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Improving Tran-sportation Alternatives at Virgin Islan~ National Park NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION Eno Transportation foum.ldtlu11 Cultivating Cre1tfv• Le1d1rshfp_ Fr1mrn9 Emorglng 111u1H ~ TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 ABSTRACT ............................................. _ .................................................. 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION ........................ ········•··•···•·~··· .............................•.•.•..•..... 1 2.1 Plan Purpose ............................................................................................. , .............................................. 2 2.2 Plan Vision & Goals ................................................................. ···········:··············· ....................................... 2 2.3 Study Area & Background ...................................................................... , .................................................. 3 3.0 METHODOLOGY ...................................................................................... 8 3.1 Review of Relevant Plans and Studies ...................................................................................................... 8 3.2 Review of Existing Conditions .......................................................................... , ....................................... 9 3.3 Public Outreach .............................................................................................................. , ......................... 9 4.0 CONSTITUENCIES ....................................................................... ! •••••••••••••• 11 4.1 Steering Committee ............................................................................................................................... 11 4.2 Taxi Advisory Committee .................................................................................................................. , .... 12 5.0 IDENTIFIED ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES·•··••!··•··•··• ................................... 13 5.1 Public Comments ................................................................................................................................... 13 5.2 Lack of Transportation Planning and Alternatives ............................... ·:···· .. ·· ........................................ 18 5.3 Parking ................................................................................................................................................... 19 5.4 Safety 20 5.5 Road Ownership and Jurisdiction ................................................................. _. .................... ,.:············ ...... 21 5.6 Sediment Control ................................................................................................................................... 23 5.7 Summary of Identified lssues ................................................................................................................. 26 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS ....................................... " ............................. ~ ........... 27 6.1 Support Scheduled Service Managed by the Local Taxi lndustry ........................................ :.-············· .... 29 6.2 Develop a Traveler Information and Parking Management System, ...................................................... 31 6.3 Develop an lntetmodal Facility at the VINP Dock in Red Hook ....................... _. ...................................... 34 6.4 Create a St. John Transportation Management Association to Manage Travel Demand ...................... 38 6.5 Develop a VINP Parking Plan and Establish Parking Manag~ment Strategies ............. _.._. ....................... 39 6.6 Develop a Park Sign Plan ................................................. ,_. ..................................................................... 41 6.7 Continue to Investigate Feasibility of a Bike Path ................................................................................... 42 6.8 Work with VI Public Works Department to Identify and Prioritize ~afety lmprovements ..................... 4S 6.9 Work with VIPA and Stakeholderspn Improvement and Maintenance ~lans for Cruz Say Creek T ..... 46 6.10 Develop Access Plan for Hassel Island ........................................................ _. ........................... _. ..... :_. ........ 47 6.11 Coordinate on Development of a Marine Access Plan ................... _. .............. _. ........................................ 48 6.12 Develop an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for Unpaved Roads ..................................................... 49 6.13 Develop a Policy on Large Vehicles ....................................................................... _. ................................ 50 6.14 Summary of Recommendations ............................................................... , ....................... _.._. ......... _. .......... 51 Virgin Islands National Park AlternatlveJransportation Plan Page i 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................. 52 7.1 Project Prioritization .............................................................................................................................. 52 7.2 Implementation Plan ............................................................................................................................. 55 7.3 Next Steps .............................................................................................................................................. 55 8.0 CONNECTION TO WIDER TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY ............................ 63 9.0 THE NPS TRANSPORTATION LANDSCAPE ................................................... 63 10.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT ................................................................. 64 11.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ............................................................................ 65 12.0 ACRONYMS ..............................................................................•...•........ 65 APPENDIX A: RELEVANT PLANS AND STUDIES ....................................................... 67 APPENDIX B: EXISTING CONDITIONS ................................................................... 75 1.1 Land Use ................................................................................................................................................ 75 1.2 Transportation System Characteristics .................................................................................................. 85 APPENDIX C: COMMITTEE INFORMATION .......................................................... 107 APPENDIX D: VINP PARKING INVENTORY .......................................................... 121 APPENDIX E: ACT 806 ....................................................................................... 136 APPENDIX F: TAXI RATES .............................••.••...........................................••• 147 APPENDIX G: BIKE PATH SPECIFICATIONS .......................................................... 151 APPENDIX H: NPS TRANSPORTATION FUNDING SUMMARY .................................. 154 December 2009 Pi!ge ii ;rt"'\ LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Virgin Islands National Park ..................................................................................................................... 5 Figure 2: Cruz Bay Transportation Facilities ........................................................................................................... 7 Figure 3: Hassel Island, Charlotte Amalie, and Red Hook on St. Thomas, Relative to St. John .............................. 7 Figure 4: Plan Approach ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Figure 5: Homepage for the VINP ATP in PEPC: http:l/parkplannlng.nps.gov/ .................................................... 11 Figure 6: Public comments have suggested adding parking around the ballfield ................................................ 16 Figure 7: VINP Site Visitation versus Transportation Service ............................................................................... 19 Figure 8· VINP Parking .......................................................................................................................................... 20 Figure 9: 85th percentile vehicle speeds by direction .......................................................................................... 21 Figure 10: Roadways to be maintained by NPS per Act 806 ................................................................................ 23 Figure 11: Water bar near Maho Camps .............................................................................................................. 23 Figure 12: The Creek area next to the VINP Visitor Center .................................................................................. 24 Figure 13: Cruz Bay Creek flows under the VINP driveway during ralnstorms ..................................................... 25 Figure 14: Sediment deposits in the Creek prevent boats from using the adjacent dock space ......................... 25 Figure 15: Existing VINP Facility at Red Hook ....................................................................................................... 35 Figure 16: Conceptual Plan for Red Hook lntermodal Faclllty .............................................................................. 36 Figure 17: Bike Path Segments ............................................................................................................................. 43 Figure 18: Proposed Alignment for Mahe-Francis Bay Segment .......................................................................... 44 Figure 19: Results of Prioritization Processes ....................................................................................................... 53 Figure 20: Project prioritization worksheet example ........................................................................................... 54 Figure 21: St. John Population Distribution 1990 and 2000 ................................................................................. 75 Figure 22: Water trucks such as this one need to access every part of the island ............................................... 76 Figure 23: Francis and Mahe Bays ........................................................................................................................ 77 Figure 24: Saltpond Bay ........................................................................................................................................ 77 Figure 25: Some areas are only accessible by hiking trails ................................................................................... 78 Figure 26: Trail Bandit's Hiking Map ..................................................................................................................... 79 Figure 27: Annaberg Sugar MIii and the Petroglyphs ........................................................................................... 81 Figure 28: Annual Park Visitation 1957-2008 ....................................................................................................... 81 Figure 29: VINP Visitation: Recreational and Non-Recreational 2004-2008 ........................................................ 82 Figure 30: Visitor Destinations In VINP ................................................................................................................. 85 Figure 31: Cruz Bay Transportation Facilities ....................................................................................................... 91 Figure 32: Means ofTransportatlon to Work for St. John Residents ................................................................... 95 Figure 33: Boat Access to St. John ........................................................................................................................ 96 Figure 34: There Is significant demand for the dock In Coral Bay ........................................................................ 97 Figure 35: Pay Station in Caneel Bay .................................................................................................................... 97 Figure 36: Trunk Bay Switchbacks ........................................................................................................................ 98 Figure 37: 2005 Average daily traffic volumes-January ...................................................................................... 100 Figure 38: Turning Movement Count Volumes-Average Day in January 2005 ................................................... 101 Figure 39: 2030 Average Daily Volumes at North Shore Road Intersections ..................................................... 103 Figure 40: FHWA Vehicle Classification .............................................................................................................. 104 Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page iii r'\ Figure 41: Vehicle Oassification January 2005 .................................................................................................. 105 LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Public comments were Informally tracked as shown below .................................................................. 14 Table 2: Implementation Plan .............................................................................................................................. 56 Table 3: 2004-2008 VINP Visitation by Month/Vear ............................................................................................ 83 Table 4: VINP Year-to-Date Report ...................................................................................................................... 84 Table 5: Summary of Travel Modes to St. John ................................................................................................... 86 Table 6: Summary of Travel Modes on St. John/within VINP .............................................................................. 91 Table 7: Limitations for anchoring and mooring within park boundaries ........................................................... 96 Table 8: 2030 ADT Estimates ............................................................................................................................. 102 Table 9: Vehicle Classification January 2005 ..................................................................................................... 105 Table 10: Vehicle Occupancy Summary from 2006 VINP Transportation Study ................................................ 106 December 2009 Page Iv 1.0 ABSTRACT Over a six-month period in 2009, National Park Foundation Transportation Scholar Beth Isler worked with stakeholders in the US Virgin Islands to develop transportation alternatives for Virgin Islands National Park (VIN P) on St. John. Public input during the six month period revealed that many ideas for improving transportation on the island have persisted through the years, but never come to fruition. These projects, as well as observations by the Transportation Scholar, formed the basis for the plan's recommendations. A steering committee made up of representatives from the USVI Governor's Office, Public Works Department, Taxi Cab Commission, transit authority, Department of Tourism, local resorts, and the Park was assembled to build and strengthen partnerships. The committee was tasked with developing a vision and goals for improving transportation and reducing parking demand in VINP, as well as developing a prioritized implementation plan for moving the recommendations fo1ward. 2.0 INTRODUCTION Virgin Islands National Park (VINP) comprises about 3/5 of the island of St. John, or approximately 5,500 acres. Coral Reef National Monument shares a boundary with the Park and comprises 12,700 acres of submerged lands. In 2009, the Park was awarded a grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF) to fund a Transportation Scholar for six months (lune to December 2009). The primary task of the Transportation Scholar was to initiate development of an Alternative Transportation Plan (ATP) for the Park to alleviate parking demand and improve mobility and access. A successful plan would benefit the economy of St. John by improving visitor experience, preserving Park resources, reducing transportation impacts on the island, and creating business opportunities for the local community. A major source of data for the ATP is the 2006 Virgin Islands National Park Transportation Study. The study provides an extensive overview of existing conditions and a list of recommendations based on observations made during data collection. The ATP includes an implementation plan for these recommendations so that the 2006 study does not just "go on the shelf and collect dust." A Steering CommittPe is tasked with guiding the plan development, and is made up of representatives from VIN P, the VI Governor's Office, VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources, VI Public Works Department, VI Department of Tourism, the VI Taxi Cab Commission, VITRAN, the Westin St. John Resort and Villas, and Cancel Bay Resort. Specifically, the committee develops the plan vision and goals, determines evaluation criteria for prioritizing projects, helps to create and fulfill the implementation plan, and develops/refines proposed projects. More than anything, the steering committee is the place for developing partnerships to realize the ATP. Park staff also met with representatives of local taxi businesses to identify operational issues that will improve conditions for taxis and their passengers. The Park values the services that the taxis provide to visitors and recognizes that they arc crucial for access to the Park. Finding ways to help their businesses is in the Park's best interest as it improves visitor experience. This report describes the process for developing the ATP. As much as possible, background material such as existing conditions has been placed in appendices to keep the body of the report relatively concise. Recommendations have been formatted as one-page summaries to aid in project proposals. The implementation plan identifies how to move the recommendations forward. It identifies the priority assigned by the Steering Committee; whether the project is short-, medium-, or long-term; the project status as of November 2009; potential partners and funding sources; and specific next steps. The ATP articulates a shared vision for transportation in VINP, summarizes existing transportation issues, and recommends starting points and projects for addressing these issues to achieve the vision. A major goal of the process has been to strengthen existing relationships and form new partnerships in Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan order to create a lasting framework within which to cooperatively plan and build the VINP transportation system of 2030. 