VI Update

USVI Public Records

A VI Update Project · Brian LoudenThe territory’s public record — kept public.

United States Virgin Islands

Collection
Government Financials
Sub-shelf
DOF Budgets & Financial Statements
Kind
Financial Report
Date
2022-01-01
Topics
Public Finance
Pages
19
Text
Native Text

United States Virgin Islands Recovery Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 2021 Report Last Updated 12/31/2021 USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1 United States Virgin Islands 2021 Recovery Plan Table of Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................3 Community Engagement ....................................................................................................................4 Uses of Funds.....................................................................................................................................5 Public Health (EC 1) .................................................................................................................................. 5 Vaccination Programs ........................................................................................................................... …

Download the original document · Plain text (TXT) · Browse the archive · How this archive works

Original source: https://omb.vi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/USVI-Recovery-Plan-and-Performance-Report_updated-Jan-2022-1-1.pdf

SHA-256 7ded3ef556452edcb43a64fe6802ecb06542f27d0e94c59d03f88ff3fbfda119

Re-using this document

territorial public record

Our description, tagging, arrangement, extracted text and machine transcripts are released under CC0 1.0. We assert nothing about the document itself.

Archive identifier LF-7ded3ef55645

Document text

United States Virgin Islands Recovery Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds 2021 Report Last Updated 12/31/2021 USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 1 United States Virgin Islands 2021 Recovery Plan Table of Contents Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................3 Community Engagement ....................................................................................................................4 Uses of Funds.....................................................................................................................................5 Public Health (EC 1) .................................................................................................................................. 5 Vaccination Programs ........................................................................................................................... 5 COVID-19 Testing .................................................................................................................................. 5 COVID-19 Contact Tracing..................................................................................................................... 5 Prevention in Congregate Settings ....................................................................................................... 6 Personal Protective Equipment ............................................................................................................ 6 Medical Expenses .................................................................................................................................. 6 Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities ....................................................... 6 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, Isolation/ Quarantine) ........................................................................................................................................... 6 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff ................................................. 6 Mental Health Services ......................................................................................................................... 6 Substance Use Services ......................................................................................................................... 6 Other Public Health Services ................................................................................................................. 6 Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2) ........................................................................................................... 7 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid ....................................................................... 7 Household Assistance: Internet Access Programs ................................................................................ 7 Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention .......................................................................................... 7 Job Training Assistance ......................................................................................................................... 7 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality ................................................................................................... 8 Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) ............................................................... 9 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting ................................................................................. 9 Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families ............................................ 