USVI Public Records

Document text

VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY Gateways to the United States Virgin Islands and its Economy ST. THOMAS/ST. JOHN DISTRICT ST. CROIX DISTRICT 8074 Lindbergh Bay, St. Thomas, VI 00802 Henry E. Rohlisen Airport Terminal, St. Croix, Vi 00820 P.O. Box 301707, St. Thomas, VI 00803 P.O. Box 1134, St. Croix Vi 00820 Telephone: (340) 774-1629 Telephone: (340) 778-1012 Website: www viport.com Email: info@viport.com October 15, 2025 Honorable Senator Marise C. James Chairperson Committee on Disaster, Recovery, Infrastructure, and Planning 36" Legislature of the U.S. Virgin Islands 3022 Estate Golden Rock Christiansted St. Croix, VI 00820 Re: Bill No. 36-0135 - Expedited Building Permits for Developers Dear Senator James: Thank you for your invitation to the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) to present testimony regarding Bill No. 36-0135 before the 36" Legislature’s Committee on Disaster, Recovery, Infrastructure, and Planning. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, | am unable to attend today’s hearing in person. Presenting this testimony on my behalf is VIPA’s Assistant Executive Director Bilt Rawtins, accompanied by VIPA Engineering Project Manager Tafari Nelson. VIPA strongly endorses Bill No. 36-0135, which proposes an amendment to Title 29 of the Virgin Islands Code, specifically Chapter 5, Section 294. This amendment aims to introduce expedited building permitting procedures for developers engaged in infrastructure projects. Currently, the permitting process for VIPA’s infrastructure capital or redevelopment initiatives can be protracted, resulting in significant delays and increased costs. These prolonged timelines can hinder project momentum, affect budget allocations, and create uncertainties that may deter potential contractors or investors. By implementing expedited permitting, this legislation will streamline the approval process, enable more efficient project management, and facilitate quicker access to VIPA Letter in Support of Bill No. 36-0135 October 15, 2025 _ _ Page \2 construction timelines. Such improvements not only help meet completion deadlines but also position the U.S. Virgin Islands as a more desirable location for development projects. Contractors can conduct business elsewhere, where the process is more straightforward and less time-consuming to initiate. Time constraints can hinder projects. Moreover, expedited permitting can serve as a substantial revenue-generating mechanism for the Virgin Islands Government, enhancing the local economy while ensuring that critical infrastructure is developed on time. Overall, VIPA wholeheartedly supports the intent of this measure, recognizing its potential to foster growth and efficiency within the territory's development landscape. We do not recommend bypassing any regulatory processes. Existing rules and regulations must still be followed. Instead, we support streamlining processes to initiate projects more efficiently in the territory’s interest. Respectfully, espa ys. _, Carlton Dowe Executive Director Virgin Islands Port Authority