2.1 Plan Purpose This section describes the purpose of the VINP Alternative Transportation Plan and provides an overview of the study area. 2.1.1 Plan Purpose The purpose of the VINP Alternative Transportation Plan is three-fold: • To mitigate excess parking demand in the Park 1 • To Improve mobility and access In the Park • To Improve transportation safety in the Park 2.1.2 Purpose of Virgin Islands National Park The enabling legislation that established Virgin Islands National Park describes the purpose of the NPS unit: Act of August 2, 1956: "That a portion of the Virgin Islands of the United States, containing outstanding scenic and other features of national significance, shall be established, as prescribed in section 2 hereof, as "Virgin Islands National Park", The national Park shall be administered and preserved by the Secretary of the Interior in its natural condition for the public benefit and inspiration ... • Act of October 5, 1962: " .. .In order to preserve for the benefit of the public significant coral gardens, marine life, and seascapes ... " Act of August 18, 1978: " ... for restoration and rehabilitation of historic structures and for development of public facilities on Hassel Island." VINP is a unique unit in the NPS because of St. John's distinctive cultural history and pre-history, tropical forests, coral reefs, white sand beaches, arid headlands, and plant and animal species. Moreover, it has been designated a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), for its representation of the cultural and natural life-systems of the Lesser Antilles. Coral Reef National Monument was created in 2001 and is comprised of 12,700 acres of submerged lands. 2.2 Plan Vision & Goals The vision and goals were developed by the Steering Committee. 2.2.1 Vision The vision for the VINP transportation system in 2030 is for a safe and sustainable multimodal system that efllclently provides mobility and access for all. The system will be systematically planned through ---- 1 While this plan focuses on ways to reduce parking demand, a separate plan is recommended in Section 6.5 to focus on how to strategically increase parking supply. December 2009 collaboration and cooperation from all members of the St. John community in order to support the economy and enhance livability. 2.2.2 Goals 1. Reduce parking demand. 2. Establish scheduled transportation service. 3. Improve safety. 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. S. Improve wayfinding and traffic signage and post VITRAN schedules. 6. Manage Park overlooks/scenic pull-offs. 7. Provide for alternative-fueled vehicles. 8. Be accessible for physically-challenged people. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental cars for mobility and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. 12. Address sediment control from unpaved roads. 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. 2.3 Study Area & Background Figure 1 provides the official map of the Park, which comprises about 3/5 of St. John, or approximately 5,500 acres. Access to St John is by ferry from St. Thomas or the British Virgin Islands (BVI). Ferries (both passenger and auto) serve the town of Cruz Bay on the western side of the island. There is no airport on the island. The Park's Commercial Services Plan notes that "Although at one time seaplane service was permitted from the NPS boat ramp in Cruz Bay, it was discontinued based upon a determination that vessel traffic, other water-related activities, park operations at the ramp, and environmental values would be adversely affected." VINP Is not gated. An entrance gate would hinder residents traveling between the island's two communities (Coral Bay and Cruz Bay). There arc two main roads on the island/in the Park: North Shore Road (Route 20) and Centerline Road (Route 10). North Shore Road provides access to beaches, historic ruins, Caneel Bay Resort, Cinnamon Bay campground, and Maho Bay Camps. Centerline Road runs through the center of the Island and provides access to Coral Bay and the East End. Route 107 intersects Centerline Road in Coral Bay and provides north-south access to Saltpond Bay and Lameshur Bay. West of Lameshur, the southern portion of the Park is accessible only on foot. Within the Park, there arc approximately 16 miles of paved roads, 8 miles of unpaved roads, and 18 miles of hiking trails. The speed limit in the Park is 20 mph with some 10 mph segments. All roads arc two lanes, often without a shoulder or guardrail. While width varies, the roads are generally narrow and hilly (some very steep) with many curves. The Park has one visitor center (in Cruz Bay) and one campground (in Cinnamon Bay) with 39 tent sites (plus two group sites of 8 tents each), 40 cottages, and 25 bare sites (plus a group bare site for 6 tents). Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page3 Depending on size and location, private boats can use the National Park mooring system for a fee ofSlS per night or they can anchor in sand. This is to preserve and protect the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and algal plains within the Park. Lack of dock space constrains boat and dinghy access to the Island. Cruz Bay Creek (a.k.a. "The Creek") is a major hub for boats on St John and is adjacent to the Park Visitor Center, US Customs and Border Control, the BVI ferry dock, and the staging area for cruise ship excursions as shown In Figure 2. This site is also a major storm water outlet, requiring regular dredging to maintain adequate depths for boat access. The Sea Plane Ramp and Enighed Pond are also important island access points that require improvement and maintenance plans. There arc VINP facilities (a parking area, dock, boat ramp, and office building) at Red Hook on St Thomas (Figure 3). This area has the potential to serve as a visitor contact point, where park visitors could take a taxi, transit, or car to that site and embark on a boat to St. John. Figure 3 also shows the location of Hassel Island, a part ofVINP located just south of Charlotte Amalie on St Thomas. Transporting visitors to and from this location is also a future consideration. December 2009 Page4 ) Figure l: Vlfgin tiron<h NotlonoJ Pork .. 1ICII_,.• .. ;_ """ (D ATLANTIC U..,. .... .-.a\W'fcjllC .,,..,•a::t""........, ._..,.., -.. ._ ~~!t.,~ l56&feflCIS<IJ.n-. ~ .:·:t::r...."-"-' ...... ....,~~W'IOhc .... ____ ,,.....o., :~;:.:t---•· OCEAN ~ "i::" E) ... C=J-- E::3=:rt:M =---~ ~ c:::i:=,= rn:]j~.:':'~ll Cii!!] ... _ ,,:.";· - ' ..,.,.,,tf!"' ~ /1 ";. _.J ~ ' .... ~__,,....,..;-~~ /~,~~--... ~ ~ c;;,,---,r ';:;,;i.a> ""/ 5,.ot ~ ,l'!t·/ ::.-., \: ..---... ft .. , ~ ~-'' ti!,' ~-.-i ,!0""'~.:.. ,;.4 ,.. J ?'G, \ (~ ✓' _-=,-,, ~CJ -<) '< ,,,/' ) (D""t•-- ~"'···-- w-...~ .. ... CD- ... .. ........ m -.U¥Jat tllll =:t."1~~!.,:; lbeper!LA .. •-t=~• ~Cn~ ~~•tit- ..-- TORTOLA 1.-~~J. '- ~~- ~ ""'"' "} ,. ---------··~ ,,.......___ -~ ""~'?!--~ ~.;...,. "1/ .- \ ~- ---~ c::::____r- .... rHC N ;~•- ~ --•·-----•··- .. -·.-- .. ••• - :ARRott,3 , ......,.,._="' -•--•--- • ~----~~-- ·-- - - -·-·-· - _y.·~r-:r.u ..... _. -~,-.! ,__ ~ ~•"l(-S - 'ijs ·- - SIR FRANCIS DRAKE CHANNEL .... ~- "--< ., \' ,,. ___ ,v----1... ~\ };~----·- ~ ,, --.... /"11•"'!"1',;~ ") ~.,~ " ,...,, . ... "' ~ di~ ... ~ , ""~:~~~ p•~-------- ,' ~,' ■b..f-~: ""';::'_d~--"'-V:,,J.!'"!.r•,A.~~ .... ~ )d .... ii ...,.---··· "'c:r'\J ,. -----·"' . _ ..... .,. .. ,,,..,.,, rl.:''!:°J ~~--- r,1,'!';9'!!'!'-···· • / ',,., • ,. ··~ ~ "'o \ ~ /,~_, -- ... CARIBBEAN '\ J011N ~ . ... ~. !'! -~ . : / . .... ~ , ... ( ··,,1 >--.. .,)P~ .,_.... W..IWH.••utP".........., -~,- SEA =t:::.z.~ ... ......,-. COIIAl BAY ~ ,:.· )"':;" . ..., -- 1,," 1.:::- l ' l .., ,._ .J'-..... ,-~~ c:,'<- ,l q>r-"" ,1 m _,, - l ,/:J f:'')'~ \f11g1n Islands Natiof'Lil PJrk Alternativ~ Transport.ttlon Pl,11n PAge S Figure 2: Cruz Bay Transpar· 1cion Facilities Figure 3: Hassel /5/and, Charlotte Amalie, and Red Hook on St. Thoma5, Relative to St. Jahn Vlrgin Islands Natrona! Park Alternative Transportation Plan 3.0 METHODOLOGY The process for developing the plan 18 shown in Figure 4. Steering and Advisory Committees were formed to guide the process, as will be discm,sed in Section 4.0. The steps described in the following sections allowed the Transportation Scholar to gain familiarity with the Park and the region and to bring forward ideas that have long been discussed hy the public. Figure 4: Plan Approach Step 1. Develop a shared 20-year vision and goals to articulate what the transportation system should look like in 2030. 2. Establish evaluation criteria (based on olan goals) by which to prioritize projects. 3. Review recommendations of VINP Tra11sportation Study and projects that have been discussed for se•,eral years. Identify which should move forward. 4. Develop implementation plan for proj :!Cts vetted in Step 3. Prioritize projects using evaluation criteria. SC = Steering Committee; AC = Advisory Com uittee Lead Tool/Method SC Project kick-off meeting SC Committee meetings Public, SC, Workshops, committee AC meetings SC Committee meetings 3.1 Review of Relevant Plans and Studies A review of relevant plans and studies is provided in Appendix A. Two plans of particular importance to the ATP arc highlighted below: Virgin Islands National Park Transportation Study (2006) By Parsons for NPS/VINP The study was initiated to provide information on transportation for the General Management Plan update. Extensive data collection art d observations resulted in a list of recommendations that are addressed in the implementation plan below in Section 7.0. The study includes traffic data (volume counts, vehicle classification and sp1?ed, turning movement counts, and vehicle occupancy), parking data ( capacity, utilization, turnover and length of stay), a summary of motor vehicle crashes, and stakeholder meetings. The study's findings are referred to throughout this ATP. US Virgin Islands Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (2010) By Parsons Brinkerhoff for US VI Government The Virgin Islands Public Works Department (PWD) is currently developing the Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (CTMP), which will be the first of its kind for the territory. The purpose is "to identify transportation strategies b.Jsed on our future growth and development, and serve as a framework to prioritize what transportation investments are most Important to insure our continued quality oflifc." The plan has a horizon of 2030 and will address motorized transportation modes. HThe CTMP will result in a roadmap of how future transportation needs of the USVI will be addressed; it is December 2009 Pages based on systematic analysis of existing conditions, future needs, and alternative transportation approaches." 1 To ensure consistency and build cohesion between the territorial government and the Park, the CTMP's project manager has been invited to serve as a member of the Steering Committee. Likewise, the Transportation Scholar serves on the CTMP's Advisory Committee. Having this exchange tics the transportation plans of the territory and the Park together and increases the likelihood of Implementation since partnership opportunities will be more apparent. 3.2 Review of Existing Conditions Existing conditions, including land use, park attractions and visitation, travel modes, marine access, roadway characteristics, traffic volumes and parking, are summarized in Appendix B. The findings of the VJNP Transportation Study were mapped to show the data's geographic significance. 3.3 Public Outreach Public outreach took place throughout the development of this plan, as described below. Meetings Besides numerous meetings with VINP staff to learn their transportation concerns, the Transportation Scholar participated in the following meetings and public hearings: • 6/19/09 and 11/5/09-Mcctingswith DPNR Division of Fish and Wildlife on Red Hook improvements and boat ramp reconstruction • 6/19 /09-Mceting with Senator Barshinger, VI Port Authority, and stakeholders on plans for the Creek • 7 /1/09- Meeting with the VI Department of Sports, Parks & Recreation and the St John Community Foundation on improvements to the ballfield adjacent to the VINP Visitor Center • 7 /1/09-Meeting with the Coral Bay Community Council on erosion and sediment control/stormwater management planning • 7 /14/09-USVI Transportation Master Plan public meeting • 7 /20/09 and 9/2/09-VI Unity Day Group public hearings on proposed increases to ferry fares • 7 /22/09-VINPAnnual CUA Meeting with land-based tour operators In Red Hook • 7 /24/09-Transportation Scholar Presentation to Rotary Club of St John • 8/5/09-Friends ofVINP meeting- introduction to Transportation Scholar • 8/5/09-Car Rental Public Hearing by Bureau of Motor Vehicles on car rental issues, potential for quota increases, etc. • 8/19/09-VINP meeting with water taxi CUA on dock access and tour services • 10/14/09-USVI Transportation Master Plan meeting with plan consultants • 10/16/09-USVI Transportation Master Plan Advisory Committee Meeting • 11/12/09-St. Thomas Historic Trust meeting regarding Hassel Island I http:llusvittansponatlonplan.cq,n/ Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page9 One-on-One Contact Through the course of the NPF Transportation Scholar's six-month tenure, she contacted and was contacted by individuals with comments and suggestions for the transportation system. A spreadsheet was used to Informally track the general comments and the frequency with which they were made in phone calls, emails, and one-on-one meetings. These public comments are discussed In Section 5.1. St. John Roadway Advisory Committee With the announcement of the development of the VI Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan, a group of concerned St John residents formed the St John Roadway Advisory Committee to provide input to the Public Works Deparbnent on transportation issues. The Transportation Scholar was Invited to take part in the Roadway Advisory Committee's meetings, which occurred approximately every two to four weeks. A summary of the Committee's report to the Commissioner of the VI Public Works Department is included in Section 5.1. Project Website The NPS Planning, Environment and Public Comment (PEPC) website provides a public input channel and access to documents for public review. Internally, PEPC allows project managers to track public comments, identify funding opportunities, and manage internal scoping and NEPA compliance. By setting up the ATP in PEPC, the public can access the project website to review meeting minutes, stay informed of meetings, and provide their comments on transportation issues within the park. The project homepage is shown in Figure 5. In addition, the N PS can track the plan's development, analyze pubJic comments, and manage internal tasks. December 2009 Figure 5: Homepage for the VINP ATP In PEPC: http://parkplannlnq.nps.qov/ Project Home Plan Process Meeting Uotlces L.inM Document ljs1 Open For Public Commen! Vlroin lslpnd~ NP VIIS Alternative Transportation Plan Virgin Islands National Park was recently awarded a grant from the National Park --- Foundation (NPF) to fund a Transportation Scholar for six months (June to December 2009) TI1e primary task of the Transportation Scholar is to develop an Alternative Transportation Plan for the Park to alllllliate parking demand and imprOYO mobility and access. A successful plan will benefit the economy of St John by ---- improving visitor experience, proserving Park RS S New~ Park resources. reducing transportation impacts on the island. and creating businoss opportunities for the local community. To ensure the relevance and viability of the Plan, a Steering Committee of key stakeholders and community leade,s is guiding the Plan's development. An Advisory Committee of St John taxi/safari bus drivers pr0"1des the Steering Committee with input oo specific issues such as taxi/safari bus operations and the potential for scheduled service. ~1111 WJL.1:1.l!l!l.h!l.!ill:: • [.Q!A • p1w11cy Policy • 01scla1111er ~•HI Ov.-1w1stup • USA.G,1•1 UP~ Ho1M ~-~ Press The local newspapers, the St john Tradewinds and the St john Source, both profiled the Transportation Scholar, providing additional press for the plan and informing constituents of who they could contact with input. 1 4.0 CONSTITUENCIES The intimate community of an island means that nearly everyone on St John is a stakeholder. Therefore, the plan is guided by public input and a Steering Committee which receives input on specific issues from an Advisory Committee. 4.1 Steering Committee The Steering Committee guides the planning process. Park staff met to identify potential Steering Committee members and sent letters to the various agencies shown below requesting that a representative be designated. 1 "VINP Taps Expert to Help Tackle T1ansportatlon Problems,n by J. Clliott, St. John Trodewind5, July 20-26,2009, page 9; "On Island Profile: Beth Isler," by L. Lohr, St. John Source, http:ljstjohnsource.com, 8/4/09. • Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan r--., • Virgin Islands National Park • St John Public Works Deputy Director (appointed to committee by Governor de Jongh) • VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources (appointed by commissioner) • VI Public Works Department (appointed by commissioner) • VI Taxi Cab Commission • VITRAN • VI DepartmentofTourism (appointed by commissioner) • Caneel Bay Resort • Westin St. John Resort and Villas The Steering Committee meets monthly and is charged with the following tasks: • • • • • • • Develop plan vision and goals . Develop evaluation criteria (from the plan goals} on which to base a project prioritization system. Design the public outreach process to be used in development of this plan . Review identified issues and existing conditions . Ensure that all voices of the community are heard . Review recommendations of2006 VINP Transportation Study . Consider projects that have been proposed by the community and the Park. • Consider Transportation Scholar recommendations. • Develop implementation plan and prioritize projects using the evaluation criteria. • Assist in moving the implementation plan forward after completion. Through these tasks, partnerships are strengthened and new partnerships are formed to implement the projects that will move forward from this planning process. Committee meeting minutes are publicly accessible on the project website in the NPS PEPC system (http://parkplanning.nps,go\!) and are included in Appendix C. 4.2 Taxi Advisory Committee The Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from the taxi industry. This committee advises the Steering Committee on improvements that can be made for taxi operations. Park staff invited taxi drivers who are considered representative of the industry to be on the committee, including the heads of: • St. John Taxi Association • Virgin Islands Taxi Association • Paradise Taxi • Kitch Tours • Love City Taxi • Neal's Taxi December 2009 The Executive Director of ·:·1e VI Taxi Cab Commission, who is a member of the Steering Committee, sits on the Advisory Committer as well. In addition to identifying operational improvements within the Park, one of the main tasks of the Advisory Committee Is to determine the potential for scheduled taxi service. Committee meeting minutes are publicly accessible on the project website in the NPS PEPC system (http://parkplanning,nps.