10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing ................................................................................................ 10 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons .............................................................................. 10 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance ...................................................................................... 10 USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 2 Community Violence Interventions .................................................................................................... 10 Premium Pay (EC 4) ................................................................................................................................ 11 Public Sector Employees ..................................................................................................................... 11 Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure (EC 5) ............................................................................. 11 Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection and Conveyance ................................................... 11 Clean Water: Stormwater ................................................................................................................... 11 Drinking water: Transmission & Distribution ...................................................................................... 12 Drinking water: Storage ...................................................................................................................... 12 Drinking water: Other water infrastructure ....................................................................................... 12 Broadband: Other projects ................................................................................................................. 12 Revenue Replacement (EC 6) ................................................................................................................. 12 Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category ...................................................................................... 13 Project Inventory ............................................................................................................................. 13 USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 3 Executive Summary The United States Virgin Islands (USVI), like many other states, territories, and jurisdictions, has found itself in an unprecedented time of uncertainty that has had an impact on the health and wellbeing of its residents as well as our economy. In line with the intended uses, the USVI plans to utilize its Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF/CSLRF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to continue to deliver an effective public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key focuses include testing and contact tracing, improvements to the physical and technical infrastructure of public buildings and government agencies to ensure continued operations while mitigating the spread of the virus and increasing the vaccination rate of the territory’s residents. Even though the Government of the Virgin Islands (GVI) has done an excellent job of balancing the safety of Virgin Islanders, while still having a functioning economy, it has seen a significant impact to the territory’s revenues. Revenue loss replacement funds from the ARPA will provide crucial funding to maintain a high level of productivity and service to the community, as well as funding for the most impacted industries, such as tourism, which is the USVI’s primary economic driver. There is a significant allocation of funds earmarked for infrastructure improvements that will have an impact in many communities which currently have limited to no access to public water through the territory’s public utility system and rely solely on house cisterns that become unusable during often recurring power outages. Through the use of these funds, the USVI hopes to increase its public water accessibility footprint as well as make significant improvements to the territory’s drainage and sewer infrastructure. Overall, the USVI intends to utilize its funds to improve the physical and emotional wellbeing of its residents especially those suffering from the compounded effects of the pandemic. The plan is still in the development stages but thus far contains a multipronged approach to accomplishing the following: • Create economically stable households through affordable housing development, subsidized housing programs, workforce development, increased employment and targeted economic support programs • Increase the safety of USVI residents by mitigating the threat of COVID-19, reducing crime and increasing the conviction of violent criminals within the territory • Provide educational, economical and emotional support for children, adolescents and other vulnerable populations; and • Improve the quality of life for all US Virgin Islanders This list is not all-inclusive, but it provides a foundation on which the USVI can continue to build. The chart below depicts the current planned budget across the major expenditure categories. Appendix A contains a breakdown of these budgets across the sub-categories. The GVI is continuing to evaluate and determine priorities while trying to activate critical projects as soon as possible. USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 4 The USVI has been allocated $547,176,884.00 through the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds program as established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Currently, the GVI, through the Office of Management and Budget, is in receipt of $531,260,477 through the ARPA. These funds consist of: • $515,344,070 for the territory allocation under the Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funds (CSFRF) • $10,333,962 - 50% of the county allocations under the Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (CLFRF) • $5,582,445 – 50% of the Non-Entitlement Unit (NEU) allocation. In November 2022, the GVI received approval by US Department of Treasury (Treasury) for utilization of CLFRF and NEU allocations as the territory was not previously eligible. These funds are now available to use in the same manner as the CSFRF. Community Engagement The GVI recognizes that community engagement and input is critical for the successful implementation and utilization of these funds. Currently the community has been engaged in all COVID-19 programming through regularly scheduled discussions on the Governor's monthly Press Box, which is streamed live on both social media and the official Office of the Governor's website, allowing community questions and comments. With radio being a main means of communication and information for the USVI, members of the Governor's Cabinet have actively participated in radio talk shows fielding calls and answering questions from the public, thereby providing another avenue for community engagement. Additionally, a transparency website is currently under development to provide detailed spending for all aspects of ARPA funds, including non-CSFRF funds. The website will provide an opportunity for residents to not only view information, but also to share suggestions and comments. Polls and surveys will be utilized through the website and social media pages. 1: Public Health 2: Negative Economic Impacts 3: Services to Disproportiona tely Impacted Communities 4: Premium Pay 5: Infrastructure 6: Revenue Replacement 7: Administrative Budget Amount $81,750,000 $33,667,070 $46,000,000 $40,000,000 $178,927,000 $165,000,000 $1,832,814 $- $30,000,000 $60,000,000 $90,000,000 $120,000,000 $150,000,000 $180,000,000 USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 5 Lastly, as programs and projects continue to be developed, the GVI is identifying opportunities to partner with community organizations to leverage their expertise and programs, in an effort to target and support vulnerable and diverse populations based on identified priorities. Uses of Funds Public Health (EC 1) Total Budgeted: $81,750,000 The U.S. Virgin Islands has only two hospitals providing care to the general public. Both hospitals were devastated in September 2017 by Hurricanes Irma and Maria, which impacted the territory within two weeks of each other. Both the Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital and Schneider Regional Medical Center sustained significant structural damage. The Governor Juan F. Luis Hospital has been deemed irreparable by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and a temporary modular hospital is currently under construction. As a result, the physical capacity to treat COVID-positive patients requiring acute care is severely limited. The geographical isolation of the U.S. Virgin Islands also limits access to additional clinical personnel to supplement the existing medical staff. A surge of active cases, like those experienced as a result of the Delta and most current Omicron variants, can quickly cause the public health response in the U.S. Virgin Islands to exceed its physical and human resource capacity. Vaccination Programs The primary focus of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ public health response is increasing the COVID-19 vaccination rates in the territory. The targeted goal of our effort is to vaccinate at least 50% of our total population. As of Friday, August 27, 2021, 41,784 individuals had been fully vaccinated in the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is 46.7% of the eligible population of individuals 12 years of age or older, and approximately 39.9% of the total population. To boost our vaccination rates, the U.S. Virgin Islands has promoted a series of financial incentives in the form of vaccine lotteries. These lotteries have included cash drawings for the general population of vaccinated individuals, as well as special targeted drawings for school-based personnel, healthcare and allied health care workers, law enforcement officers, and children ages 12-17. The USVI’s recovery plan currently includes $7,000,000 for vaccination programs. COVID-19 Testing Convenient access to testing and the timely processing of results are critical to effectively responding to the pandemic. The U.S. Virgin Islands is currently contemplating a policy of mandatory weekly testing for unvaccinated public sector employees in certain agencies. Appendix B provides an overview of our COVID-19 demographical data. The USVI’s recovery plan includes $2,000,000 to support COVID-19 testing and another $250,000 for public health surveillance. COVID-19 Contact Tracing The U.S. Virgin Islands has benefitted from a relationship with the CDC Foundation to conduct contact tracing in the territory. The recovery plan includes $2,000,000 to extend that contractual relationship. USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 6 Prevention in Congregate Settings Like most other jurisdictions, the U.S. Virgin Islands has experienced unfortunate outbreaks of infection in nursing homes, schools, and within its prison complex. The recovery plan includes $2,000,000 for prevention and mitigation of viral spread in congregate living facilities and other key settings. Personal Protective Equipment The recovery plan includes $2,000,000 to fund the purchase of personal protective equipment. Medical Expenses The cost of treatment for COVID-19 patients are extremely burdensome for the territory’s public hospitals. The recovery plan includes $6,000,000 for medical care expenses and $21,000,000 for enhancing healthcare capacity. Specifically, the territory is targeting additional dialysis services on the island of St. Croix to mitigate against another COVID-related shutdown of the sole dialysis provider on the island. Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities The public hospitals in the territory were forced to make considerable alterations to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 infections. Several government agencies have also had to make physical alterations to accommodate employees and clients safely. The recovery plan includes $1,000,000 for physical plant improvements and another $ 1,000,000 for ventilation improvements in key locations. Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, Isolation/ Quarantine) The recovery plan includes $1,000,000 to support the costs for the isolation or quarantine of individuals who are unable to quarantine safely at home or are visitors to the territory. Through Executive Order, the Governor has deputized a multi-agency task force of law enforcement officers to enforce the COVID-related public health orders. The plan includes another $2,000,000 to support the expenses of the COVID task force. The plan also includes $1,000,000 to support continued dissemination of public health information. Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff The recovery plan includes $25,000,000 in funding for government agencies to offset the cost of payroll expenses for responding to the pandemic. Mental Health Services The recovery plan includes $1,000,000 for community-based mental health programs. It includes $500,000 for school-based, social-emotional support and other mental health services. It also includes $500,000 for referrals to trauma recovery services for crime victims. Substance Use Services The recovery plan includes $500,000 for substance abuse programs. Other Public Health Services The U.S. Virgin Islands is currently developing a Health Information Exchange for its medical service providers. The recovery plan includes $5,000,000 for the associated technology infrastructure and USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 7 $1,000,000 for public health data systems. Finally, $250,000 is included for support of monitoring case trends and genomic sequencing for variants. Negative Economic Impacts (EC 2) Total Budgeted: $21,167,070 The U.S. Virgin Islands’ tourism industry is still recovering from back-to-back hurricanes Irma and Maria, which affected the territory in 2017. The aftermath of these hurricanes, coupled with the COVID- 19 pandemic, leaves the U.S. Virgin Islands challenged in meeting the needs of its residents and businesses during this economic downturn. Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid Access to utilities, such as water and electricity, coincides directly with adequate housing and shelter. Healthy living conditions, which include access to utilities (water, heat, electricity, etc.), directly impact health and equity. Residents having trouble paying utility bills are at risk for poor living conditions and are more than likely experiencing psychological stress to keep the electricity on. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the average residential electric rate in the United States, as of June 2021, was 13.85 cents per kilowatt-hour. The current residential rate in the U.S. Virgin Islands is 42.65 cents per kilowatt-hour. That is more than three times the national average and a considerable portion of household expenses for the typical family. The recovery plan includes $5,000,000 for utility assistance. Household Assistance: Internet Access Programs The recovery plan includes $250,000 for digital literacy training to help residents learn to navigate digital access to public services. Literacy plays a large role in people accessing services daily. Without the knowledge to navigate certain systems electronically, people may avoid utilizing the system or fail in using it. There are many roadblocks to learning new skills, especially later in life, and with an older demographic in the USVI, digital literacy is low. Avoidance of learning digital tools can lead to individuals not receiving the services and care they need to live equitable lives. Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention The recovery plan includes $250,000 for counseling and legal aid to prevent eviction or homelessness. The coronavirus pandemic has made many tenants face the threat of eviction with rising housing prices and higher rates of unemployment. According to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), 90% percent of landlords are represented by legal counsel while only 10% of tenants have legal representation. A study conducted by the ACLU also shows that when New York residents were provided with representation during their attempted eviction, 86% were able to remain in their homes. Job Training Assistance Income and employment are direct drivers of the quality of life for all people. The creation of skill- building and learning opportunities for employment can be invaluable for those who cannot afford a traditional