USVI Public Records

Document text

Governor Bryan Announces First Tourism Summit, Sustainable Energy and Wastewater Infrastructure Gains - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Announces First Tourism Summit, Sustainable Energy and Wastewater Infrastructure Gains - Government of the United States Virgin Islands Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet Government of the United States Virgin Islands Home Governor Albert Bryan Jr Pressroom Executive Orders The Cabinet © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands Governor Bryan Announces First Tourism Summit, Sustainable Energy and Wastewater Infrastructure Gains Search Latest Comments No comments to show. July 23 Governor Albert Bryan Jr. began the weekly press briefing on Monday by acknowledging President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek re-election for a second term. Calling President Biden “a true public servant who has had a career that has spanned the majority of his life” Governor Bryan said President Biden has shown unwavering support for the Virgin Islands’ recovery efforts. “His presidency is a testament to a lifelong commitment to the American people,” Governor Bryan said. “I’d like to say a personal thank you to Mr. Biden and wish him well as he serves his last months as President and in his retirement.” Tourism Summit Governor Bryan announced that on Thursday, the Office of the Governor and the Division of Tourism will sponsor the first USVI Tourism Summit at Westin Frenchman’s Reef Resort on St. Thomas. “Our tourism industry, which makes up 70 percent of our local economy, has been booming over the past five years,” Governor Bryan said. “This summit is about keeping that momentum going.” The summit will include breakout sessions on leveraging social media, tourism economics, and forward projections for the territory’s tourism industry. Governor Bryan and Commissioner of Tourism Joseph Boschulte will share insights and their vision for the future. With a goal of making sure the tourism sector remains vibrant and sustainable, participants can tune in virtually or via the Governor’s Office facebook page at facebook.com/governmenthouseusvi. The summit will also be televised on the Government Access Network Channel 27. To register log on to: visitusvi.com. Energy Infrastructure Governor Bryan proudly proclaimed that the territory has reached a pivotal moment in the journey toward sustainable energy independence and fiscal stability for the VI Water and Power Authority (WAPA). “I’m thrilled to announce the completion of our HUD grant application and the monumental $100 million award that accompanies it,” Governor Bryan said. “Two years ago, we set a bold plan to transform our energy landscape, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and lowering utility rates. Despite the current challenges, we’re making progress.” The successful completion of the HUD grant and $100 million award have enabled WAPA to acquire and take ownership of critical propane terminals: one at the Estate Richmond Power Plant in St. Croix, and another at the Randolph Harley Power Plant in St. Thomas.  Governor Bryan said Wartsila’s engineers have resumed work on the Wartsila generators, which will help WAPA save on fuel costs as they are propane generators and more efficient than the large diesel generators that have been relied on. Between the middle and the end of August, WAPA will have 9 megawatts of battery storage available to increase reliability in St. Thomas to reduce outages and assist with meeting peak energy demands. On St. Croix, VI Electron’s solar projects will cut costs further. “We’ve remained steadfast, committed to doing what’s necessary to steer WAPA right, provide efficient and affordable energy, and improve our grid’s resilience,” Governor Bryan said. And in September, the VI Energy Office will receive $62 million in federal funding to invest in renewable projects, directly benefiting 2,000 residents and improving grid reliability.  St. Croix Wastewater Governor Bryan also announced that FEMA has committed $989 million to enhance St. Croix’s critical wastewater infrastructure.  This significant funding, a result of persistent collaboration between the Government of the Virgin Islands and our federal partners, is focused on the most crucial systems affected by Hurricane Maria, Governor Bryan said. With this funding, most of St. Croix’s wastewater sewer lines will be replaced and 14 essential pump stations will be rebuilt. “This investment by FEMA underscores the strength and resilience of our community and marks continued progress under this administration,” Governor Bryan said. “It ensures that future generations in St. Croix will benefit from a safer and more robust wastewater system.” The Bryan-Roach Administration is investing in the Territory’s people, infrastructure and future through transparency, stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in the government and ensuring that recovery projects are completed as quickly as possible. Visit  transparency.vi.gov TAGS No tags CATEGORIES Uncategorized Previous Next Comments are closed © 2026 Government of the United States Virgin Islands.