~) and arc included in Appendix C. 5.0 IDENTIFIED ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES 5.1 Public Comments A spreadsheet (shown in Table 1) was used to informally track public comments and the frequency with which they were made in ohone calls, emails, and one-on-one meetings with the Transportation Scholar. The overall theme of th< comments was the need for more transportation alternatives to reduce parking demand. The top comments heard were: • Need for transit 111 VINP • Need for improve cl signage • Need for centerline stripe to keep drivers on their side of the road • Need for more par king • Need for a separated bike path • Roads should be widened (it should be kept in mind that widening roadways often increases vehicle speeds) Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Table l: Public comments were Informally tracked as shown below. Number of Occurrences Comment General 2+ 2 1 1 Roads 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ 2+ 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Parking 2+ 2+ 2+ 2 2 2 1 1 1 e-Pe H Blk d/ lkl n1 2+ 2+ 2+ 1 l 1 1 Taxis 2+ 2+ 2+ 1 December 2009 Need to Improve slgnage and information dissemination Reinstate the Gateway Community planning council Surveyor is needed to Identify parcel lines, R/W, easements, etc.; developing a transportation inventory would also be good Work with BVl's National Parks to create an exchange program between Coral Bay and BVl/create International Marine Institute Improve slgnage Large vehicles are a significant concern Vehicle speeds are a major con~rn Drivers do not keep to the side_ -,f the road; they drive In the middle and they speed Open a South Shore Road Do not open a South Shore Road Improve striping Need guardrails Widen roads/reduce blind curv•!s Scenic overlooks are overcrowc!ed Add design elements to look-o•its to encourage people to pull forward and to not spend too much time Consider opening one of the rends between NSR and Centerline; helps when Cruz Bay is congested/closed (Carnival); helps with emergen: ~ vehicles Need to address falling rocks (provide warning signs & secure rocks with wire mesh) Review pavement repair and p:itchlng methods; patches don't seem to be effective Address eroslon/stormwater control Visitor and employee parking needs to be addressed Add parking around ball field Build more parking in VINP (es~eclallylrunk Bay) Park should build public parklnf: garage in maintenance area Expand Trunk Bay parking Just east of existing lot Need parking In Cruz Bay Control rental cars: if they're not at a beach parking lot before 10:00, no parlclng for them Make Trunk Bay accesSlble by taxi and ,huttle only-no parking for private vehicles Create more parking in Cruz B,,y served by transit Need helter connections betv.~ ien parking and &railheads Build a separated bike path Reef Bay trallhead needs parkl ns Need Improvements to trail wnyflndlna Annaberg school needs trailhead Improvements and parking Add bike lane to NSR, separat'?d by curb and on landward side; not separate bike trail (too damaging to ecosystem) Bike trail isn't worth the envir~·nmental impacts that it would have Taxis are too expensive to compete with rental cars Need to Improve customer service Dispatch at Trunk Bay There are too many ta>ds and not enough demand Continued Shuttle/Transit +++ Transit needed In VINP 2+ Make VIN P access lb le by transit only (like Zion) 1 Not enough potential to warrant transit on NSR 1 VITRAN needs to publish a schedule 1 VITRAN is not reliable CUAs/Crul Shi se os, etc. 2+ Staging needs to be Improved 2 Cruise ship e,ccurslons should route people through VIN P VC to get from dock to taKls 2 Cruise ship e,ccurslons should give passengers an opportunity to shop Marine/boat access 2+ Marina/boat services needed 1 Improve water transportation/water taKls ~ l• commer,t heard once 2• comment heard twice 2+• comment heard more than twice +ttoeomment heard many times Many of these comments are similar to those recorded in the 2006 VINP Transportation Study. Top §takeholder Issues from 2006 VfNP~ Transportation Study (pp.44-521 71% Frequency • North Shore Road should be widened 57% Frequency • Centerline Road should be widened 1 • St. John roads should be constructed for heavy vehicles : • Insufficient parking in Cruz Bay 43% Frequency • Route 107 should be widened • Speed limits should be enforced, particularly for trucks • Insufficient parking at all beach parking lots :29% Frequency • More roads needed • Route 109 from Coral Bay to Annaberg • Route 206 (catherineburg Road) from Centerline Road to North Shore Road • Pavement markings should be properly maintained • Guardrails needed in dangerous areas • Insufficient parking at Trunk Bay • Taxi staging area nearferry docks should be improved • Ferries do not have adequate capacity during AM/PM peaks Future Issues (assuming a hypothetical doubling of visitation} 143% Frequency • Infrastructure cannot accommodate doubling or visitation 29% Frequency • More roads will be needed in future (assuming 100% growth) • Traffic jams will Increase in future (assuming 100% growth) • VHS should encourage more visitors beyond Trunk Bay (assuming 100% growth) • Facilities for excursion trips should be expanded and improved (assuming 100% growth) • Port facility Is needed In Coral Bay (assuming 100% growth) • Number of visitors In VIIS should be limited Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Some in the community have suggested a Five-Point Plan for improving parking in Cruz Bay.1 The five points are: 1. Tow away all derelict vehicles consuming available parking. (Status: complete) 2. Enforce the VI Code's parking requirements. (Status: complete/ongoing) 3. Construct a parking garage on Inspection Lane by Enighec.J Pond by 2012. (Status: on hold. Funding had been secured in 2006 but was reassigned in 2007; funding has not been replaced) 4. Develop an in-town shuttle system to circulate through Cruz Bay, including a stop at the parking garage so that people "park once." Shuttle would be sponsored by local businesses. (Status: pending) 5. Enjoy Cruz Bay. Figure 6: Public comments hove suggested adding parking around the ballfield. About eight parking spaces could be added without disturbing the trees or the entrance appeoronce. Appendix D for more detail). 5.1.1 St. John Roadway Advisory Committee In late October 2009, the VI Port Authority approved a plan to provide about 150 parking spaces at the Enighed Pond Marine Facility/ Autobarge Terminal, but at the same time indicated that it would be closing the US Customs parking lot (which has about 60 parking spaces). The new parking at Enighed Pond is estimated to cost about $1 million. Some have voiced interest in continuing to pursue a multi-level parking structure.Z Some members of the public have suggested expanding parking at the Park Visitor Center by adding spaces around the ballfield (Figure 6). Eight spaces could be added without impacting trees or the entrance appearance (sec map in The SL John Roadway Advisory Committee prepared a report in April 2009 for PWD to identify transportation concerns and make recommendations. An overall recommendation of the Committee is that a road survey be conducted to inventory and assess existing conditions, including right-of-way widths and property lines. The recommendations of the report are summarized below: Signage • Identify dangerous areas with warning signs. '"Senator-at-large Reports: Parking Solution," St. John Tradewinds July 20-26, 2009, page 12. '"VIPA 10 Close Cruz Bay Creek Parking Lot~ and "VIPA Approves Plan 10 Create 150 Parking Spaces at Enlghed," 51. John Tradewinds October 26, 2009. December 2009 • At a minimum, provide dangerous curve signs and consider reduced speeds in these areas. • Conduct an inventory of existing road signs and make needed repairs. Road Striping • The Public Works Department should initiate an immediate road striping program, beginning with Centerline Road/Route 10 from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. • Review striping issues for all roads on St. John. Roadway Widths • Conduct an inventory of existing road widths with special emphasis on easement mapping. • If land must be taken to accomplish road-widening. consider a tax credit option to compensate property owners. • Consider widening dangerous areas immediately. Guardrails • Survey all St John roads to ensure compliance. • Install and re-install additional guardrails or guardrail support structure where required. • Assess existing guardrail conditions. Potholes and Poor Patching • Revisit the means and methods used to patch roads. • Repair roads such that the patch is level with the road surface. Conditions of Roads • Include roadway base repairs and drainage improvements in repaving projects. Use concrete as a more sustainable surface than asphalt. Where asphalt is used, apply a thicker layer. • Plan for roadway widening projects (see above). Construction/Completion of Existing Roads • Complete construction and paving of federally-funded roads, to include consideration of easements, road widths, existing base, guardrails, signage, road striping, and selection of paving materials. • Infrastructure upgrades are needed to keep up with population increases. Construction/Completion of Emergency Routes • Centerline Road is currently the only paved road into or out of Coral Bay. Consider emergency egress and access for residents and supply and emergency vehicles, particularly if this major route is closed. • Consider escape routes for residents in remote areas. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Construction/Completion of Bypass Roads • Complete a north-south bypass around Cruz Bay for traffic from Route 104 and the Enighed Pond area. • Complete construction of the Route 20 extension (King Hill Road) on the southeastern side of Centerline Road/Route 10, including a sufficient road bed, adequate road width, traffic control at the intersection with Centerline Road, striping, and signagc. • Complete construction of Route 108/Bordeaux Mountain Road, including striping and signage. • Construct a vehicle road on the Johnny Horn Trail/Route 109 between Coral Bay and the Annaberg Plantation. Construction of New Roads • Construct a vehicle road between Fish Bay and Lameshur Bay, including striping and signage.1 • Complete paving of Route 107 to Lameshur, including striping and signagc. • Construct a vehicle road base on the Bordeaux Mountain Trail between Route 107 in Lameshur and Route 108/Bordeaux Mountain Road; pave and provide striping and signage as needed. • Rebuild North Shore Road from Anna berg to Route 107 in Coral Bay, including paving, striping, and signage. (This may be the same recommendation as for the Johnny Horn Trail above.) 5.2 Lack of Transportation Planning and Alternatives There has never been a planner for the island of St John. This vacuum of planning is likely to have major impacts for both land use and transportation as the island develops. An island planner could coordinate stakeholders and the different government agencies to develop a cohesive and efficient transportation system. Existing transit service is provided between Cruz Bay and Saltpond Bay via Coral Bay; however, it is limited to Centerline Road, leaving North Shore Road and the major tourist destinations un-served (see Figure 7}. The bus system is provided by VITRAN, the Virgin Islands transit agency, which Is part of the VI Public Works Department. Current operations on St. John are described in Section 1.2.2 of Appendix 8. The bus system has a reputation of being unreliable. There has been discussion of extending VITRAN service along North Shore Road, but this has been hindered due to objections from taxi drivers (as it may impact their business) and FTA restrictions on transit vehicle travel on Trunk Bay hill. (The steep grades and sharp curves on Trunk Bay hill require special transit vehicles that meet FTA approval.) Bkycling and walking along North Shore Road are unsafe and there is not a separate alignment available, so these are not considered viable transportation alternatives. Although there is water taxi service, it is used more for travel between islands rather than between destinations on St John. Therefore, the only ways to access destinations along North Shore Road are by taxi/safari bus or private/rental vehicle. Taxis and rental car agencies compete with one another for the tourist market. As described in Section 1.2.2 in Section B, safari buses are attractive because of the added value of ( depending on the driver) narration on the St John's culture, history, and ecology, as well as the experience and enjoyment of riding in the back of an open-air safari bus. However, the affordability and convenience of rental cars make them more attractive to many visitors. 1 Subsequent meetings with the Roadway Advisory Committee indicated that there was not committee consensus on this recommendation. December 2009 If additional transportation alternatives are developed, it is vital that a concurrent communication system be developed, as information dissemination is somewhat lacking. For example, printed or online information on VITRAN schedules and fares is not available. Although the Park website at www.nps.gov offers Traffic & Travel Tips, a regularly updated page with notices on parking availability, high surf advisories, etc. would convry useful information to visitors. Figure 7: VINP Site Visitation verws Transportation Service Hiklnt trill -- Ro•<lw•v - - VITRAN bus s~l"\tict ... " • _. Park bounduy CaneelBay Resort 44,733 YP.Jt•IO·dill#" (July 2009) lt'h.h.JUOtt dat.J k f,om t"'e NPS Pub\,c Ult 5.3 Parking ... As shown in Figure 8, parking demand exceeds capacity at most parking lots. The result is that people pull off on to the side of the road or in between trees, damaging vegetation and creating a traffic hazard. While data is limited, Maho Francis, and Saltpond Bays appear to be the most over-capacity; these are also areas that arc not wcll-:,crved by taxi/safari bus. A preliminary parking inventory was conducted and is provided in Appendi:c D. Reducing parking demand by increasing alternative modes of transportation in the Park i; one of the goals of this plan. 'A new 25-space parking area is in development for Maho Bay. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Figure 8: VINP Parking lurnt,.,e 8c.t<.h (t!p-,(lty" 4 'IUt(', Pe~ce um (ruins) Capacity: S spac.e" liod foifl1 Tt.iilhead (Jp.:Jt•1y: ll' SJ>a("~~ 8ioJphcre Re~e1\'f' (nOlP\lblicJ Car,aiol)': g, S$).t.{lf'!S ~ sovernmPnt whtcln "'S emr,tovu \'~h:C:lt:\ 5.4 Ws11or Ctntet C<ij).iCity: 40 Sp.i!tt"S 16 gov. YPhiclP sp,u;n 17 C'fflPlo\"C"C' \fM!U'S 2v.stor1pu.-\ I we accrnib.lr u;ve- 4 undt1.aina.tcd SP<lCt"S Safety Vehicle Crashes C1nn~moo D.e~, h & Gimpg,ound Co1p,citv: Jd !-Ol!tS 2005 Ottnlnd 70 spltt'I 100% ovcrur mtv Hlklns tnoll Ro•d M,:ho Bt•,H.h Co1p.iclly: 9 "Pdte-s 200~ Ocm•nd: 3S space-, 0 0 zsos Parl< bound•ry - ' 1 vdirs A Pu\ t,o,., p,rUrc demand from 2006 "VINP ,,.n,po,Utlon Studr," p1r1tln1 opKI~ llrid vef\f",od o«obc• 1009; lllopl 1paco, not COI.Vltod. The VINP Transportation Study noted that the VI Police Department reported that of 325 motor vehicle crashes on St. John during 2004, 68 were within the park boundaries: 39 were on North Shore Road and 29 were on Centerline Road. Four of the crashes involved injuries. The locations of the crashes were nut available; this is a significant data need so that dangerous areas can be identified and treated. Vehicle Speeds The speed limit in the park is 20 mph with a few 10 mph sections near trailheads and beaches. The VINP Transportation Study collected speed data in January 2005, finding that the 85 th percentile speeds (which indicate the speed at which the statistica I majority of vehicles are traveling) are significantly higher than the speed limit, especially on Centerline Road, as shown in Figure 9. Traffic volume data are presented in Section 1.2.5 of Appendix B. The VI Public Works Department collected speed data in 2009 for the territory's Transportation Master Plan. These data may be available when the plan is complete in 2010 and may provide an updated snapshot of existing conditions. December 2009 Figure 9: 85th percentile vehicle speeds by direction (Note that VINP speed limit Is 20 MPH; data source: 2006 VINP Transportation Study) 5.5 Road Ownership and Jurisdiction One of the most contentious issues that exists between the Park and the community is that of road ownership and jurisdiction. Old carriage roads on the island, such as L'Esperance, Brown Bay, and Johnny Horn, were at one lime accessible by jeep al best. They are currently hiking trails, bul there is some community interest in "reopening" these "old roads" to vehicular traffic. The reasons for this are: 1. to provide additional paved accesses from Coral Bay in the event that Centerline Road (Route 10) is closed by hurricane damage or a landslide; 2. to make more areas of the Park accessible lo more people, for example, people who cannot hike; and 3. to provide a loop in the Park for island tours. The Park's reasons for not opening the existing trails to vehicles are: 1. l<ing Hill is going to be paved to provide a second paved access for Coral Bay, and Bordeaux Mountain Road is a dirt road open to vehicular traffic, providing a third access; 2. VINP is working with the VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) lo acquire federal surplus property (that is, two bulldozers, one positioned on the east end of the island and one on the west) that could be used to clear Centerline Road in the event of a blockage; 3. boats could be used to evacuate people/bring resources; 4. resource protection and preservation; and Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ~ S. to maintain the integrity and tranquility of the hiking trails, which the Park feels would deteriorate in the presence of vehicular traffic. Furthermore, the NPS Management Policies state that "''Where practicable, and after concurrence of the entity with road jurisdiction, non-NPS roads that are no longer needed will be closed or removed, and the area will be restored to a natural condition. The Service will not permit the public or private construction of new roads for access to inholdings unless specifically authorized by law."1 At the core orthese arguments is road ownership: who has the right to open or prevent the opening of these alignments to vehicular traffic, the territorial government or the NPS? Act 806, passed in 1962, is often cited as evidence of the VI government's ownership of the roads, both the ones currently open to vehicles and the old carriage roads that are now hiking trails. As depicted in Figure 10, Act 806 states that: The Legislature of the Virgin Islands hereby accepts the offer of the National Park Service to improve and maintain the following named public roads in St john: the North Shore, Annaberg, and Mary Point, Bordeaux, Lameshur, and East End Roads and the said National Park Service is hereby authorized to proceed to make improvements to said roads .... (Section 1) Nothing contained in this Act shall be construed as conveying title or any other proprietary interest in and to the aforesaid roadways to the National Park Service nor as transferring control and jurisdiction to the National Park Service. The roads involved herein shall retain their character as public roads. The Government of the Virgin Islands retains title to said roads as well as its usual rights with respect to public thoroughfares, subject only to the rights herein conferred upon the National Park Service. (Section 2) Subsequent opinions of the Department of Interior's Regional Solicitor assert that Act 806 incorrectly assumes the territorial government's ownership of the roads, and therefore the territory docs not have the right to open the old carriage roads to vehicular traffic: ... the United States acquired ownership of the public roads in the Virgin Islands from Denmark in 1916, granted control of those roads but not their title to the Virgin Islands in 1936, regained control of those roads within the Park boundaries when those boundaries were established in 1962, and retained control of those same roads when in conveyed title in 1974, to other lands over which the Virgin Islands had been given control. In concluding that the United States holds title to these roads, we also conclude that it has jurisdiction over them concurrently with the government of the Virgin Islands based on the 1963 and 1986 grants of concurrent jurisdiction. Common ground can be found in this debate. Both sides can agree that safety is a priority: specifically, emergency access from Coral Bay in the event of a road closure. In this case, the planned paving of King Hill Road, access via Bordeaux Mountain Road, the acquisition of heavy equipment to clear the roads, and improved boat access to Coral Bay would address the safety issue. Regarding broadened access to more remote Park areas, the issue is more contentious. Some people want increased access so that the historic and cultural sites can be reached in ways other than hiking; others feel that opening these alignments to motorized modes will destroy the hiking experience and natural resources. The full text of Act 806 and the related solicitors' opinions arc provided in Appendix E. ~ 1 2006 NPS Management Policies. page 132. December 2009 Page22 Figure 10: Roadwoys to be maintained by NPS per Act 806 5.6 Sediment Control Treatments for Unpaved Roads Research has shown that on St. John, unpaved roads increase sediment yields 5 to 40 times over undisturbed conditions. Only 0.3 cm of rain is needed to generate runoff from an unpaved road; an average of 7.4 kg of sediment per square meter is generated from unpaved roads each year. 1 The sediment smothers the reefs and kills the coral, necessitating Lhat erosion control treatments to be developed for unpaved roads. The Coral Bay Community Council has taken the lead in addressing this -- - Road maintained by territorial government ===3 Road maintained by NPS per Act 806 Park boundary Figure 11: Water bar near Moho Camps 1 Ramos-Scharron, C. "Measuring and Predicting Erosion and Sediment Yields on SI. John, U.S. Virgin Islands; PhD Dissertation at Colorado State University, Spring 2004. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan problem, securing a $300,000 EPA grant to implement the Coral Bay Watershed Management Plan. The grant includes a stormwater engineer to identify erosion and sedimenl control treatments, such as the water bars shown in Figure 11. The stormwater engineer's study is underway as of Fall 2009. The Creek Cruz Bay Creek, also known as "The Creek," is the name for the area next to the Park Visitor Center shown in Figure 2 and in Figure 12 below, It also happens to be an outfall for a major island watershed. Sediment transported by stormwater (Figure 13) deposits at the outfall by the dock area. The accumulation of this sediment makes the water too shallow for boats to use the dock space (Figure 14 ). While emergency dredging took place in November 2009, a maintenance plan and upstream sediment control treatments are needed to address this deposition, particularly due to the threat of infrastructure and property damage that erosion presents. The VI Port Authority (VIPA), which owns and operates the non-NPS docks adjacent to the Creek, is in the process of developing a plan to reconfigure the docks into a ferry passenger facilily in conformance with Homeland Security, US Customs and Border Control, and US Coast Guard restrictions. As some of the Park's CUA-holders use these docks, VINP should work closely with VIPA to develop a coordinated plan. Figure 12: The Creek area next to the VINP Visitor Center December 2009 Figure 13: Cruz Bay Creek flows under the VINP driveway during rainstorms Note the collection of sediment in the second box from the left. Figure 14: Sediment deposits in thi• Creek prevent boats from using the adjacent dock space Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) 5.7 Summary of Identified Issues Lack of transportation planning and alternatives Need for transit in VINP Need better sign age in Cruz Bay and VINP Need more parking in Cruz Bay and VINP Roads should be widened Need more parking, 11 Need centerline stripe to keep particularly at Trunk Bay drivers on their side of the road large vehicles are a safety issue Vehicle speeds are a safety issue ~ I • •\ I • • • • • • \ •••• I"-) Taxis need to improve customer service Need better marine facilities ,vi___, Ii .• C\' ···1 ~ I I""''"'"'"¾ ? ~ .. •• •• Scenic overlooks are overcrowded • I • Need separate bike/ped path; roads are unsafe for walking and biking • • . • • • Cruz Bay needs more parking December 2009 Need emergency vehicle access between NSR and Centerline Road \ i S ~Jn·, !ocat,or:s • I I - '\ • ♦ • .•· "'· . • • • • . . • \: / ·~ ~ Pave hiking trails so that vehicles can use them I V;,' ••• ~ ,,, 151~ •••••;"ds "-'ac •••••'Onu 1 • • • Park • • • Bou ~ ~ •••• nda ~~ ' .... Need improved emergency access to Coral Bay/eastern side of island • ~--· \ . , I ---. y ~ r....:=:::::::-------...J Need erosion and sediment control treatments for Need safer connections between parking and trailheads . • ·•. : • • • • • • • 1 •• • ...... ' o.s 0 N A 1 Miles 6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS This section presents the recommendations of the Transportation Scholar based on what she has learned at VINP. The Steering Committee will need to vet and refine these recommendations as well as develop their own. The recommendations have been organized into projects, plans, and policies, and where possible, have been fonnatted as one-page summaries to aid with project proposals. While this plan attempts to summarize the general transportation issues for VINP, there is significant additional effort required to thoroughly investigate and prioritize solutions. The material presented here represents an Important first step by opening a dialogue on the issues and summarizing essential background information. The key overarching recommendations are: • Develop a St John Transportation Management Association to implement projects and continue the planning process; and • Engage a professional mediator to facilitate public outreach and help make progress on transportation issues. Virgin Islands Natlonal Park Alternative Transportation Plan PROJECTS December 2009 ) ) ) ) ) 6.1 Support Scheduled Service Managed by the Local Taxi Industry Description: A frequently heard public comment on St. John was the need for additional transportation alternatives to help alleviate parking demand. One solution is to work with local taxi drivers to provide scheduled service in the Park. Regular circulation will even out distribution of transportation services to include underserved areas. Currently, people are sometimes "stranded" in locations that are not regularly visited by taxis. Knowing that some taxis circulate on a scheduled route will allow people to pre-plan their trip and not rely on a rental car. The Plan Advisory Committee is comprised of representatives from the local taxi industry and the VI Taxi Cab Commission (TCC), which is the local government agency responsible for regulating taxis. The TCC asked the taxi representatives to propose a plan to the Park for scheduled service to be managed and operated by the drivers. Where feasible, the Park should help to improve taxi operations to strengthen the relationships with the local taxi businesses. A common goal of the Park and the taxi businesses is to reduce the number of private/rental vehicles. Specifics: Provided that the scheduled service improves transportation conditions and customer service, the Park would prefer- and the TCC has requested- that the system be managed and operated by the taxi drivers. The Park would support the system when and where appropriate, such as providing signage and shelters for waiting passengers (see photo below). The taxi industry would be responsible for dispatch operations and management of taxi stands. Since fares are regulated by the TCC, the taxis would still charge the official taxi cab rates (Appendix F) regardless of whether they are operating on a schedule or not. The TCC has indicated that VINP cannot purchase and operate its own shuttle vehicle without a medallion because it would be a vehicle-for-hire and therefore regulated by the TCC. Plan Goals Supported 1. Reduce parking demand. z. Establish scheduled transportation service. 5. Improve wayfinding and traffic signage and post VITRAN schedules. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental cars for mobility and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and _ customer service. Next Steps: • Continue to work with the Advisory Committee to solicit a propos;il from the taxi drivers on scheduled service and to strengthen relationships with the leaders of the taxi industry. • Continue to build a partner-Ship with the TCC. • The Steering Committee should discuss ways of providing an additional transportation alternative if scheduled service managed by the taxi industry turns out not to be feasible, such as: ::;, Install technology (like intercom systems) at various locations in VINP for passengers to call a taxi via a central taxi dispatch operated by the TCC or taxi industry. o Consider offering a concession contract wHh an electronic ticketing system to ensure auditable ridership data. •') Work with VITRAN/PWD to expand transit service to North Shore Road. " Consider purchasing a medallion from the TCC and operating a VINP shuttle. • Possible funding sources for facilities such as shelters include: o ATPPL/Transit in the Parks .) Surface Transportation Program Transportation Enhancements ~ Public Lands Highway Program Discretionary Fllnds ~ Federal Lands Highway Program - Park Roads and Parkways Program Category 3 Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) Ways that VINP Can Improve Visitor Experience by Helping to Improve Taxi Operations Where feasible, the Park should help to improve taxi operations to strengthen the relationships with the local taxi businesses. 1. Provide signs at scenic overlooks to discourage excessively long parking and to encourage vehicles to pull forward. Keep vegetation trimmed to maximize overlook capacity. Developed by Cool Signs. One sign option reviewed by the Steering Committee for installotion at scenic overlooks. 2. Consider a paved connection between North Shore and Centerline Roads (such as Catherineberg Road) to provide an alternate route during Carnival and improve emergency access between the beaches and the health clinic. 3. Improve parking and taxi staging at Trunk Bay; consider an off-site waiting area from which taxis can be called by a dispatcher. 4. Work with taxi drivers to promote alternatives (such as island tours) during high surf advisories when beaches are closed. S. When appropriate, contribute to TCC taxi driver training to address misunderstandings about park regulations and to promote improved customer service. 6. When scheduled service is implemented, collaborate on an automatic vehicle location (AVL) system. This would involve GPS transmitters on taxis conveying real-time data to displays at shelter stops so that waiting passengers know how far away the next taxi is. December 2009 ) ) ) 6.2 Develop a Traveler Information and Parking Management System Description: Excess parking demand is one of the most significant challenges that VINP currently faces. A Traveler Information and Parking Management System would help to manage parking demand by 1) conveying to visitors how to visit the Park without a private vehicle; 2) enhancing the attractiveness of transportation alternatives by making them safe, convenient, and user-friendly; and 3) if visitors do use a private vehicle, directing them to locations that have parking capacity at that time. In addition, using technology to help manage transportation and encourage the use of alternative modes makes VINP a showcase for environmental sustainability. Specifics: This project would use Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to help manage parking demand and circulation in the Park. Status updates would be communicated to visitors to advise them of parking and transportation conditions. For example, knowing which beaches have parking capacity will allow visitors to plan accordingly, potentially even leaving ~he:: vd :ich: out;;;! ..... :h? Park and opting for a taxi. Such a system could include sign locations at the autobarge dock in St. Thomas so that visitors could leave their car there rather than bringing it to St. John. Among the ways information would be communicated are: 1. a printable transportation guide on the VINP website so that visitors know about alternatives to renting a car; 2. real-time variable message signs stationed along North Shore Road, at the Visitor Center and at the Park entrance; 3. cell phone alerts; 4. real-time website updates, including Twitter and Facebook; 5. variable message signs at visitor kiosks, fee stations, and along roadways. If/when a scheduled taxi system is implemented, the TIS/PMS could be upgraded to indicate to visitors at a stop how far away the next taxi is (15 minutes, etc.) based on GPS technology added to the vehicles. Plan Goals Supported: In addition to the goals below, this project addresses the issue of relevance expressed by the NPS Director. By improving technological access via the internet, VINP would be more connected to younger generations that seek information and updates on websites like Twitter and Facebook. 1. Reduce parking demand. 3. Improve safety. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental cars for mobility and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. 11 11 Examples and Resources: • Gateway National Recreation Area-Sandy Hook and Cape Cod National Seashore Parking Management Systems • Great Smoky Mountains Strategic ITS Plan: http://www.ef1,fhwa.dot.gov/files/programs/lTS-Plan- Brochure.pdf • NPS ITS Fact Sheet: http://www.npS:.gov/transportation/tmp/documents/Factsheets/ finalitsfactsheet.pdf • Overview of ITS Applications: http://www.itsoverview.its.dot.gov/ • NPS Transportation Management Program: http://www.nps.gov/transportation/tmp/lTS.htm Next Steps: • • • • Conduct a wireless system assessment to evaluate the "communication backbone." Identify partnerships and working relationships for coordinated solutions. For example, VIPA, ferry companies, and the VI PWD are potential partners. A St. John TMA could lead the effort for a Tcaveler Lnformation and Parking Management System to help visitors plan their trip from home. This would improve communication ancl customer service, noted themes in public input and the plan goals. Possible funding sources include: _ Coordinated Technology Implementation Program : Technology Deployment and Initiatives Partnership Program ~ ATPPL/fransit in the Parks ·, Surface Transportation Program ~ Transportation Enhancements .:, Public Lands Highway Program Discretionary Funds ::, Park Roads and Parkways Program Category 3 Challenge Cost Share -- Incentive Awards , Project Planning Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) Traveler Information/Parking Management System Examples A test ol ln1el!igen1 Tramportation Systems at Great Smoky Mountains National Park Electronic signs conveying real-time information will allow visitors to plan accordingly, potentially even leaving their vehicle outside the Park and opting to take a safari bus. Such a system could include sign locations at the autobarge dock in St. Thomas so that visitors could leave their car there rather than bringing it to St. John. Signs along North Shore Road would direct drivers to beaches and other attractions with available parking to avoid spillover parking at the most popular beaches. December 2009 CJ<- (;)"""' m-- Cll- --=-.. C ~ ?-=-- y_,._ ,_ ~ -... ~ ~ at: Yosemite Valley Shuttle System -I .,. A. ·,,_, 'Q.""..,-- CD ~ .. :;:,,., .: ._ s,-..... -.,~""l~NV;l/!.:lr-<AJ,tOftj,fl\S'\l~~t~dGn'~"'~'.'!~ .. ~~~Jl;~~,<Qn 1~.1ri.,1t1;itt,,,,..,..,.,C'\,.41r ... "('illl.lfr.r?t.c~-~ uv......-. .. ~t"'tll ..... .,~""".,,l~•~~:..,.,r...o~b:~~ty~JIU¥'~l~C,-,.~~1c.,,.~,~"'""' Stoi>• ~ _....,. g= -- 0 -- -- -- _..__ = ,.. __ -- - _ ... _,., ..... -- ,-mm«= --""" = c:.,,,·~ o.,._,.,,._ ~,.....a:. ~,.... .... ,,. '-' ...... "-'~ o._.._ i i..,.W.,,.Jn,eeltt Including a map of the transportation system on the Park website and links to bus and ferry schedules helps visitors to plan their trip before they even leave home. It may also influence their decision whether to rent a car or rely on public transportation. ) ) ( Yowm,tc llat,onal Pdlk • Current Condohon> (U.S. 1141/onal Park Sotv1ce) Mocro,ott ln1ernet Explore, prOVlded b~ tl•Uon F,111._u•111tt., "'-"ll•ri q ..... ,,\l"" Current Conditions Or.,r 1,,.-1, Ruotd S'l-ttu~ U• ~"l7J•:ri"rJG {pi'~U : :_r,,ie,, I• IC4" ~1'1; me~ up-10•.1.i!-:: ~:2 tr..trt tthc .n!orm3!k?n oet,1111 on.I-, n•,,ca•. pt.\nM·n cv f°"-Q•:~rm t"lMl.lr~ I Ylt•"'ono1 Ro<;tJ (!-1,iJhf'laY •"'l lli.•rn f,w~) £,r~ tS•1C•~l'\ll~t r1•1""' t~,1 C'h1nri,.,.-,piri,1 (llll~tttt ,1,.u.u 4ttleU.1 tl,uhhJ1ii 41 UUl'M<I(• .,.,.,-uut.eJ HIQ 0Alc r1"t RlMd (►"'.)!M\/ t,O:: fr-rffl •h"ft<:,11,,....-.Al'I 1•,~~C) Open {C11to,_t1-'"'hcu1 .at,..ut thtJb:w.,y I JII ,wJ uJ• Y-,;'-l"ouJ~~ rl Pcu1nl Rood (1'-Qt":,,_,y t40 ,.,..,_,... 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Great Smoky Mountains National Park :;-,~;:_:,~;,.,_ ... ~ ,- :.:~ 2009 Smokies Trip Planner Tips on Auto Touring in the National Park Cn.,5ad'J.M.ou.,uh.1S~S\ft .otOl'llf,HV\-f~71!.lio,)ae"f", ~iootot~Q·•ntC:OU•-b o,t,c,J.Aaucu.af:l.m..p,t,,\tl6ft ,..~._.,.,~~b Ch~~~~ aJ bl'tD ~-.,ottw hr.rm '11Mn-Q'lltt17D-.'.ndru.Jbttw S»oO• Mioollf.u•pn...a.~ """'lli'P"'"': n,.a.h an~~~ ca:iJil:.ocl b Y.1..,J,IJJ~IJr.w.ao,.c,iobl,:,1 Dr.1",Di bdi11lo0ul'CU\lf'~CWW ~ :t:'Ct"flr~..1.7ttn.l:'bttiaot.,t.Jaw~ .btl,. u.11 :O• :0--ctpUtO(OOH,..,_'fO,I bru'"~ ~J bn}" tai)..r(. lCJQ.1' 'Ulc.«- hu ~, -,.cmatt ~.l!tlf\."""' •t • tw ·2·ur,'~..btcD~1t1rou:aoJt:-A nl;",tj4 ~f,.,: of1Ql,I 11:\Jilnlll:!t br MJJ,.(I ~OI~~ For 1Jp-to--rbe-mim1rf' park wtath« and road informotion. call (86S)4:16-1 l00 Tbtb)oor..tCUI ~l:Cl&olNmtol <M pilliD:llC~,Cl'IMJI lb p.&l'Cbw , c:o;,-du»p&N,o&culrv..SpltJt,ri* ....,....5aio,c,, ~ ,,, Cit (U~ <4l'7Jll. 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TS,~~ lN mtr, wt~'- nJ•~Jlo11Tn AoMlr.tt ForL Mok'lr N1g,nl\d(,:D!n., p.,.•J.:CoMJ bcbwt 8-w,&JJJ R\'111t ftOCpc.r.tlllQJo:-.et~:...iNnu.il~ A 11.-p,2#10W, t.iJ ~o~ rwc. ~ J.,,phr..c:.oJ h::.J.rit'~t..r.m"..i'-Aun ~Ccf..r.tQ.°'<W":JXtoi6.:t":l)t .. uJl'oCa•H:.■ontSr..n~i.tpor: P.aa,J';txgQN~~ No,lonol Potk S,rvict r.,,wt. 1'l"Ory ~ ~ ,n IS "'~ t:IJh lnl!d ~2»"1tOCOl'\.III ,o ~ Ttlf)Qllt\."'f'INol"~h,a.1:n ~·'llllt]\~Pfmfflt:>lffl'ffll. &'> a:,1_...N~M'\SIWtla~)rw, NICn Uljl(U lnO ft wiid ~~ e-«111\ ~ t,snwdtb"'~olNS3ITlt.., aQ\~Jrdt,'i..d'lmurdMwll 'otMlttnl ~bf'll~~of t\lU"tQIN'!'.1:.on&.· ~~CHI 0rNn:rl'IBltN ,-C,ofl&l~V~lrlcn.w,g .,,__~a;ilt,nlOOnlfrcw.twd ,...._._,,-.,.o~oo.,,nbte11 "••N'-9'_,~~--~I .. ..,..,..)OIQN. ) Informing visitors of their transportation alternatives ahead of time {including rates, schedules, and routes) is necessary to reduce reliance on rental cars. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) 6.3 Develop an lntermodal Facility at the VINP Dock in Red Hook Description: The VINP facility at Red Hook currently consists of parking, a dock, and administrative office space (Figure 15). Park employees who live on St. Thomas park there and board a ferry to St. John. Red Hook presents an opportunity to strengthen the Park's presence on St. Thomas, improve VINP access, and make visitors' travel to St. John more convenient (which may encourage them to visit the Park without bringing a car to St. John). The site offers an alternative means to St. John when the seas are too rough to travel by boat from Charlotte Amalie: visitors can drive or be bussed to Red Hook for a significantly shorter boat ride to St. John. Specifics: The Transportation Scholar prepared a conceptual plan as shown in Figure 16. VINP is working with the DPNR Division of Fish & Wildlife to reconstruct the boat ramp. The Park has determined that certain operational restrictions will be necessary: • No boat traffic to or from the British Virgin Islands. • CUAs can pick up their guests at the Red Hook facility provided that they are visiting the Park. • • Dock reconstruction will take place in phases so that it can be kept open. The size and width of vessels will need to be regulated . Plan Goals Supported: 1. Reduce parking demand. 