education to gain the skills needed for employment. In addition to insufficient funds to pay for training, childcare is an additional cost to the process of receiving training. With assistance to provide training and childcare, individuals will be eligible for employment, thus increasing their quality of life. Previously incarcerated individuals also have a difficult time gaining employment from the skills USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 8 perspective. Offering programs that can assist them in gaining new skills to become employed will help improve their quality of life as well as reduce their likelihood to engage in crime again. In addition to the Covid-related job losses and displacement, Limetree Bay Refining, LLC, on the island of St. Croix, announced its closure in July 2021. The Limetree Bay refinery was the largest private employer in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The recovery plan earmarks $2,000,000 for subsidized employment programs as well as $7,000,000 for apprenticeships, skills development, and workforce training. It also includes $500,000 for childcare assistance for unemployed individuals pursuing job training assistance and $500,000 for training programs for formerly incarcerated individuals. An additional $500,000 is available specifically for job training assistance for individuals who experienced negative economic or public health impacts due to COVID-19. Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality The hospitality industry endured two periods of closure in 2020 as a result of Executive Orders issued by the Governor in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first closure was March 23rd through June 1st. The second closure was August 19th through September 19th. During these closures, hotels and similar properties were prohibited from booking guests who travelled to the territory for leisure purposes which severely reduced visitor arrivals to the territory. Additionally, the U.S. Virgin Islands went more than 15 months without a cruise ship visit. Since the relaxing of the “No Sail” order by the Centers for Disease Control, ship arrivals have been sporadic. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas was the Caribbean's most popular cruise port, with as many as six ships docked in a single day. This has been a major driver to the territory’s increased unemployment rates depicted in the graph below. Jobs and economic stability for the USVI are crucial to maintaining the territory’s population, as well as revitalization during and after the pandemic. The recovery plan includes $10,000,000 for aid to the travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 9 Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities (EC 3) Total Budgeted: $33,750,000 The U.S. Virgin Islands’ population primarily consists of persons who are predominantly of African descent, i.e., Black, West Indian or African American. Most recent estimates from the 2014 Virgin Islands Community Survey characterize the population as 77% Black (African American or African Caribbean), 10.5% White, and 12.4% Other Races with 17% of the population reporting Hispanic origins. Poverty rates in the U.S. Virgin Islands are high compared to rates on the US mainland. The 2010 U.S. Census reported that 22% of the U.S. Virgin Islands population lived below the poverty line. However, this data fails to account for the catastrophic impact of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. It is likely that the poverty rate has risen since the hurricanes and will continue to rise due to the economic impacts from the pandemic. According to the U.S. Virgin Islands’ 2019 Kids Count Data Book, 30% of children in the territory live in families below the poverty level. Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting The recovery plan includes $1,000,000 for the temporary expansion of the existing Virgin Islands Department of Health – Division of Maternal and Child Health’s home visitation program for infants. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are many benefits of investing in home visits including, but not limited to: reduced incidence of child abuse and neglect, improved birth outcomes, and improved education outcomes for both the child and mother. There is evidence from cost- analysis studies supporting up to 5.7% return on investment from home visits due to the reduction in need for child protection, education enrollment retention, and reduced criminal justice expenses. Childhood health plays a large role in equity for both the mother/family and the child as it ages. A reduction of psychological distress, reduction in healthcare costs from avoidable complications, and higher probability of educational attainment are all factors affecting equity. 