 the Beautiful Challenge. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 44 With funding from the NOAA Climate CRRC award, the division has been working with numerous local non-profits and programs at UVI to increase environmental education and workforce development in the territory. Since October 1, 2024 when the grant started, over $2.3 Million in subawards have already been paid to partners like Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism 5 (CHANT), the St. Croix Environmental Association (SEA), and UVI’s Growing Research, Restoration, Outreach, and Education (GRROE) program. This work will continue through 2029 with over $13M going straight into the community. This grant is also providing unprecedented opportunities to purchase land for conservation in the Territorial Parks System. The team is currently working on approximately $24M in land acquisition projects, all of which will be 10 protected for the people of the Virgin Islands in perpetuity. More information on this grant can be found at https://dpnr.vi.gov/parks/crrc. 15 The Property and Operations Program of Territorial Parks and Protected Areas collaborated with Crucian Heritage and Nature Tourism (CHANT) to remove illegal structures and accumulated waste from two designated park sites: Columbus Landing at Salt River and Hesselberg on St. Croix. This initiative, conducted under Pillar III of the NOAA CRRC grant, reflects a coordinated and strategic approach to environmental conservation and community 20 engagement. As part of the effort, nine unauthorized structures were dismantled, and approximately 188 wooden pallets, along with other miscellaneous debris, were removed from park properties and surrounding shorelines. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 45 These land acquisition projects will be supported by properties brought into the Territorial Parks System either by taking over management of GVI owned lands, or by donation. In December of 2024 the parks system received its first donation of land in Fish Bay, St. John from 5 the non-profit Island Resources Foundation. The team at TPPA continues to work with the community at home and abroad through outreach and education programs such as VINE, the Virgin Islands Network of Environmental Educators, a monthly meeting that invites formal and informal educators to come together and share 10 programs, compare calendars to align outreach activities throughout the territory, and ask for help when anyone needs an extra push to get something accomplished. Through this network organizations and government agencies are able to share job opportunities to help expand the reach of each posting as well as share grant opportunities. TPPA Communications Specialist is also running the Science Saturday program which has been running at DPNR since March 2017. 15 Streamed on DPNR’s Facebook Page on the second Saturday of every month at 10AM, Science Saturday reaches local researchers and shares their knowledge with the community through fun and engaging activities and interviews. These are loaded onto the Department’s YouTube page as well where you can watch every “episode” since the program went virtual in 2020. Also new is a blog on the Parks website where you can learn what the TPPA team is up to or read synopsis 20 of Science Saturdays and access the links to each video. https://dpnr.vi.gov/blog- tppa/what-does-your-park-look-like/ 25 30 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 46 VIRGIN ISLANDS COUNCIL ON THE ARTS In 2025, the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts (VICA) continued its mission to enrich the cultural life of the Virgin Islands through leadership that preserves, strengthens, and makes accessible excellence in the arts to all Virgin Islanders. 5 VICA awarded $372,000 to 43 grantees across the Territory, supporting a diverse array of programs, including art education, music festivals, traditional craft workshops, documentaries, cultural projects, schools, and cultural history tours. Additionally, VICA offered mini-grants of up to $2,500, enabling initiatives such as the creation of CDs and videos, instruction of traditional arts and crafts, book publications, festivals, and programs for at-risk and disabled children. 10 The Council's offices across the Territory served as galleries and performance spaces, featuring art exhibitions, African drumming, classical and jazz recitals, woodworking demonstrations, and various community-based events. In collaboration with local organizations, VICA continued the successful “Made in the USVI” Pop-Up Shops, providing local artists and artisans opportunities for business growth and exposure. 15 VICA led the territorial Poetry Out Loud competition, with ten schools participating. Isabel Thill, a junior at Antilles School, emerged as the territorial winner and represented the USVI at the national finals in Washington, D.C. VICA provided travel and accommodation for the winners and their chaperones, as well as monetary prizes for the top three finalists. The Council also introduced the Poetry Ourselves Competition, encouraging students to create original poetry, 20 with competitions held in schools following the 2023-2024 POL Teacher’s Guide. In partnership with Stanley and the Ten Sleepless Knights, VICA organized Folklife Festivals on St. Croix and St. Thomas, celebrating the Virgin Islands’ rich cultural heritage with workshops, storytelling, traditional dancing, and activities like basket weaving and head tying. The St. Croix festival coincided with the 175th anniversary of Emancipation, while St. Thomas celebrated its 25 festival at the Fort Christian Museum. Furthermore, VICA coordinated the Congressional Arts Competition in partnership with the Office of Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett, inviting high school students from across the Territory to compete for the opportunity to have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol. Winners and their chaperones were sponsored by VICA to attend the national exhibit in Washington, D.C. 30 Through these initiatives, VICA has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to enriching the cultural life of the Virgin Islands, ensuring the continued growth, accessibility, and celebration of the arts for all. Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 47 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 48 APPENDIX II: FY 2025 Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 49 Planning & Natural Resources Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Presentation 50