8.ISe accessible for physically-challenged people. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental car.s for mobilitY and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. 13. Improve mobility and accesslbllity within the Park. December 2009 Examples and Resources: • Many national parks have developed intermodal facilities and park-and-ride lots, including Rocky Mountain, Acadia, and Zion. Next Steps: • • • Continue to work with the Division of Fish and WIidiife on the boat ramp reconstruction . Revise the conceptual plan in Figure 16 . Conduct a site survey and develop preliminary plans . • Possible funding sources include: ATPPL/Transit in the Parks Surface Transportation Program Transportation Enhancements _ Public Lands Highway Program Discretionary Funds Federal Lands Highway Program Park Roads and Parkways Program Category 3 NPS line-Item Construction Program Annual Operating Funds or Park Base Challenge Cost-Share Project Planning ) Figure 15: Existing VINP Facility at Red Hook , .. -...J. DOCK--::_-- PARKING__/ ("'35 CARS) ... "---ENTRANCE '\. / BARGE RAMP , CISTER~ ~XIT PAt:il • y (~s CARS)_/ ADMIN'15TRATIVE OFFICES \_Gk0 GENERATOR \ F-M~LOYEE \_pARKING (GRAVEL) : 0 ~ 1 100' j Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) Figure 16: Conceptuol Pion for Red Hook tnrermodol Focility December 2009 ) ) ) ) PLANS ) Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page37 ) ) ) 6.4 Create a St. John Transportation Management Association to Manage Travel Demand Description: Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) are non- profit organizations established by private and public entities in a particular geographic area such as a downtown, mall, hospital, or industrial park. They provide an institutional framework for implementing Travel Demand Management (TOM) programs (such as rideshare coordination, walking and bicycling incentive programs, etc.) to help organizations account for the transportation impacts of their employees and guests/visitors. ATMA also creates a mechanism by which multiple stakeholders can work collaboratively to address transportation issues. TMAs are usually more cost effective than programs managed by individual agencies. By pooling resources, TMAs allow smaller businesses and organizations to offer more TOM options for their employee:; and constituents. Most importantly, the TMA brings stakeholders together to find shared solutions to shared p~o:lerns. A primary function of the St. John TMA would be to sustain partnerships to implement transportation improvements. Specifics: ATMA improves the efficiency of a transportation system by encouraging the use of alternative modes. The TMA accomplishes this by administering TDM programs, which aim to reduce single occupancy vehicle trips. Example TMA programs and projects: • Ridesharing/carpooling • Siting park and ride lots • Subsidizing transit passes • Managing a Traveler Information System Examples and Resources: A Guide to Successful Transportation Management Associations: www.nctr.usf.edu/dearlnghouse/pdf/tma handbook final.pdf For more TMA and TOM information, see the Victoria Transport Policy Institute website at: http://www.vtpi.org/. The Rural Community TOM section has strategies that may be particularly applicable to St. John. The Campus Area Transportation Management Association (CA TMA) is a nonprofit, employer-based organization formed in 1992 to enable its members to share resources as well as jointly plan, develop, and manage all transportation and parking programs, infrastructure, and associated facilities. CATMA's TOM programs include rideshare matching services and guaranteed ride home, subsidized and free transit passes, bike/walk reward program, incentives to park off-site, and flex time polices. CATMA tracks the success of its programs with surveys twice a year. The programs that CATMA manages have • significantly reduced sing!e occupar,cy vehicle us::-w~i!c :ncreasing use of other modes. CATMA website: http://www.catmavt.org/ I Next Steps: The Steering Committee c;'rthe VINP Alternative T(ansportation Plan could evofve into a St, John Transportation Manageme_nl Association. The St. John TMA would be an independent organization. Although it is recommended in this Plan, VINP would not lead the effort. The Steering Committee can initiate the development of the St. John TMA by: • Continuing ro meet monthly to discuss how to Implement the recommendations of this plan and identify ot er potential projects to improve transportation on St. John. u• Determining how to lund the TMA; for example, througl1 grants, TMA • Encouraging walking and biking • Telecommuting membership fees, transportation impi,lct fees paid to the territory by developers, etc .. 1------------------------------l • Hiring an executive director to organize and lead the efforts of the TMA. • Supporting local carsharing organizations' Plan Goals Supported: A St. John TMA would support all tfle goals of this Plan as it provides a cooperative framework within which to implement projects that will improve tr.ansportarion. • Developing a map that shows all aspects of the 5~. John transportation system: roads, parking, taxi stands, hi.king trails, boat ramps and docks. ferry docks. etc. 1 Carsharing is an hourly car rental program that would benefit residents and visitors alike. See examples at http://www.citycarshare.org/, http://www.phillycarshare.org/, and http:ljwww.zipcar.com/. De<ember 2009 ) ) 6.5 Develop a VINP Parking Plan and Establish Parking Management Strategies Description: In order to protect park resources while improving visitor experience, a parking plan should be developed to identify needed improvements and to establish strategies for managing demand. Although alternative transportation will be used to reduce demand, some parking expansions within the Park will be necessary. Most importantly, a coordinated, systematic approach must be taken since vehicle trips originate outside of the Park. The St. John TMA should lead the development of a St. John Parking Plan, to include facilities in Cruz Bay and Coral Bay. In addition, VINP should develop its own internal parking plan for park facilities. i-----------------------------------1 Specifics: A parking inventory has been completed in Appendix D and can be a starting point for planning expansions. The following is a list of suggested management strategies: • Reduce the size of the VINP fleet: implement a scheduling system for staff to reserve cars and use fewer vehicles more often. • Keep all but the most essential government vehicles at Maintenance to keep spaces open for visitors. Move employee parking to Maintenance as well. • Using one of the fleet vans, implement an employee shuttle to circulate park housing hourly in the AM and PM to provide an alternative to driving. Examples and Resources: • NPS units that charge for parking: o Sandy Hook Unit of Gateway National Recreation Area o Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (West Beach) o Golden Gate National Recreation Area and National Mall are considering parking meters as a transportation demand strategy (see next page) • Victoria Transport Policy Institute Parking Solutions: http://www.vtpi.org/td m/td m 72.htm Next Steps: • Implement the V/NP Transportation Study parking recommendations. (See Implementation Plan in Section 7 O.) • Discuss possible park-and-ride facilities with DPNR and PWD. Assess the feasibility of a park-and-ride at the Pa k maintenance complex. • As an environmental sustainability initiative, encourage employees (particularly those • Identify stakeholders and candidates for plan steering who live at Lind Point) to walk and carpool to work. committee. • Charge for parking in VINP to create a disincentive for renting a vehicle and create an incentive for taking a taxi. A trial system could be arranged at Trunk Bay to see if this approach is worthwhile. Taxis would not be charged for parking. See "Examples and Resources" and "Parking Fees" table below. Plan Goals Supported: 1. Reduce parking demand. 3. Improve safety. 8. Be accessible for physically-challenged people. 10. Improve visftor experience and customer service. 13. Improve mobility and acc-essibility within the Park. • • • I I I Monitor parl<ing demand to evaluate effectiveness. Prioritize parking expansions within the Park. Identify partnerships to implement recommended projects . Possible funding sources include: - Surface Transportation Program Public Lands Highway Program Discretionary Funds : Federal Lands Highw.:iy Program Park Roads and Parkways Program Category 1 (4R) & 3 - NPS Line Item Construction Program Congressional Earmark in Transportation Reauthorization _ Challenge Cost-Share , Project Planning ) Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) Parking Fees The potential for implementing parking fees must first involve a public process to solicit community input. Two units in the National Park Service, National Mall and Golden Gate National Recreation Area, are considering parking fees as a transportation demand management strategy. The authority to establish these fees will either be a Recreation Fee Authority (Expanded Amenity) or a Transportation Fee Authority. 1 With either approach, a civic engagement process must occur specifically for parking fees in accordance with the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act. (A third approach would be to have a partner (typically a non-profit) operate a paid parking facility. Gettysburg National Military Park has such an agreement with a partner.) 1. Recreation Fee Authority: Expanded Amenity Fee • From the Recreation Fee Guideline, Chapter 2: Section 2.1.2 Expanded Amenity Fees: As authorized by FLREA (16 U.S.C. 6801-6814; P.L. 108-447, Division J, Title VIII), expanded amenity fees, formerly known as use fees, are assessed when the visitor uses a specific or specialized facility, equipment, or service. Examples of expanded amenity fees include but are not limited to: comping (tent, trailer and RV sites), use of sanitary dump stations, boat launch, boat rentals, movies, swimming pools, theatre programs, enhanced interpretive program or special tours, group day use areas, audio tour devices, binoculars, or other equipment. • A parking fee can be considered an expanded amenity because it improves transportation in the park by reducing parking demand. • Park keeps 80% of collected revenue, while the remaining 20% goes to the Park Service. Parking Meter Technology 2. Transportation Fee Authority • From the Recreation Fee Guideline, Chapter 2: Section 2.1.8 Transportation Fees: Transportation fees os authorized by the National Parks Omnibus Management Act of 1998 {16 U.S.C. 5981; P.L. 105-391, Sec. 501} are collected to recover costs associated with an NPS-provided transportation system. These fees are managed by the Fee Program in conjunction with the Transportation program. • 13 park units use transportation fees • Park keeps 100% collected revenue • National Mall and GGRA are considering categorizing paid parking as a transportation fee. • Planners at National Mall are contemplating using parking fee revenue to support a visitor transportation system (VTS). • Revenue can be used for: o Annual NPS operating and maintenance costs. o Service contract costs for VTS operations. o Capital costs or start-up costs; and o Supplemental to base funding for the operations and maintenance of a visitor transportation system. Multi-space meters reduce clutter and can include features such as solar power, wireless capabilities, and acceptance of credit card payments. "Smart Meters" can be programmed as part of the Traveler Information System to provide real-time info. See 'Smart' parking meters catching on across U.S.: http://www.usatodav.com/tech/news/techinnovations/2009-02-23-smartmeters N.htm 1 See Director's Order 22: Recreation Fees and Reference Monuol 22: Recreation Fee Guideline. December 2009 ) ) ) 6.6 Develop a Park Sign Plan Examples and Resources: Description: One of the most frequently heard public comments was the need for improved signage. A Park Sign Plan would focus on all types of signs (park identity, motorist guidance, traffic regulatory, and visitor information) and Include the following components: • Office of National Park Service Identity- How to Develop a Parle Sign Plan: • Sign Inventory and Condition Assessment • Determination of Needs • Sign Demolition Plan • Sign Location • Sign Drawings Specifics: Per the Office of National Park Service Identity: Like Long Range Interpretive Plans or General Management Plans, a Park Sign Plan is invaluable in determining how a park will communicate with its visitors and manage its assets. However, unlike a GMP or LRIP - which can be quite broad - a Pork Sign Plan includes the detailed specifications needed to implement its strategic recommendations. In other words, in addition to establishing comprehensive and long-range goals for a park's sign program, the Park Sign Plan includes the detailed drawings and other specifications needed http://www.hfc.nps.gov/uniguide/pages/04 purchase.html ~ Lowell Nation HistoriCGI Par .. ·, + lllsltor Ci?nter SPEED LIMIT 10 to acquire individual signs. Next Steps: lop:j-:la:;n:;r,G:;o::-;a~l~s<S;u;--;p~p:;-:o~rt~e~dj:":-=~53i;~;:!iii=~~~~TI;:";~~~~, • Contact the NPS Harpers Ferry Center to discuss options and costs. 3. Improve safety. • Possible funding sources include: c ATPPL/Transit in the Parks 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. :: Surface Transportation Program 5. Improve wayfinding and traffic signage and post VITRAN schedules. c Transportation Enhancements 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. u Public lands Highway Program Discretionary Funds 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. ::: Federal Lands Highway Program ,, Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act Program c Annual Operating Funds or Park Base '.) Cultural Resources Preservation Program o Information Publications Program o Project Planning o Sign Replacement Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) 6. 7 Continue to Investigate Feasibility of a Bike Path Description: Many in St. John have expressed strong interest in improved bicycle facilities such as bike lanes on North Shore Road or a separated a bike path. The VINP Transportation Study indicates that it is unlikely North Shore Road will be widened for motor vehicles, much less bike lanes. 1 The 1984 Pork Road Swndards state that "If bicycling is encouraged, consideration must be given to providing safe travel ways. Separate bikeways are the best alternative." For these reasons, a separated trail is a more feasible alternative to widening North Shore Road for a bike lane. The next step in investigating the feasibility of a bike path is to identify and review impacts to natural and cultural resources. Specifics: A proposed alignment for a bike path has been developed in three segments for this initial investigation, as shown in Figure 17. General design specifications are included in Appendix G. 1. Lind Point: converting the Lower Lind Point Trail to a bike trail. 2. Caneel Bay Resort: working with management to assess the feasibility of an alignment through the resort. 3. Maho-Francis Bays: conducting a survey to assess impacts of a proposed alignment {Figure 18) and revising it as needed to mitigate impacts. The areas between these three initial sections, including Hawksnest and Peter Bays, will be considered in a later phase. They were initially separated out due to private property constraints, but the Park should reach out to property owners to measure their level of interest in a bike path. Plan Goals Supported 1. Reduce parking demand. 3. Improve safety. 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 8. Be accessible for physically-challenged people. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental cars for mobility and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. 1 See Appendi~ D of 2006 VINP Transporration Study. December 2009 I Resources: National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program: http://www.nps.gov/ncrc/programs/rtca/ Guide to Promoting Bicycling on Federal Lands, September 2008, Publication No. FHWA-CFL/TD-08-007 Next Steps: • Identify and review natural and cllltural resource impacts with VINP Resource Management. • Continue public outreach to solicit input. Develop partnership with VI government. ,.!' Develop prelfminary plans for convei;ting the Lower Lind Pofnt Trail to a bike path. o. Approach management of Caneel Bay Resort to determLne tl:le level of interest in a bike path traversfng the property. I • Continue to work wi. h the Friends of VINP to secure a survey of the Mabo- Francis segment to assess potential impacts. Revise alignment and identify IU 0 11 mitigatlon. Develop preliminary plans. 11 • Begin a second phase of investigatlon to "fill in the gap" between Caneel and Maho Bays. Approach land owners in Peter Bay and Hawksnest Bay to determine the level of interest in a bike path traversing these areas. Conduct an 11.. initial assessment.of natural resource impacts to propose a potential alignment. ...... Possible funding sources include: II Friends of VINP _ ATPPL/Transit in the Parks _, Recreational Trails Program Surface Transportation Program _ Transportation Enhancements ., Public Lands Highway Program Discretionary Funds c Park Roads and Parkways Program Category 1 (4R] or 3 , Private sources - NPS Line-Item Construction Program - Challenge Cost Share Incentive Awards '.) Project Planning Figure 17: Bike Path Segments Phase 2 to investigate the possibility of "filling in the gap" by approaching private property owners between Caneel and Maho Bays to determine the level of interest in a bike trail traversing these areas. Poss;bilitv of bike trail traversing Caneel Bay to be discussed with resort management Bike path follows existing Lower Lind Point Trail -·. 0 Virgin Islands National Park Cruz Bay Cruz. Bay .... ~'l!