76% 15.50% 1.40% 4% 2% 2010 Census Race Demographics Black White Asian Other Mixed 17.80% 82.20% 2010 Census Ethnicity Hispanic/Latino Not Hispanic/Latino USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 10 Healthy Childhood Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families The recovery plan includes $1,000,000 for additional support to the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services – Division of Children, Youth, and Families for enhanced services for youth requiring foster care. Housing Support: Affordable Housing The cost of home construction in the territory is extremely high due in part to the geographic isolation of the U.S. Virgin Islands and to the considerable requirements of the local building code. This situation has been exasperated by the inflationary pressures resulting from the construction boom in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The recovery plan includes $20,000,000 to assist the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority in offsetting the pre-development expenses of affordable housing construction and offering programs to assist individuals pursuing first-time homeownership. Research has found that there is a positive correlation between stable housing and homeownership with higher self-reported well-being and health. Perceived or real increased well-being can make significant impacts on health, including mental health, education attainment, and employment. A reduction in economic distress and increase in safety and security result in better health, equity, and health equity. Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons Providing housing for those in need promotes good health through shelter from the elements, reduced crime and incarceration, and often a reduction in drug use, all of which impact costs associated with criminal justice and healthcare. According to a literature review from Health Affairs, stable housing can reduce healthcare costs through a reduction in Medicaid expenditures and emergency room visits. Having access to consistent shelter also results in a reduction in psychological distress and intimate partner violence. The USVI intends to provide supportive housing and other services for individuals experiencing homelessness utilizing $5,000,000 of ARPA funding. Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance The devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria resulted in a loss of housing units across the Territory. Fifty-two percent of all housing stock was damaged (12 percent damaged severely); renters and low- and moderate-income households were disproportionately affected. The significant loss of hotel rooms as a result of the hurricanes has also seen many housing units converted to short-term rentals by the property owners. The result has been considerable escalation on rental costs, and depletion of inventory, throughout the territory. The recovery plan includes $6,000,000 for supplemental housing vouchers for qualified renters. Community Violence Interventions In calendar year 2020, the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) reported one hundred and twenty- nine (129) shooting incidents, with forty-nine (49) homicides and the seizure of one hundred and seventy- one (171) unlicensed, illegal firearms. In a population of 105,000 people, these statistics are concerning; per capita, they rival or surpass the crime rate of major cities on the continental United States. Of further concern is the occurrence of gun violence and shoot-outs in populated areas, including those frequented by children—beaches, day care centers, restaurants and shopping centers during morning, afternoon, and evening hours. Within the USVI community, there is an ever-present fear that innocents may become USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 11 entangled in a shoot-out while going about daily life. This activity also serves to undermine the territory’s fragile tourism-dependent economy. As a result of the pandemic, the judicial branch of government has not held jury trials since March 2020 and is now experiencing a significant backlog of cases. The recovery plan includes $3,000,000 to address Covid-related court backlogs. There is at least $2,000,000 for the hiring of law enforcement officials and the paying of overtime. $2,000,000 has been earmarked to deploy a community violence intervention strategy which will be largely facilitated by the newly created Office of Gun Violence Prevention. There is $1,000,000 to fund the prosecution of gun crimes and $2,000,000 to address federal-territorial initiatives. Finally, there is $3,000,000 for technology improvements such as expansion of the ShotSpotter network and the installation of surveillance cameras. Premium Pay (EC 4) Total Budgeted: $40,000,000 Public Sector Employees According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual wage in the U.S. Virgin Islands in 2020, was $47,960 across all occupations. The U.S. Virgin Islands is currently developing a retroactive premium pay program for public sector workers who were deemed essential and unable to telework during the first 12 months of the local declaration of a Public Health State of Emergency. The recovery plan earmarks $40,000,000 for this purpose. Water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure (EC 5) Total Budgeted: $33,750,000 The U.S. Virgin Islands has built an extensive public infrastructure for water, sewer, and broadband services in the territory. The failure to expand these systems, however, has left many areas unserved or underserved. The Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Fund provides a much-needed opportunity for the U.S. Virgin Islands to make investments in the expansion of its public infrastructure and increase the standard of living in the territory. Clean Water: Centralized Wastewater Collection and Conveyance The U.S. Virgin Islands maintains a separate public sewer system on each of the main populated islands of St. John, St. Croix, and St. Thomas. On each island, wastewater is collected through sanitary sewers from homes and businesses and is delivered to a centralized treatment plant for processing. This centralized system depends on pump stations and force mains to move wastewater from the collection point to the treatment plant. When the pumps fail, raw sewage is usually