~_, TNnkBay t:::;: NOlV\ ';....:: ~d_ _, N A 0.5 ~ Bike path is on or adjacent to road ;t,1 Cinnamon Bay '-" ~w:-. Ce11re, line Rd 0.25 0 A 0.5 MIies Legend - Potential alignment _ _._, Hiking trail Park boundary 1~1[~~ Private inholdings Road Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) Figure 18: Proposed Alignment for Maha-Francis Bay Segment Bike Path Feasibility Study Conceptual Alignment Maho-Francis-Annaberg Section Gradations in contour coior represent 100' change in elevation. Alternative alignment FrJIICtS Bay S' bike path- may need retaining wall or other structure for support; alignment to run roughly parallel to north/west side of road, approximately 10'-20' above road 8' bl ke path· parallel to south/east side of road; ~1s-20· of separation between path and road Private parcel in vicinity: "''Ould require easement Prehistoric archaeologie,;,I site In vicinity: path would need to be boardwalk or use tabric filter December 2009 Private parcel in vicinity: would require easeme~ Historic well in vicinity; Route bike path around these areas \ in vIc;nIty: oath would need to j be ooardwalk or use fabric fiiter j 8' bike path- may need retaining wall er other structure for suoport; alignment to run roughly parallel to south/east side of road follow 80' -90' contours. approximately 8' bike path- may need retaining wall or other structure for support; alignment to run roughly parallel to south side of road follow 10'·30' contours, approximately; path to end at beginning of Francis Bay driveway Mangroves on both sides of road. Road is flat and wide enou6h that bicyclists/pedestrians can share Annaberg .,. ·' Sugar Mill , (, 4 Historic Danish Road I 11• ,., 8' bike path- may need retaining wall or other structure for support; alignment to run roughly parallel to west side of road follow 25'·35' contours. approximately ' A 0.1 0.05 0 0.1 Miles Legend Hiking trail - Potential alignment Potential alternative alignment Potentially impacted private property ) ) ) ) 6.8 Work with VI Public Works Department to Identify and Prioritize Safety Improvements Description: Being on a small island puts VINP in a unique position since alternative routes around the Park are only possible by boat. For example, as the eastern shore becomes more developed, the need for alternative emergency accesses has grown. Therefore, VINP and VI PWD should work closely together to identify alternative accesses, whether they involve vehicle roads or boat access. The public appears split regarding new roads in the Park. While many feel that new vehicle roads would open up areas of the Park to more people, many others feel that it would destroy the very resources that make VINP a special place. But most everyone can agree that safety (that is, emergency access) is a priority, as well as maintenance of existing facilities. The need/desire for new roads can be broken into two categories: 1. those that may improve safety by providing emergency access and 2. those that would open the Park to people who cannot or choose not to hike. VINP and PWD must work together to identify and prioritize feasible connections that improve emergency access. For the second category, a mediator will be needed to facilitate the dialogue. Specifics: Among the areas at issue are: 1. A paved connection between North Shore Road and Centerline Road (possibly Catherineberg Road), to improve emergency connectivity between the North Shore beaches and the hospital, and to serve as a bypass to Cruz Bay. 2. A Cruz Bay bypass, immediately adjacent to Cruz Bay and most likely outside of park boundaries. 3. An alternative access from Coral Bay, possibly involving one or more of the following strategies: a. King Hill is going to be paved to provide a second paved access for Coral Bay; Bordeaux Mountain Road (unpaved) is open to traffic and provides a third access. b. VINP is working with the VI Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) to acquire federal surplus property (two bulldozers, one positioned on each end of the island) that could be used to clear Centerline Road in the event of a blockage. c. Improve boat access to the eastern shore. 4. An alternative access from calabash Boom, possibly one or more of the following options: a. Improve boat access to the eastern shore. b. Keep the Bordeaux Mountain Trail as a hiking trail, but widen it to serve as vehicle access road in case of emergency; this would provide a connection through Lameshur to Bordeaux Mountain Road. c. Assess the feasibility of an old (now overgrown) access along the ridge between Johns Folly and the Bordeaux Mountain Road (the alignment is said to loosely follow the park boundary). 5. Other segments that have been discussed as vehicle roads (which are currently hiking trails) are desired to open the Park to visitors who cannot or choose not to hike to these locations. However, the segments (which include the Johnny Horn Trail and a connection between Lameshur and Fish Bay) are not needed as emergency connections between developed areas. I I Plan Goals Supported: 3. 101prove safety. (Other goals may be supported or confounded depending on one's poin~ of view on vehicle roads in the Park.) Next Steps: • Work closely with VI PWD to identify common priorities and assess feasible connections, keeping in mind impacts to Park resources. • Jointly develop a prioritized list of potential connections. • • Identify partnership opportunities. Hire a mediator to facilitate a public outreach process on the subject of opening trails to vehicle access. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) 6.9 Work with VIPA and Stakeholders on Improvement and Maintenance Plans for Cruz Bay Creek Description: VIPA is currently working on a plan for improvements to Cruz Bay Creek (a.k.a., "The Creek") (see Figure 31 on page 91). As discussed in Section 5.6, this area is significant for many stakeholders, including cruise ship excursions, taxi drivers, BVI ferries, US Customs, St. John Rescue, VINP, car rental agencies, day charters, water taxis, and individuals needing dinghy or short-term dock space. In addition to needing to accommodate all of these users effectively and efficiently, the area is a major stormwater outlet that is in need of upstream sedime_nt control treatments. Specifics: Among the numerous items that need to be considered in any plan for this area, there have been several public comments on the need to improve visitor circulation and excursion staging. Currently, cruise ship excursion passengers transfer directly from the vessel to the waiting safari bus tours (parked SO' from where the passengers disembark) with no exposure to the surrounding area. It has been suggested that this process could be improved to allow visitors to walk around Cruz Bay and circulate through the Park Visitor Center, possibly loading on to taxis at the rear of the Visitor Center. Greater circulation like this would benefit the local economy. A sediment control plan for the Creek should include a maintenance plan to prevent the area from filling with sediment and making the dock space unusable. Plan Goals Supported: 3. Improve safety. 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 5. Improve wayfinding and traffic signage and post VITRAN schedules. 8. Be accessible for physically-challenged people. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 13. Address sediment control from unpaved roads. December 2009 Next Steps: • Contact VIPA to ask about the status of the Creek plan and stay involved in the process. • Work with CUAs to understand their operational needs for the area. • Identify partnerships to implement recommended projects. ) ) 6.10 Develop Access Plan for Hassel Island Description: VINP is planning to implement a fee in 2012-2013 to open Hassel Island, in St. Thomas Harbor, to commercial use. As potential activities are proposed by CUAs, the Park will need to review their access plans for safety. Specifics: Hassel Island is planned to be a self-discovery zone, with transportation to and from the island to be commercially provided. Potential activities include: • Kayaking • Hiking • Historic and cultural site visits • Beach visits • Self-guided tours • Boat tours around the island Plan Goals Supported: a, Improve safety. 4. Improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 5. Improve wayfinding and traffic signage and post VITRAN schedules. 7. Provide for alternative-fueled vehicles. 8. Be accessible for physically-challenged people. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental cars for mobility and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. ) Next Steps: • Complete risk assessments. • Identify risk mitigation projects (including signage and education) and enter into PMIS. • Meet with the Historic Preservation Office, Historic Trust, adjacent landowners, and Friends of VINP to identify needs, goals and partnerships. • Meet with CUAs and cruise ships to identify potential activities and transportation needs. • Identify partnerships to implement recommended projects. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) 6.11 Coordinate on Development of a Marine Access Plan Description: Boat access to St. John is severely limited due to lack of dock space, a pump-out facility, and a marina. The Steering Committee should initiate the development of a plan to improve boat access to St. John. It is vital that this be a coordinated effort led by community stakeholders and the local government as it impacts areas outside of the Park. Specifics: A marine access plan would include: • Possible sites for marinas. • Possible sites for pump-out facilities. • Areas where short-term and long-term dock space can be provided/increased. • Areas for dinghy access. • Elements necessary to adhere to requirements of Homeland Security, US Customs, Coast Guard, and other government agencies. • Improvements to mooring facilities. • Improvements to hurricane preparation plans. • Ways to make VINP an "anchorless" park and protection of natural resources. • Discussion of ferry, autobarge, charter, and water taxi access. • Conceptual plans for improvements to the seaplane ramp. Plan Goals Suppor't!ed: 1. Reduce parking demand. 3. Improve safety. 8. Be accessible for physically-challenged people. 9. Reduce visitor reliance on rental cars for mobility and access. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. December 2009 Next Steps: • Contact VIPA and OPNR to ask if there are any marine access planning efforts already in progress. • Work with the DPNR Division of Fish & Wildlife to develop conceptual plans for improvements to the seaplane ramp. • Identify stakeholders and candidates for a plan steering committee. • Plan a public outreach process. • Identify marine access needs and exiSting conditions. • Through the steering committee and public outreach process, develop recommendations for access improvements. • Identify artnerships to implement recommended projects. ) ) ) 6.12 Develop an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for Unpaved Roads Description: Research has shown that on St. John, unpaved roads increase sediment yields S to 40 times over undisturbed conditions. 1 In addition to polluting St. John's bays, the sediment smothers the reefs and kills the coral. Developing a plan to identify and prioritize erosion control treatments for unpaved roads would have a significant impact on this issue. Specifics: The Coral Bay Community Council has taken the lead in addressing this problem, securing a $300,000 EPA grant to implement the Coral Bay Watershed Management Plan. The grant includes a stormwater engineer to identify erosion and sediment control treatments for unpaved roads (which may or may not include paving). Unpaved roads in VINP include: o Bordeaux Mountain Road o King HIii Road o Lameshur Road o Catherineberg Road o Susannaberg Road o Francis Bay Road Plan Goals Supported: 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 12. Address sediment control from unpaved roads. t.. . .• Photo of stormwater runoff entering Coral Bay from VI Resource Conservation and Development Council: Next Steps: • Contact VIPA, DPNR, and VI Resource Con ervation and Development Councii wiJ~11i:.tfy Cv.,-,i·;,.:,,, interest areas and partnership opportunities. • Work with the Coral Bay Community Council to prioritize road segments and identify appropriate erosion/sediment control treatments. • Possible funding sources inahide: o Repair/Rehabilitation Program :; Regular Cyclic Maintenance ~ Water Resources Division -::; Environmental Quality Division-Environmental Impact Analysis ::i Natural Resource Preservation Program (NRPP) Disturbed Land Restoration o Surface Transportation Program c Transportation Enhancements ,:: Public Lands Highway Program Discretionary Funds c Federal Lands Highway '.) NPS Line-Item Construction Program o Project Planning '.) Incentive Awards 'Ramos-Scharron. C. "Measuring and Predicting Erosion and Sediment Yields on St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands," PhD Dis;ertation at Colorado State University, Spring 2004. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) ) POLICIES 6.13 Develop a Policy on Large Vehicles Description: There are few alternative routes on St. John, and the realities of island life require that large vehicles, such as water trucks, are able to access every part of the island. However, the twisting, narrow roads can be challenging for passenger vehicles to negotiate, much less large vehicles. Large vehicles often take up both travel lanes when rounding curves. As discussed in Section 5.5, North Shore Road is under the Park's jurisdiction, while Centerline Road is under the territory's jurisdiction. The Park and relevant territorial government agencies will therefore need to collaborate on the management of large vehicles. , Specifics: Correspondence with other locations facing similar issues suggests that some options are: • Introducing restrictions on the time of day that large vehicles can use the road, so as to avoid peak travel times of other vehicles. • Installing convex mirrors at blind curves. • Assessing where roads could feasibly be widened. • Working with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles to minimize vehicle sizes to the smallest possible (for example, smaller trucks making more frequent trips). • Creating a one-way loop in the Park, using North Shore Road, King Hill, and Centerline Road. Plan Goals Supported: 3. Improve safety. 10. Improve visitor experience and customer service. 13. Improve mobility and accessibility within the Park. December 2009 Page SO Examples and Resources: • Colorado National Monument experiences simflar issues with large vehicles traveling on narrow mountain roads with sharp curves. An NPF Transportation Scholar is studying the issue there, and will complete a report at the end of the assignment. Visit the NPF website (www.nationalparks.org) to view the report when it is complete. • See also: Glacier National Park, Acadia National Park, Chiricahua National Monument • Although vehicle restrictions are often aimed at recreational vehicles, they can also apply to commercial vehicles. Vehicle Size Restrictions on the Going-to-the-Sun Road To help reduce congestion along this narrow winding road. vehicle size restrictions are in effect. Vehicles. and vehicle combinations, longer than 21 feet (including bumpers) or wider than 8 feet (including mirrors), are prohibited between Avalanche Campground and the Sun Point oarkino area. . . . . -~- . . . . . . 10 ; - . : - 8 Feet-: Next Steps: • Complete a safety audit on North Shore and Centerline Roads to understand the number and type of incidents involving large vehicles. • Approacfi the large vehicle operators (such as construction and water delivery companies) to understand their needs and determine the best way to manage large vehicle traffic. • Contact the VI Bureau of Motor Vehicles to find out if there are currently any length/width restrictions on vehicles and if so, how they are enforced. • VINP, Public works, and the Bureau of Motor Vehicles should work closely to coordinate management efforts. • When a policy is determined, involve the VI Police Department to coordinate enforcement. ) 6.14 Summary of Recommendations • I Work with VI Port Authority on plans I for Cruz Bay Creek I ' Work with St. John TM~ on a St. John Parking P;~n I --.! St. Thomas Develop an intermodal facility at Red Hook Develop an access plan for Hassel Island ) Hire a mediator to facilitate a public process on opening hiking trails to vehicles ) Work with VI Public Works to Identify and prioritize safety improvements, including between North Shore and Centerline Roads • • • • Address trailhead parking in VINP parking plan N A 0.5 0 l Miles Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan 7.0 IMPLEMENTATION The recommendations from Section 6.0 above and from the VINP Transportation Study have been organized into projects, plans, and policies ( with some slight adjustments/updates based on Steering Committee discussions). t The process for prioritizing the recommendations is discussed below, followed by the implementation plan. 7 .1 Project Prioritization To prioritize the implementation plan, the recommended projects, plans, and policies were posted on the walls during the November Steering Committee meeting and each person was given ten stickers to place next to the projects which they considered to be most important. The results were compiled and assigned a high, medium-high, medium, medium-low or low priority as shown below. The results are shown in Figure 19. The rankings were entered into the implementation plan and identify the order in which projects should be pursued. # of votes Assigned Priority 5-8 High 3-4 Medium-High 2 Medium 1 Medium-Low 0 Low ~ Originally, the items from the implementation plan were compiled in a spreadsheet to be prioritized (sec example in Figure 20). A basic scoring system was developed to allow each project to be evaluated according to how well it satisfies the plan goals. Additional measures were developed to account for project momentum, public acceptability, implementability, project impact, and maintainability. The Steering Committee was tasked with scoring projects according to how well each member thought they supported the plan goals. However, for various reasons this was not successful. It is essential that a prioritization process be transparent and reflects the plan goals. Therefore, it is recommended that the Steering Committee or VINP staff employ a more rigorous prioritization process, such as scoring the projects using the worksheet in Figure 20. In the meantime, the Transportation Scholar performed this exercise to compare the results and measure how well the recommendations meet the plan goals. The comparison Is included In Figure 19. The most notable differences were in: • the addition of guardrails • investigating the feasibility of a bike path • developing a VINP sign plan • widening roads • developing an erosion and sediment control plan • coordinating on Cruz Bay Creek plans • developing a marine access plan • developing a large vehicle policy • establishing parking management strategies for VINP 1 In some Instances, such as with the numerous parking recommendations In the 2006 study, the Items have been consolidated Into one recommendation, such as for a VINP Parking Plan. December 2009 Page52 Figure 19: Results of Prioritization Processes Priorities that differ by more than two ranks are highlighted in yellow. Projects crallons for users for taxi drivers Parkin• Crute new parklne at Maho Boy Provide visitor oarkin2 around tl,e oerioherv of the ballfield located east of th• VC Provide a trail on the north side of NSR from the Jumble Beach parkln2 lot to the staircase Remove tree, to restore sight distance for Jumble Beach oarkm2 lot S1rlpc, all roads with cemerline stripe and edge stripe Repair ooen catch basin located east of Maho Bav lowtr speed llml1 on Centerline Road near Reef Bay tr all head 10 10 mph and provide signs that warn that pedestrians are ahead Correct thnight distance problems at Intersections and driveways or reduce speed It mils In 1hesc areas 1sec 5e<11on s.~.z in 1he 2006 rronioottotlon Swdv) Repair 1he fl\Jt near Oppenheim" Beach ReconStruct perpendicular barrltr walls to have slanted ends for salctv Add strat,gically placed guardrails for drop-offs and road>lde obstructions Olher Oevc an Inter modal f1c1111 ~t Red Hook Otvel Traveler lnlorma11on S tcm Parkin Mana ement S m,m Plans P11kwf..t• finaDze VINP Alternailve Traniporta1ion Plan Continue to investigate feasibility of a bike path Ocvcloo VINP Sign Pl1n Clarllv definition or ·access" In GMP loeveloo VINP Parkins Plan Roadww Construct paved shoulders on all rural. caved roads on St. John wlthin park boundaries Replace or reduce the severity of the Trunk Bay-Peter Dav iwllchba<ks Widen Nonh Shore Road, Cen1erline Road, and 01her park roads 10 NPS Standards Widen and inuease radius of sharp curves where autos and true.ks often cross the centerline Complete paving on Bordeaux Mountain Road within park boundary Obtain property to recomtru<1 100 degree plus Penn Corn,r on NSR for added safety Evaluate possible improvements lot access road 10 Francis Bay, indudlng; widen drrve to allow 2 cars to pass parked cars; add taxi 1urntround fr~ 1nn and "-''m•nt r,wr<>t Develop •n "oslon and sedlmen1 control plan for unP•ved park ro~ds Olher I Oeveio;; 1ccess plan for Hassel ll1and IN' l and Regional Create a St. John Transportation Management Association (lMA) 10 mana«e 1ravcl demand Work w;1h V1PA and stakeholders on lmpr011ement and maintenance plan, for Toe Creek Coordinate on developmen1 of a marine access plan Coordinate with local agencies regarding planning aed implemenmion of the propoied Cru1 8av oarklna aarue Construct paved shoulders on all rural, paved roads on 51. John outside of park boundaries Complete paving on Boraeaux Mountain Road outside park boundary work with VI Pubhc Won.s Oeaar1men1 to ldeni;lv and oriofltlze saletv imoro,emenu Policies Gen ral Provide access to private pr erty owntr\ surrounded by VINP ~,lop a policy on lar e veh•des £stab5sh pa1kln management st rate ies Work wi1h VIPO lo enforce all 1ralfrc laws. particularly speed limits Enfo,ce handicap parldn« laws 51cerlng Cornmlltee # of votes Priority HI h 2 Medium 1 Medium-low 1 Medium-low 0 Low 2 Medium 0 LQW I Medium-low 0 low 0 low 0 low -3 Medlum·Hlah 6 HI h s Hloh L lor uon Pomt ~nmef\l Med1um,tow 8 Hiah 0 Low ! Medium-low! I Mcdlum•low 1 Mcd1um•Low 2__ Medium 0 Low 0 low 0 Low I Medium-low r Hloh I Transportation Scholar # of points er worksheet 55 ss 80 60 60 60 75 so 15 20 45 105 145 180 !IS 80 30 95 25 s IS 35 10 IS 50 ss Medium-Low M•dlum•low Medlun1 Medium Medium M__edlum Medium Medium-low low low MtdlU11J·lQW Hloh Medlum-!11gh fl,ledfum M•dlum•LOW Medium low low low M•dlum•low low low Mtdlvm-Low I Medium,low! .__...;9S;.;;.. _ _......cM;.;.;ed=lu:.;;m~ 3 Medlum-Hl1h 180 Hiah 0 low as MN!lum I Mtd,um'l.ow uo Mt<ljum.Hl.ii 2 Medium 60 Medium 0 Low 25 low 0 Low 10 low I Medium-Low 55 M•dlum-tow 0 low 10 Low 0 low ,,., Medium 0: Low !OS !'M,llum.Hlgh 2 Medium 95 Medium Medium-Low 75 Medium Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) Figure 20: Project prioritization worksheet example Scale Completely Satisfies/Higher Positive Impact Partially Satl1fles/Lower Positive Impact Neutral/No Impact Partially Contradicts/Lower Adverse Impact Completely Contradicts/Higher Adverse Impact Highest possible score These Off! the recommendations a/ rhe 2006 V/NP Transportation Study updated ta r,fl«t discussions of tht! ATP Steering Committee. Projects schlduled wrvlce man ed b the local taxi Indus e and enforce overlooks to improve operations for users annual tralnln for taxi dtivers Create new _par Icing at Maho BIV Provide visitor parking around the periphery of the balllield located east of die VC 1rJOVlvc I-••• on .,,e •~-•Sloe Ul •Qn ""''' 1ne JUffl"'e --• patung IIH •¥ -•t! ,_. Rf!fflove trees to restore sight dlst3nce for Jumble Beach parking lot December 2009 lOpolnts SpoinU Opolnts -5 points -10 points 180polnts ,:j C "' E .. ... !° ~ a !I ::, -g a: ..; .... ) ... Hlih Pr1Mlty ProJecu score 140 points or more Medlum-Htah Priority Projects SCMe 100 to 140 points Medium PriMity Projects SCMe 60 to 100 poinU Medium-LOW Pr1Mlty Projecu score 30 to 60 points low Priority Projects score Oto 30 points Projects that should no longer be considered score less than O points Goals .,.; ·t ~ "iii -s C .. 9--.. a. B .. i .. Cl,. .. JS "' C ... :: :i ) Other Measures 7 .2 Implementation Plan The implementation plan (Table 2) identifies b,w to move the recommendations forward and is organized into projects, plans, and policies. It ir.cludes the priority assigned by the Steering Committee; whether the project is short-, medium-, or Ion~ -term; the project status as of November 2009; potential partners and funding sources; and specific nexl steps. Regular parking counts should be conducted to monitor parking demand and evaluate effectiveness. Periodic communication with taxi drivers to understand their operational needs and progress will also be a helpful indicator of performance. A valuable resource that should be consulted for further information is the Park Road and Parkways Program Handbook: Guidelines for Program lmplementation.1 A transportation funding summary for NPS projects has been compiled in Appendix H. 7.3 Next Steps The NPS Southeast Regional Office (SERO) provided input on the various plan recommendations. Taking this input under consideration, the Transport,1 tion Scholar has drafted project statements for four of the recommendations (the sign plan, the parking plan, the erosion and sediment control plan, and the traveler information and parking management system) to apply for funding in the NPS Project Management Information System (PMIS). Many of the recommendations are simply initiatives which require little to no funding, but rather just an effort on the part of the Park to reach out to potential partners or establish policies; for example, developing a policy on large vehicles and coordinating on development of a marine access plan. 1 NPS and FHWA, January 2008; available at http:/Jwww.nps.gov/transportation/roads/library.htm. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) Tobie 1: ,,,,,,,,,_,_ Pb, Implementation Plan: Recommended Projects -ptlon ~ ..,_ ___ ..,.,.. ..... 11.ilod....., M:1n11e ll'ld enfCl'Cf' OWriooks to Improve Ol)fta110ttsfotuse-n Ccnsld:er IMUal tr.in:n,fot tad drivtrs ParldlUI! 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"""'1•• t'j<llc M .... _ TCC - M,y alttady be In o,o,veu Parlr. Base. Slp'I flrpllCtmfflt,, YCC. OISCUS.SwithVI PWD -- Vll'WD CNU.fflll!' Cml·Shase. Rl!aeatlanal Passl:tila musuN of lffte1Jwn111: mor1'10, crash ditl fer CN~lra - IIDlft ot 1&ftty program ,,.-,-.am nun:11itr of connicts ai U'>N'lfld ioc:,oon, ) ) Torm Dtscrtptlon Ott.Ill PrlorllY Sllort Within I V••r Statu,1 Pot..ni.lP•rtnen Pottnllll funcllo1 Sources NtztSttpS Mtdium: wldl!n S ,,..,. Lona:-• dlon Syoan Hr#ll'ltffBi, Jun\blt 8ay Sach P1tklna Clu1"10...looll UndPont-..ondBIO_,. .. ..,,.etnte, CMittr e., o..iertoo': Surlkc TrlnsportttiOn PtCICflm Cltlffl hy Tf'Udl al'ld (m;t!Offf tnttal'IC• Publl<,_...,.,..,,...,.,. CMIHI bf,,.,_, °"'"'....,., '"""' I PUtDI COnKt tl'te IICftl dla.t.anct protillffll at Glbrlty~O.,cO ledoroll.>ndsHIIJM"I' intttstc11on1 lftd drtwwaft or ,tdl.iot sptfd limits Poet RII Plrl:ln, Pant Rol:ds Ind Parkwayf Propam 1-denUfy ,~.ation ro, act1 probl(>M "'" l"IMMlltC'll ,,.... ... a..,_ I.Ow ......... VIPWO IPRPIC:.t~l-JOo,4)1 tlN Pl&'fl 105•107 In lOOti VrNP r,on!pOtl'alion , ................ HPS Une-ltem Construc.tlon Pl'Ol,lam ProssUN menuta flleftec&lftfttn: fflOIUtQfcrmhda:a for IM."t,JHin _, ,...,.., -- number of c:illl'lftcsU !l)tdntd IOatiOnS IOhn ~AOld/Cltl'let!MNtl~~ 2'06tt tto,l:h~tA-Md ~coa-sti.u• OM,mooky ·-- ..... "'"°""~ R.....,C,C,CMo ......... "'"°""~ \'CC CtntMlnt ~ M.otf (sovU\'1df ot "ON. Hit of mut m#tcr 4) Sa~- ... ~1toFr,nc11&.1yAtcfflROld MolloO.,toAMo,,.,.A«fflRoad ~Wldstl~Prv,rtm Alpl4rthepd rlCJI ~117:tf S,.ad'l 0t l)IKt llncm,ona,yNndslPUID) _..., 03plt~t00MttPt--.ddttD a,111 dri.tt1cou!dloMCOtlttol I.Ow - _...,.,....,.. .. ........ le-- Sarti«! Transportattcn Propun PulllcLondsHlpwavPqr.,. VtPWOis-ncon ....,,_.,,_IPUID) fitc~t.ttud pt,~1/,r bar,.., -..D\to ~ LOW - ll'ft~t&fo, VI PWD ·---- tlanled-fo,..i.,_, C.,,,......,Aooclu...,,ol hr\:~andht\wayt,Ptoa,•~ Sa!l!ty- IPltl')c:at,pyl•Jllo, .. NP$ LJne-ltlffll Oinstru=an Pl'Ol'fVI .. ,,. .... Surbc1: Tr~ut,cin Pl'OC,,1.M _,,....,~- VIPWOl>_..,,.00 -,ylundslPI.HD) Add ,.,._pqced_cl, ... fo,_,,,,. --- - lff.Otowttntntstflt YIPWD ftclcnlUndsH- ftmslalaatiU1War1'~:n-..oNtorcrasb~for~in ....Srold..,._ ..... -CtnltflrctltOadJt~of __ ond_Pr_ _.,,_ .... off _ SlfttyPr- l""l Cll-1-JJl o, ..-. kPS Uno Item~ Propam Parle- ••••• ••-----------•-------·--···••·---·------·--·•-······-··--- ·--------·---------------------------------------- Vorgin hlanm Natjonal Parle Altemalive TroMpc,,taliOo Plan Page57 ) U.salpllOII WW _ ... _,,Killy11Rod- Dtvel:0;,1 Traffler lnf~on/P•llrc M1nt1tmfftt Svsttm December 2009 ,,,.ss Dltllls ,._,_ .. ______ !qt,....,, _______ _.,. __ lllfllq...., _ .... -4Pllldt>&•ftd- ..... luuts 1...:1.ldf: l.lmlttd pait~ •.unc ~durq: peak IHll)l'I. wthacii.dar CQn&tstlo,n. ffllibl!Jty of tlld t,h~~ lrllWl,. m:gta,tsl and pcd t,t;fdy, lk, 01WibutO ~fti, WI VIM? wtbsitr. lnformatiomt tirocb,m It hol:"4 <OndOS. rtwtl. W rcntat lltftC.IH. tlo5ts. etc. Promote tr,nw,ortat'°" alttrna\lwts 10 thn ._.'Sitort l.l'INntancl th.It I prl¥1tt ~, 1, not ntceso:ry Up.1o-d11e.. ConslUttrt Info ls tsstni:111 ) Jerm Pllo,1ty Sllott within 1 v-•• 51'111111 Patollllal Partnon Medlum: withln S years Loni: mon, tho• 5 v-ars ...,, - _,.. ....... --·- - Medium- VIPA.lfflY- H.&f> Mt!di1.1tn IIIPWD.St.JohoTMA ) -• Fundln1 SoGtn1 NIIISltPS .,lTPPL/lransll In Ill■ Parlll SUiflf.lt transportation Prosr•m ftMqlOl'tatloA tft!MiMllffltllltl flmllcl.ands.....,,...,. .. -·- _ .. __ ""'_..,_...,_ .... ""' .... ' __ ...,,_....., .... ·-- __ _,,._,,....,.,.., -111o-111..iFUA. (Npy) _,, .... __ __...~ ....... NI'S- ... -~ ~~--.. ~- --°"'- nA c-.r-..i ,_,.,.,, 1n,.tie-,,eaa1>un Pn:tpam .(ondu('l •-irieu Sf5lemasseummtton*mc,_. •com:ta11111iallon ,-...,,_....s ....... _ --· Pal'tntf1h~ ?J'OCtlffl ,....,1y...,. ___ ,_to,_rd,..,. ..... AlfPI/Translt in tM Pa:rts Ff/lfeatmple. vtPA,. fmya,mp,anitS.~1bt vt PWO arc pokn%1,1Jpmnt,J, Surf.Kl! TrzmportaUol'1 PrGpam ·A St. JOM IMAcoutl Ire.ad the eflCJl'lfot I Trawtfel Inf~ IOd Pattiflg Tr.amp:irt.ltlen Enhancemcnls Mlnt&tf"ltn\ $,yM'tffl to l'ltt1>-'sitcf$pll:rt lheit trl?frorn tio:ne, Tlllf. ~ PW!ie~SH\&f'lw,.,Proer1m lrnprovt <OmlflUnitltlOn ltld CUROffief Stt\'IU,. noted thffllft .... ~ l11PUI ~aryF1,1nd1, 111d IN pl.It! IOIIS, Park: Roads and P1rtwavs P•Olftm C..--,3 •~ mtll'ftl of cffcclhrenus: rnontl'lty patbfte count, to monitor O,a!!enp Cost Shan Chan,tt ln dtffllno *SU$ c.apaaty: ytsltat gtisfiKfiatl IU'"" lnCeNiwt Aw&Nb ) Implementation Plan: Recommended Plans .......... 11'11--•tMdlfflATP.lllt-lm--olll>b ...... fwl,1 VINPAl2aDalhlt "1nspo,\l1]0ft Plllil _M.,,._ollK. __ ...,M ___ ,.., ... ....,. fteulj .nwesttptian cf tlVtt stp'Jtf\11: 1·~Lo-tt&.if'dPOltll~blkt'trail J .......... ,,,..,_~.., ...... Contlnvelo ·nva1.-.a~•Q$0Uyof I b1- o,a!tt l·Mll>o-nrc1se., ~-pot-lo,L.....,,....,..:,_,,,,,o __ l -· Tolndude...,.l.lta,y,WMn!nJ....,woyllo,ol!fttolpu: Md-.tj>Nd1m1Sslpsl0111PO,Nlllo)al- __ ......,..,...,.,_. ............ Id.-- - .... ~ldl."'-111 ____ -........... _, ___ ..,. ___ ... ~-Sip- -•---11e-on11 .. - .. .-.. .. -. .... -loll--ltloy .................... """ -"'111•--• .. 11--,..4/ICIO&KlltoMoho ..... ,_ to,-~-llln>.......,tllop1r1IN ....... IOldwayo1-1nd- WOrll wttl'l 10eatai:bnl1'11w1Uon ta lmpltm1nt rKGmrM..ulklnl of DJ Cnu ...,,.do>1dao1nd_,,...Plao Ttt1 Ctl'in!llon ofaa::1ss 11•1w.,or ml'MU of app,oa(hin&.· ttasac(IH1 INYOf notbt•toad.. Tl'.edof,nlllcnol,_11••-""""'"''raw<,,a-iuca."AIOldlla ll'OWl&de1:N fOCOWW\IOeftrl:%100tl11 U-.OGMP; -•--o1 .. _,._ll"d..,....-,in,_ond_af_ atldatl:.atv~ Road:linr~inlfflllldfn,whltul,atacau.~au.asru,btlly'l'lbclt a,pc:Oatn&:,mr::d!. ) ) Thi• plan ,...IIH tho r«ommondaUoni ol lhO 200S VINP r,.,,..,_,,,tton Shldy w!III lho rocommend1tions of the 2009 VIN1 Mterna!M Tr,nspo,Utlon Plan dlOlt. - Shon: wilhin 1 ye,r Statuo lY lolcdi""': within Sye,,s lo~ mare than Syon la,,, - .......... _ ... ... _., """"""" • - , .. GMP~•lll,:i,ce,n, --.-. ...... V111W1, VI Tad call --- Dopt.olT- Wottm,C>Mel a.,, tul d"'"'1 ,tlfindsot~NP.\'1 ~-, N/A Hllloftaf PMl FOlilftClltlOII FricmcbolVINP ATffl/Ttal'llft &n the P111ct R4ccttftlonal Tra!i.lP,og,,am SuJflCt Tr'1tsport,tlon Prot;r,m TRM0011.a.UOn(Mll'ICtfflfftts Putatundl"""w.Jf Pf'oplffl °"""-'""°' ,.,tt~lnd ,.,kw,v,Prcgnffl ~,, ... 1.,, --.. NPS.....,_Coo>l""1i0n.._ ~Cc»t!Nr• tnclt!l1MAW41.rdl Proj«t Pl,Mftl N1t10N1 Stene e,war1 Gtal'lt Proa,am(lt NOl'lh Shott ROid II dnl"'altd I NS8 (,.. Sec"°" 9511 A""'1raMII IO the Por1os _,.,,....,..,,.,...,...., ... IT>_,...,_ -lalld>Hldlwl'/....,.., _,_ -1.Mdollll'w..,_ -I.Md<- -Ad""°"" __ tioa ____ Qftu:rll a.,gura1 PrDm,,1U0. - , ____ ,,_ Pro)Kt~-. Slp,ltepllc•- N/A llltS...,... _____ lb_to ..... lioll>o ...... ud ___ ..... ..,.._.. .... ___ .,...,..,,__ Dewlop$1.-'IMA -Continue pu~l,I(: outruCb 10 ..-it lnprt. -(onto;tVI-, rtptd>ncp,,._W?-- -ot,,dop ptftif!'lil\ftY ~• f.o,r c.onwtf'llnC cbt~ Und Po:nt trail to• bl>el)Olh. ___ ,.,c.,,,,1..,....., .. _.,.......,,,, imerestina~path~lnfpopr:rty. -(onUr.ae to wort wQtt, U. l"t"mof V'.HP to staff I UW, d ~ ~ .. __ ................. -- .. -..i--. ~.- ........... - ~n•seco1d praawoll~to.,..,m,aepirbtlwtrtfl~ ind Mfbo SIJ$.At:IPJoach llt'ldOlll'fttrsri PeterBayandl-tawl.sN1t e.a-,t.o determine th'&'"'"" of .nt•N I" a blu- ~t,~IMSCatt:n. CO;,Clutt an inlial lSMlvnrnt a' nltu:rl1 ,eso.,roc ~ to Pf'OPOW I po"'..entl.atal~ -•--'-'YCc,a,IOdlsa!IIDlMiom"""- AddtOG!\IP v.tgin tilands National Par1' Alternathle TranJpOmliOn Plan hge59 ) Dtsolpllon I'm!!,& ~ \'IH&> ,.,lba ~ --- Constllld Pl'Wd lltouldfflcnaD nn11. Pl"'td rofd on SI. JoM wittiin cwk boun:larin Rtptlce or ~th• M'ffl'i:tygfU.. Trunti er,. Peter 11h IWltcbbaeb WlGtn Nmb $bore Ro.Id. CtMtrW Road. Ind Gthtroart rOiCh.toNISst~ ~1dtn11'1dcncn:.ne~oflhltp a..Mtwe., awlOlll'lldlnKb oftftl crontMUfttffl:nt Compl,H•,,_.~ BotdNv.c~ bd wttf'linD&rll ... ____ ~• p,gpc:rtytol'KOMlNcl ID)clql'ffpl,ls PeMCOM« CIA NSI lot Ndedw.ffl' fwllultt ~ ~for ltUU ,oed tai kaM'b&.t, l~Wkltndrhitto.r.o.20rs a.:s.ipnSpar\ed"'l'l;.WU-'lwn.rouRd ... --- December 2009 P,ce&O Tum Dltllb Mwlty Short: with-, , _ Mcd11,1m! wUhln 5 ye.-, Long; more thin S yem rotnc~: Jt¥ftkla'fOIIU,.~~a: re,&lelttMI ~rlin& 'Mlh tllOl'I· t.ffflttaddrofoft/plc\1,st~MW~e~--bbab .... tlailil lclirllM:a11.111~~aiewdwillthffl~dcJWl'IU11'9for~liP ldla/~ctu&&Nf\lnaatdloilwltf':l~tou1gn _.,, - ._.,,_..,,..,_..., __ NSRood-- ... -- ecm,o1--ltOl.lndor.na:none.awNstcsricfUQ111mcd~~ - ...... lMrMPIRW'C10tnc-11Jnst".ta.,t01t1craw#'4~anddowlafff tctet1~andfromU..0titiN:lot t'4!u.llW• ot ~co:iidun~rt.i.-.lot ProiM.~•pe~fotRnft.,trdlndet11otttion~O.J rniltt'"1tof lhtttathtad IPll'kiftafo, ~ 15 wt-)~ ~11.,de o1'1'-f'Oad tra!I fl'Offl ;.a,t~b\totrallbtad no,. prer.r,ltd •littl\lthle p•r FHWAi '" "-wcndl•O In 2006 Stuctv Mt<f11.1Mo """ low MNlum· ""'• ..... Nat I pntltnlld .n.tn.atlw ~ fHWA: 1ft Append"..- Din 1006 Study _,.., .... I.Ow .... I.Ow 14w .... dd11wtCaftnatN'~Po$llllO~sf&n119ftCbothlidflofNOrtwJl"ld ~OfUNt.ln.P1t~-.aaipMtiftkld!Cblo1orinbi011p-.dtoad1tlho - """""' ~ QI the dthttwlYINI WIUl~tolht~ POll5iliMln~otr'WllwtlOt1 low wMft G,ltkqlS tfttOUl,t,ftd .,.,...,.. Ii i$.1Mnned, ,.~ ___ ...,._ .__..,_ ..,.,. ---*•---- .. - ... --- ,,_...,_ ) ) - Po!Ollllalhftnon Polellllll FundqS...l'Cft Natsi.,. ·Dnclnl poss,C>!e Pttk·•nd-111» bcCtin wtllOPHJl1nd PWO.AneU N In~ ol • p,,tll•MCl➔nde •t the Part manncntl'Ce(Of:r'ipf'II, ~-oodwld.i.tflf ..... •--- -114ir,p,b!lc:01,1truc:bp,DCftl. ~l~Pl'OS,lffl -PrlOfClle pwlb\s eq:111:iilklCI ldtli:n CM Part. PuOll<Loodl_Proc,a,. mtolmRmcni~PtCIOUtS- -- _ __,,...,.....,,,..AIP-~to-- Fdcnll.ands Hi&faw.l', PrvarJ:on il1-IA'lft4~1C11utioo1 ~-.... ?aARoadsatldhrl...,,,Pfol'~ ~tl:lliwrw.lfl c..tpyll411!&3 ldtftllf,fn-aS..-.r.ec.aAt~ocan --- ,os..........,_....,.,, :x,g'r¥N1o-,,.,.tOIC.dPlf""lomn _, ,.,___,.,._, ...... _ _,_ .. lden:JJwlnJ&lwhP• -- f~t;,oa~- ldcnP't~l'ftlfflt&and~~plll't °"---- ,.. ..... .._.._.,, totntlw'lm;PIOW'ntin:1~~:;iwg,\:~ wort_.,., RetDute9 M&Naf'mml todmnn:iwfN1oi!IWtY Not• profened •ltitm1U¥9 Pffl Rol:i:ls and Part•avs Proaram Cat-114RI Pan:floldsandPaitkw.lySFfOCJlffl c.i-11••1 Not.-pqf.f'lffdt1rtmtM P1R. Road$.., P•lrNJS Program c..:r-..1wo .... -imd...._._ ~•t4WAtO~•l' ,__.lHRI --"""-"'"""' ,--11u1 ftllftd1d~. TS\ fril.nlb dWCP. 1P1. lwOfl -0 ltU11f0tfv:itc I.Mdslftld friendsd'WOtv~ tlllldl S8:rbat~f'rll&rPi ,~,~ ..-.- ................ -- ftdrfall.MdlKIOJwl'f ~l:lri~aft:ldewlopWOR.• "'-Roads•nd~Prq:r.m eat,ao,yll4lllo<3 ---- PatkB,Hf p....iar1P1,nn'.n!I! '""s'""""-""'wllh .....,,..,,ni:n1,1on ,...,.., 111eeo,o1...,_, _.°""' ... _ -to- • ....,..___DlfllJon, ---__ ......,. --- --- .. -IIIUPl-uod Coral...,_ - __ .... - _Tl_...., ... _ _,, __ _,,, __ _. .. -~ -- _.._ __ Clllcr-...y- _..__ ---- ___ .. ....... ..... .. ,_ .. not/ZOlO -- ) ) ~- Dtl<tlptlo,, O.UDI Priority Short:-1\'<!0J Stai111 __ , witllin 51'<! ... Lon,g: m"Ote than S yurs .,, .. , Haud 111at4 ij s,IMNCI to brt i selJ4iscowfy l'OM. with tr~llton to Jnd rrom tti.hS,n,d to brtCOffl.'l)tf~ pro.ldtd. PotfftUalattNtan ll'Uldt: -~ Dewtl00Ac:ct$$Pllift;lo,H.,ss,,11s&and ...... -- •Hnl.oriclftdMu:ralwe~ - ,,,_, •Cffch""'1 •$ell....,..,...,. • lloal IOIA~1:htb2.tnel ~ tsig, l!!<:i lilCSIQ2lll Cre-,tc-1 SL Jct-n Tnnsponauon M.a~:DM The Sol.~ lMA would bf 1n in0tpendet1t orpnliaUon. Alttiou,:h tt I~ Medi~ /&TP Stff!VC COmmltltt Sholt AUoditlcn [TMA) lo m,n. ttawl darn.fld r«Ommtndeod tn INI ~n. VIN~ WOJld not lrld th,11 effort, Hl£11 couldt'WCIM tnt.o TMA ltiptOVIII, Work wtth VIPA 111d SU~lfS 1M lmp,OWfflff\l ..s_,.,..,,, ... Tl>eCrttl lftdi.lce ltd~ COftttol fo, w:Mtrihtd ltldlr'np'Olllffflff'IU IOd«k fK11:itlft. - E-drfCl&l•I'°"" ploco-ZOll'l ----- ~ -- CootclN:ltet,~tr:Aa Mlri.._Acau To~~stlt'(IR1.mam31$l%1P$..00Clt~l.~tctail. .....,...,. PloltlbSt..-oei:n et<. IOw __ .,,..,...,..,,..,_w eoon:t.attw,th loaJ ,cmoes ,.n,.-.~ Gnpa,ulclbooottnllolQld>e.,.,,.,,.,.'°""'""'°""""..._ """dtlOd ... ~olll>e-,.clCtwBa-, Plrl tldlobldtlt ~em. ~,N lra,tied ?o,'111 tnd .,.,t~ttMi)coutts h bcml MolMm -- """'""' ton,t,uctpo,ed-..Soo••-~-"'" IOw Ol'I SC.Jot'wl outKk cf m1'. boundutn Camp.'depl'WII on Sardeaux Mountan Road OUlsiclooorkboo....,_, - ,._.... WCRMUI\IIPub 1CWOR$Dtp,rtMCftttoldtnUt, .....,,..,. •lldp,lofltllt-y~-IS I.OW Pollflllal Partnon Poienllol Fund1111 Soura1 Ftittld1ofVI.MI ATPfl/Ttanllt ltJ l1'e Pa:1111 Suff«I! Transpo,ta:Uon Ptoeram T~~ lnhancmlants "'-IIIICUftdl Hi,t,w.y .,..,.,. HlllOtlC ~ _,.,.,.,.,.,,.,,.,, 01r.c..--, ..... htl:AoadS.attd~PtOSflm ca,_.,J _ ... _ -- CUA>. _..,_of ~-- - -- """"......., ('u:::t.nl ~t'('fl PrfttnrillG'I -...cu,-- l~torf l'utloNJ a, Local HblOfiC Pfa.fM110t' Govtrnc>rt.ONlet. DPttR PWO, TCC. VITIW<, Oll:llen,geCOlt•SNl't, PfC11Kl Dept, of 10-.,d'bffl, C.ued Aann:ns. lnctl'ltnle Awards. OU~trJtO 81v Rotort, W<Htln st be dettrm!ncd John. GISIOWi~t. VIPA(ludalfflCYI N/A . "ll'fVT"""' ;, ""'Porks VOP<1,o,,i .. 51 __ f~s.port,tt;On(~S TMA ~=- 11Qn1)wAnnb -- PW0(1Nd_.i, Tobf-~ _._s, _ _,,...,. PWD(lod.,qi PR~ Ind Patkw1yl, "°C11ffl c.,-11••> PWD I- -•I Part Roads. and P1rtw,1ys Pfop1m C.•-ll4R) PWO TO be ~tfflffl'ltd ) Nal1Sttp1 -(o:mpft• mlt: l:l'lf'UtfttMS. ..fOtft!.,mtmsuptlclnp,ojmsfvdi.id":ing~MOcdt.otlOtl)and ---- ........ ... m lbt HiSZ:DnCPres,cNatknOffa. tGstonc Tr\111,, ~ _,__...,_ofWOtold<otlfy_,,...,,ond_....... .......... °'"'""'"'""'_'°_.,, __ " tfaru;po,l,IUOft ~ --. .. -··-~-- ktontJfy ottwr pmners co,"11,..-to fl'lfd monthtytodevdop Pltl~pt,a:nd funclln,: fot I TMA. 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Vl1Bln blinds Natlcnal P1rll AlterNl!lve Tr1nipo,u11on Plan ) ) Implementation Plan: Recommended Policies !Description I Details Providt- accus to prtV.)te propenv owners surrounded by VINP VINP Is not aware of any ctooerty owners who have been denied aeuss and invites any such ownrn to cont~ct the P.uL_ SolMoPl<>M-: •RuulCtions on !he time of day that iaree: vthides can u~ the roact so as to .2YO-d ~l\ tra-v~l rimes of other\lehide.s. •lnsutr,nc convt,c. mirron at b¾ind curve-s. D.