pumped untreated into the oceans off the coast of the affected island. Proper upkeep of these systems is essential for maintaining the pristine marine environment that is a critical part of the tourism economy within the territory. The recovery plan includes $19,000,000 for the upgrade of pump stations, the relocation of force mains, and the rehabilitation of sewer lines. Clean Water: Stormwater The recovery plan anticipates $30,000,000 for the modernization of stormwater systems in four (4) main historic towns and drainage projects in three additional neighborhoods. USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 12 Drinking water: Transmission & Distribution Within the U.S. Virgin Islands, a significant portion of the population still lives in areas without access to a potable water distribution system. For these areas, rainwater collection is the primary source of water for household use. Unfortunately, most private rainwater collection systems fail to meet the minimal drinking water standards. As a result, individuals residing in these areas either purchase their drinking water separately or risk their health by consuming water not fit for human consumption. Our recovery plan proposes $58,200,000 for waterline expansion to unserved areas, $880,000 for water production and distribution system upgrades, and another $9,700,000 for rehabilitation of existing waterlines that are past their useful life. Drinking water: Storage The recovery plan includes $18,000,000 for the rehabilitation of existing storage tanks and the construction of new storage capacity to facilitate system expansion. Drinking water: Other water infrastructure The recovery plan includes $3,147,000 for pump station upgrades and the installation of booster pumps to improve water pressure in some areas of the distribution system. Broadband: Other projects The Virgin Islands Next Generation Network (viNGN) is a public corporation that leads the efforts of the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands as it relates to broadband capacity and accessibility. The creation of viNGN was primarily funded by grants from the Department of Commerce with a charter to provide wholesale broadband middle mile service to internet service providers, and to promote local economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness. viNGN has built a 100% fiber optic telecommunications network that interconnects St. Croix, St. John, St. Thomas, and Water Island, and then connects the U.S. Virgin Islands to the world. With this foundation the USVI has a great opportunity to capitalize on this infrastructure and create opportunities for better connectivity, reliability and training and development. This recovery plan includes $30,000,000 to support viNGN’s efforts to develop partnerships and launch programs that helps to harden the territory’s IT Infrastructure and develop a robust technology training program. Revenue Replacement (EC 6) Total Budgeted: $165,000,000 The USVI like many other jurisdictions has seen a revenue shortfall since the inception of COVID, primarily due to the reduction of tourism as well as the closure of businesses, many of which have yet to resume. The following figures were used to calculate the expected revenue loss for Fiscal Year 2020 – October 1, 2019 to September 30, 2020. As 4.1% was higher than the territory’s annual growth for the last 3 years, it was used as the growth factor for this calculation. Base Year Revenue (Fiscal Year 2019 Revenue) = $934,989,024 Growth Rate = 4.1% N = 15 (October 2019 to December 2020) Actual General Revenue (Calendar Year 2020) = $892,317,463 Using the figures above and the provided revenue loss formula, it was determined that the USVI is eligible for $90,832,856 for Fiscal Year 2020. USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 13 Over the next 5 years, $180,700,000 has been earmarked to address revenue loss while understanding that actual revenue loss will have to be calculated every year based on actual revenues. Table of Expenses by Expenditure Category Category Cumulative expenditures to date ($) Amount spent since last Recovery Plan 1: Public Health $5,214,821.70 $3,204,821.70 2: Negative Economic Impacts $12,000,000.00 $12,000,000.00 TOTAL $17,214,821.70 $15,204,821.70 Project Inventory Project [ARPA – 1.1- 001]: [USVI Vax to Win] Funding amount: $2,010,000 (Spent to Date) Project Expenditure Category: [1.1, Covid 19 Vaccination] Project Overview Currently, GVI has an ongoing vaccination incentive program. Coined “Vax to Win USVI” is a territory- wide multimedia, public outreach campaign created to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates by incentivizing residents through various means, including lotteries, special drawings, and reward programs. The goal is to reach community immunity – at least 70% of the eligible population vaccinated. Weekly lottery drawings are held to reward inoculated persons in each of the territory's districts. Winners are publicly announced at the Governor's weekly press briefing and posted on social media and in the local news. Performance Metrics Number of residents fully vaccinated: 41,784 Percent of residents vaccinated: 39.9% Ineligible Activities: Tax Offset Provision (States and territories only) Item Amount a. Revenue-reducing Covered Changes $0 USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 14 APPENDIX A: Budget by Expenditure Category USVI 2021 Recovery Plan Performance Report 15 Expenditure Category Sum of Budget Amount 1: Public Health $81,750,000.00 1.1 COVID-19 Vaccination ^ $7,000,000.00 1.10 Mental Health Services* $1,500,000.00 1.11 Substance Use Services* $500,000.00 1.12 Other Public Health Services $6,750,000.00 1.2 COVID-19 Testing ^ $2,000,000.00 1.3 COVID-19 Contact Tracing $2,000,000.00 1.4 Prevention in Congregate Settings (Nursing Homes, Prisons/Jails, Dense Work Sites, Schools, etc.)* $2,000,000.00 1.5 Personal Protective Equipment $2,000,000.00 1.6 Medical Expenses (including Alternative Care Facilities) $27,000,000.00 1.7 Capital Investments or Physical Plant Changes to Public Facilities that respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency $2,000,000.00 1.8 Other COVID-19 Public Health Expenses (including Communications, Enforcement, Isolation/Quarantine) $4,000,000.00 1.9 Payroll Costs for Public Health, Safety, and Other Public Sector Staff Responding to COVID-19 $25,000,000.00 2: Negative Economic Impacts $33,667,070.00 2.1 Household Assistance: Food Programs* ^ $0.00 2.11 Aid to Tourism, Travel, or Hospitality $17,000,000.00 2.13 Other Economic Support* ^ $500,000.00 2.2 Household Assistance: Rent, Mortgage, and Utility Aid* ^ $5,000,000.00 2.3 Household Assistance: Cash Transfers* ^ $0.00 2.4 Household Assistance: Internet Access Programs* ^ $250,000.00 2.5 Household Assistance: Eviction Prevention* ^ $250,000.00 2.7 Job Training Assistance (e.g., Sectoral job-training, Subsidized Employment, Employment Supports or Incentives)* ^ $10,000,000.00 2.8 Contributions to UI Trust Funds $0.00 2.9 Small Business Economic Assistance (General)* ^ $667,070.00 3: Services to Disproportionately Impacted Communities $46,000,000.00 3.10 Housing Support: Affordable Housing* ^ $20,000,000.00 3.11 Housing Support: Services for Unhoused Persons* ^ $5,000,000.00 3.12 Housing Support: Other Housing Assistance* ^ $6,000,000.00 3.16 Social Determinants of Health: Community Violence Interventions* ^ $13,000,000.00 3.7 Healthy Childhood Environments: Home Visiting* ^ $1,000,000.00 3.8 Environments: Services to Foster Youth or Families Involved in Welfare System* ^ $1,000,000.00 4: Premium Pay $40,000,000.00 4.1 Public and Private Sector Employees $40,000,000.00 5: Infrastructure $163,227,000.00 5.17 Broadband: Other projects $30,000,000.00 5.5 Clean Water: Other Sewer Infrastructure $19,000,000.00 5.6 Clean Water: Stormwater $114,227,000.00 6: Revenue Replacement $180,700,000.00 6.1 Provision of Government Services $180,700,000.00 7: Administrative $1,832,814.00 7.1 Administrative Expenses $1,832$1,832,814.00,814.00 Grand Total $547,176,884.00 APPENDIX B: USVI COVID-19 REPORT as of 12/31/2022    30-Dec 258  3% 3% 4% 5% 40139 total calls 4% 60 average per day Males Females Confirmed cases  3093 32%  2064 21%  675 7% New Fatalities:  3555 37%  *Subjective fever or measured temp ≥100.4°F 7 day percent positivity: n % 30-Dec 29-Dec Change Community transmission 2084 2084 0 29-Dec USVI risk factors for transmission Clinical symptoms of positives Close contact 3592 3592 0 Travel 227 227 0 Under investigation 2855 2278 577 Asymptomatic Unknown VIDOH COVID-19 Response Report date: December 31, 2021 Contact Numbers: Hotline Testing Summary 30-Dec Change since 29-Dec Total Tests 252015 249281 9055 Positive Informational Hotline (non-medical 8am-8pm) Hosted by VITEMA: 340-715-6843 Potential PUIs only 8am-10pm STX: (340) 712-6299 STT/STJ: (340) 776-1519 Negative 2734 593 2141 240226 Positive Tests Negative Tests 9648 242367 None Change 30-Dec 29-Dec Fatality 89 89  Rate of Positive Tests in the U.S. Virgin Islands Over Time 21.40% 890 874 16 286 28 Calls completed from 7715 Fever* Recovered 7750  0 35 Shortness of breath Test result by age group 29-Dec Change since 29-Dec Median age among cases = 35 years Tested positive Unknown n = 144  1809 1251 558 Cough Active Test result among males and females Tested positive Tested negative Current status of USVI positive cases Positive test result by age group over time March 5, 2020 -Dec 30, 2021 Calls volume to the hotline Unknown n = 72621 n = 5227 n = 4239 n = 9648 n = 242367 0 1000 2000 3000 4000 03/05/20 06/03/20 09/01/20 11/30/20 02/28/21 05/29/21 08/27/21 11/25/21 0-17 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 7-day Positivity Daily Tests Tests Positive Positivity Rate 0-17 18-29 30-49 50-64 65+ Negative Positive n = 90238 n = 72621 Active Positive Recovered  0 Negative* Fatality  0 0  0  219  2 Active Positive Recovered  0 Negative* Fatality  0 0  0  309  14 Active Positive Recovered  0 Negative* Fatality  0 0  0  46  0 457 Under investigation 3781 46 68 339 903 STJ risk factors 22 48 31 30-Dec 29-Dec 30-Dec 29-Dec 30-Dec 29-Dec 109 827 1829 113 1127 386 1148 1608 92 1103 5 Change Change STJ positive status 155 471 Close contact Travel Unknown 31 155 Community 109 1148 1608 92 1412 Travel Under investigation 22 94 Unknown Close contact Community  756 10608 10568 4731 4408 90616 89860  46 Change STT positive status St. Thomas & Water Island STX risk factors Change 835 3630 38   221 1334 St. Croix 1829 STX positive status Travel 113 1346 Under investigation Unknown 388 STT risk factors 827 Community 139569 * There are 1574 negative lab results with Unknown Jurisdiction.   323 40 411 365 30-Dec 29-Dec Change Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the U.S. Virgin Islands, N=9648 St. John 30-Dec 29-Dec 4282 4503 Change 29-Dec 30-Dec 138235 Close contact New Fatalities: New Fatalities: New Fatalities: 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000 3500 4000 4500 5000 03/05/2020 06/13/2020 09/21/2020 12/30/2020 04/09/2021 07/18/2021 10/26/2021 STX STT STJ Illnesses that started during this time may not yet be reported