-.-•lo? • Polley on urge Veh des •A.~15'"1 where the,~ could re.asiblv be widened -Worklna with the Bureau of Motor Vehic.les to m1n1Mtze vehic-re ~zes to the 1,mallen possJble Hor eumple, 3,m,altet trvc..k.s. making more frequ,nt trips). •Crtt•Uln1 a one-way loop 1n the Park, using North Sh0<e Road, King Hill, and Cemerhne Road •R,t<lu<'e tne ~1e of tt,,e V1NP tlE:et: imptemer,t ,1 sctltdullng fyStem for staff to reserve ears ~net "~ fewer Ur\ more of:tn .. •Kttp ~I but thti mo.st euer.ti~ gov,,nment vlthlclu .1t M.aIntenanc;:e to kNP s~~ open for i.MJton., ,Move tmolavee pvking to M.llntt1Unce to keec, s:,.~~s O:>t"'\ for "'1.iton. •Coni.iC:e, imptem!'nting an iemploYff shunle to drc'Ulate pa~ housing ho:.1rtv in the Al'-1 and PM E.mt>llsh Parking M.1.1u1tment S1rateg1es tli) pt.).,J~ 4n ;::.:~a:--.·2- :..1 ~r'.-:1n~ Cons Ci!: J ::.:. ·•'"'!"~st-...,.~ rrroP .. M'I '-· ._,.,,,..,._-•\ ~.s ! .. U,Centive to use t.he shuttle. •luuc employee-parking permits Ern:;,!oye-e~ llving .lt Lind Point or within½ mile of t~ir wo,\pl.a.ct would not be eligible for a po\rk1ns pPrmlt unt.ss they have a medic.al condition. A polity could be issu~d that if t.hey have~ personal emergency, they can use a government vthfcle (for e:x.ample, to pick up a sick child frorn school). •Consider charging tor parking to oute a d[slnuntive tor rentrng a vehicl!- anrl create an incentive tor {.lkin2 a raxi. A trlal svst~m could be Jr,.:.nr,e-d at Trunk B~y to see 1f this aoptOKh Work w1th VIPO to cnfOfce 11tl traffic laws.. oamrularly soeed limits EnfOfce h.iindbp o,NnJ loilWS ) Tnis ol•n mer-ge-s the-fKOmmit~lt-OMJ of lhc ?006 VINP TtartJt)Ottorion 5tudf With t~ rrcc;r.n'Tlend,1t:ons of tht 2009 VINP Aller~hvl Tnn,pon:n"on Plan draft,. Some a••&Ohes ,re noc a:,pl;a?>!e to pollcydCYtloc,mtnt lt.uch u tlmtfrtmie- ,nd fundln,:} ~nd ffP not lr'('k.lC,ed In this pt,n. !PnorltyjNext Steps Low •Com~te .J wft!Y audit on North Shor!! vKf Centerline Roads to under~und the nurnbe-r ~nd type of Tncid,n1,s 1nvoh,1ns: l.ug, vth1de1. •l\p;:irO.)(/'I the large veh-de oper-at04'S (such .is con.struaion and w.aite-r delivery c~e-s) to ur\demand th!'lr nte-di and determint- the best w~y to ~a,e IMgt vellitle tr•flic. •Conuct the VI Bureau of Moto, Vehicles to find out if there- are currently and Low ltfli1h/wldth restnatons on v.eh dts and lf so. how the._i are enforced. -The ?ark. vt PubUc Wortc.s., ~nd the Vl Bure.au of Motor Vehides should \llil'Ork closely to c:oordin.ate managemeM ~fforu. -When ;i policy is determined, involv~ the. VI Pollce Oepilrtment to coordloate enforcement. -PossU.le measure of effectiveness: monitor cr .. sh data for changes in the number of conmru lnvol\'t~ lanie vffltdu Vlorkwith suff to d.ete.rmine lh!: most fusible strategies at)d orogr~s Explore wh.lt ot,.t,.er natjon.iil pants h.lw dene to ma!ll&! inter~ o.arkin,g demand.. ~i:;.;.• Possible measure of effec:tivcncu: monthly p.1rking counts to monitor c.h.inges in domand Hcld a muting between VINP Law Enforcement .and VIPD to determine areas of M<d,um sh,red co.ncern and how to pool ,~sources PossibJe meas.Ure of effet.tiven~.i: "" odrc colle-c.uon of soee<f data for ch~nct,. in BS~ ~,c:entile s;,,ee.d Medium Low M.aint'"1UIX•: It b .a,..L ~ thllt thHe poH.dufre,ccwn.t'Mftded tn th• 2006 VINP Tronsportotion.5rud)'} .are aire~v tft-iibll\.ht'd wutirn the P.airk. but they .lt@: ~1utecs hut!: fo, emPNICS. um R.e;:t.llr o, refflOYft ro.adsidt haJ.\rd1, Trim v~r-atiot1 from roadway Rt-tr\OY't rocks and boulders from the drivinM lane and shoulder Re-quirt that m~chlntrv and other obstructions that lnttrftro w11h il travel lane be monitored by a flagman or mechanlul ;niend.a11t R~rr oavtme-nt lrrt£ulatittH on tOjOS. thrc>u1,hout ,ne :wk December 2009 Identify hazards fo be comoltttd 101 NSR with Reccnstruction oro1K1; other roids to be determined. Priorill.ie ro-d p.roJ«n 8.0 CONNECTION TO WIDER TRANSPORTATION COMMUNITY As difficult as the transportation challenges at VINP arc, other places have similar problems. This section ties transportation at VIN P to issues common at other agencies and areas. An effort has been made in the Recommendations section (under each item's "Examples and Resources") to connect the issues that VINP is experiencing to solutions being considered at other parks. Maintenance Like many state and local departments of transportation. maintenance of existing infrastructure is a significant issue facing VINP and SL John/VI Public Works. Regardless of the need for expanded facililies, agencies arc having difficulty maintaining what they already have, much less finding resources for new construction. Determining ways to maximize capacity and operational efficiency is a challenge shared across the board. Fortunately, the National Park Service's mission leads parks to focus on resource protection, sustainability and efficient management of existing systems before resorting to expansion. Congestion and Parking Demand The same transportation management strategics used by municipal governments to influence user mode choice can be applied to a national park. Incentives (like attractive and convenient shuttle systems) and disincentives (like parking fees) can help to shift mode split. While shuttle systems have already been implemented at many nation,1I parks, parking fees ;ire a new realm. As discussed in Recommendation 6.5, Golden Gate National Recreation Area and National Mall arc both considering parking fees as a demand management strategy. ITS and parking demand management systems arc being used at Gateway National Recreation Area and Great Smoky Mountains. Enforcement Nearly all transportation operations come down lo enforcement. Regulations and design can only go so far in their influence on safe driving, vehicle speeds, and parking management. However, park rangers have myriad other issues to address including visitor safety, wildlife and resource protection, drug smuggling, immigration, etc., without worrying about parking and traffic. This is true for municipal and state law enforcement officers as well. Still, many of the recommendations presented here will need consistent enforcement in order to be effective. It is possible that technology might be applied (such as speed feedback signs) to help with enforcement and case the burden of park rangers. VINP has partnered with VIPD to enforce traffic regulations in the Park. Need for Partnerships and Regional Planning Frameworks The benefits of regional planning (as opposed to town-wide or statewide) have been realized throughout the US. VIN P and the rest of St John and relevant territorial agencies need to coordinate planning efforts and pool resources for a more effective and efficient transportation system. While most parks attempt to cooperate with their gateway community on planning, the finite island boundaries and limited parking on St John make this even more critical. Moreover, a regional planning framework can improve communication between agencies and make partnership opportunities more apparent. This is the basis for the recommendation for an island-wide transportation management association in Section 6.4 above. 9.0 THE NPS TRANSPORTATION LANDSCAPE This section discusses transportation planning challenges distinct to the NPS and VINP. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page63 r""'\ VINP is currently making an effort to reach out to the community through a transparent and public process. However, a mediator would be very beneficial in helping to address long-standing issues between the Park and the community. As experience has shown at other NPS units, sensitivity to different perspectives not only shows respect, but embraces the richness and uniqueness of a place. For example, while many people strongly support natural resource protection, for others these resources arc a form of sustenance. But hopefully these perspectives can be moderated and both goals can be realized, so that cultural resources are preserved as well as natural ones. Issues like this relate to the NPS theme of relevance: how can national parks increase their relevance to people and be sure that they are telling everyone's story? 1 At times it seems that perspectives are completely at odds with each other: broaden access to historic and cultural resources by introducing cars, or preserve natural resources and hiker experience by keeping access limited to hikers? These are significant challenges for the NPS and VINP to address. A similar issue is communication and cooperation with the local business community. VINP recognizes the Importance of local businesses in achieving the Park's mission to improve visitor experience. For example, the taxi drivers are valued by the Park for their knowledge of the island and the transportation services that they provide; in addition, their interaction with visitors can make or break one's experience and overall impression of St. John. The taxi industry Is a major part of the St John economy. The taxis understandably feel threatened by the idea of a park shuttle or the expansion ofVITRAN to North Shore Road and have been resistant to these ideas. Therefore, as much as an additional transportation alternative is needed in VINP, a shuttle is unlikely for the time being. For all these reasons, VINP is striving to work with the taxi industry to improve customer service and to manage parking demand. In order to accomplish these goals without providing a shuttle, taxis need to be more competitive with rental cars. This suggestion has been met with significant resistance by the taxi industry. Still, at the very least, a dialogue is occurring. The Park and the taxi industry have the same goal, but from different angles: the Park wants to reduce parking demand, and the taxis want to increase their mode share. Therefore, the Park and taxis can work together to reduce the number of private vehicles entering the Park. 10.0 PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT The most valuable thing I learned during this experience was how to be creative with problem solutions. Constraints required that we determine how to maximize opportunities, such as improving capacity at scenic overlooks with time limits, vegetation trimming, and signage. In addition, I learned quite a bit about public outreach, communication, working to find common ground, and building partnerships. These were the most important parts of my work here and will continue to be for my successor. Getting to learn the NPS planning framework and project development process has also been extremely useful. Exposure as to how to move NPS projects forward and the funding resources available is important Overall, I have met many very special and hardworking people who have generously shared their time and knowledge with me. I am grateful to them and for the opportunity to have served a national park, the visitors who come here, and the local community. 1 See "Mike Snyder's Blog-Regional Director, lntermountaln Region"' April 30, 2009 at http:/Jinslde.nps.sov/lndex.dm?handler=npsb!og. December 2009 11.0 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Many people contributed to the development of this plan and deserve special recognition. V!NP Superintendent Mark Hardgrove was extremely supportive during the many challenges that arose, and this plan would not have been possible without him. The members of the Steering Committee who kindly shared their time and expertise were and are essential to the plan's development and implementation. They understand that the community can realize progress by cooperating and collaborating. Likewise, the members of the taxi industry who are willing to consider ways to improve transportation and quality of life on St. John deserve special recognition. With their knowledge of the island, they provide much more than just a transportation service to visitors. The plan would not have been possible without the help of the following: • The National Park Foundation • The Eno Transportation Foundation, particularly Dr. Barbara Gannon • V!NP staff, particularly Elba Richardson, Rafe Bou Ion, Paul Thomas, and Paul Jones • The National Park Service, particularly Pat Sacks at the Denver Service Center and Elisabeth Hahn in the Southeast Regional Office • The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park • The St. John Roadway Advisory Committee • Resource Systems Group, Inc. 1 would also like to personally thank the folks who just stopped by my office to say hello: our chats often had the most meaningful impact in helping me understand local issues and perspectives! 12.0 ACRONYMS ATP Alternative Transportation Plan ATS Alternative Transportation System BVI British Virgin Islands CUA Commercial Use Authorization DPNR VI Department of Planning and Natural Resources EFLHD Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division FHWA Federal Highway Administration FTA Federal Transit Administration GMP General Management Plan ITS Intelligent Transportation Systems NEPA National Environmental Protection Act NPF National Park Foundation NPS National Park Service NSR North Shore Road PEPC Planning, Environment, and Public Comment PMIS Project Management Information System Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan . (""'\ PWD TB TCC TOM TIS TMA VI VIISorVINP VIPA VITRAN December 2009 Page66 VI Public Works Department Trunk Bay VI Taxi Cab Commission Transportation Demand Management Traveler Information System Transportation Management Association Virgin Islands (US) Virgin Islands National Park VI Port Authority Virgin Islands Transit APPENDIX A: RELEVANT PLANS AND STUDIES Relevant reports arc summarized below, in chronological order. Draft Land Protection Plan for Virgin Islands National Park (1984 & 1997) By VINP Both plans conclude that: "Federal acquisition of all private land within the authorized park boundary is neither necessary nor desirable. Continued private ownership and traditional uses are consistent with park purposes and the Biosphere Reserve concept, as long as adequate protection is provided for natural and cultural resources." Priorities for protection are: 1. Significance of natural values, including presence of rare plants and endangered species habitat. 2. Potential for development with impact on scenic values, especially popular overlooks and vistas. 3. Opportunities for public recreational use. 4. Potential for development with secondary h1pacts (runoff, vegetation disruption, etc.). 5. Presence of cultural resources in need of stabilization, restoration, or protection from vandalism. The plans include a prioritized list or tracts that the Park might acquire if an opportunity presented itself. North Shore Road Triple Switchback safety Study (1998) By FHWA-EFLHD for VINP The study notes that the switchbacks immediately east of Trunk Bay going up the hill towards Peter Bay are very slippery due to their horizontal curve deficiencies and steepness. Instances of cars rolling backward and off the road are common along the quarter mile section. When the pavement is wet, two- wheel drives cannot make it up the hill. Large vehicles such as safari buses take up both travel lanes when rounding the switchbacks. The study reports that the centerline radius or the curves is as low as 20', but the American Association or State Highway and Transportation Officials Greenbook cites a standard minimum centerline radius of 107' for 20 mph design. There are also signage and sight distance deficiencies in this segment. The study identified four alternatives: 1. Signing improvements 2. Roughening/grooving surface to improve skid resistance 3. Open-graded friction course 4. Roadway realignment. Signage improvements were recommended to be completed as soon as possible. Roadway realignment was recommended as a permanent solution if fomling, private property, and archeological issues could be addressed. Until then, roughening/grooving th,i surface could be used in the interim. VINP Business Plan (2001) By NPS and National Park Conservation Association for VINP The Business Plan identifies serious runding and staffing shortfalls. In 2001, the investment backlog was nearly $23 million, the budget shortfall was over $2.6 million, and the staffing shortfall was over 41 rull- time equivalents. Virgin Islands Natlonal Park Alternative Transportation Plan ~ ~ VINP Commercial Services Plan (2001) ByVINP The Commercial Services Plan "determines the level and types of commercial visitor services necessary and appropriate in VINP over the next 10-15 years. Commercial activities within the Park managed under this plan include concessions and commercial use authorizations (CUAs), formerly known as Incidental Business Permits (IBPs)." Relevant points include: • "Improvements in transportation services can best be effocted through provisions in concession contracts and commercial use authorizations. Consequently, CUA operating conditions for land- based tour operations hold tour operators responsible for the compliance of their contracted taxi and safari bus operators with regulations and for safe driver behavior." • "All businesses and individuals providing tour services for hire within the park are required to obtain a CUA. This requirement applies to operators providing organized tour services versus delivering a taxi fare to any one of a multitude of destinations. Resort, hotel and taxi association tour services are subject to this requirement Exempted are regular taxi services engaged in transporting fares from point A to point Band not provid'ng "tours", rental cars used for personal transport, and public buses operating on a fixed route with a published schedule." • "Commercial tour group access is limited to specific locations such as Trunk Bay, Cinnamon Bay and Annaberg Historic Site and specific capacities are established for the amount of visitor activity occurring at any one time in specific areas of the oark." • "Cruise ship passengers access St. John either via tour-operated owned vessels or passenger ferries contracted through Transportation Services of St. John or Varlack Ventures. On peak days, there are typically three "pulses" of cruise ship passengc r visitation. Each pulse of visitors is met by a fleet of contracted "safari buses" that transport the visitors to and from the park." • "Scenic tours to Trunk Bay and Anna berg and "Island" tours are popular visitor activities and tours are an important source of income for local taxi and tour operators. Taxis circulate regularly but few are on fixed schedules. There are approximately 132 licensed taxi drivers on St. John, with about 120 vehicles owned by medallion holders licensed by the Virgin Islands Taxi Cab Division for organized group transport." • "The Plan institutes measures to improve transportation services within the park, including the requirement that all businesses and individuals providing tour services within the park obtain a permit and meet certain performance standards." • " ... limitations on the number of available CU As arc intended to accommodate existing service providers providing tour services within the park, as to ensure both the protection of sensitive resources and the quality of the visitor experience. They also recognize infrastructure capacity limitations for beach facilities (e.g., restrooms and showers), on roads, and at staging areas, parking areas, and overlooks." • "A cornerstone of National Park Service management of commercial services is a preference for out-of-park private enterprise. It is NPS policy that if adequate commercial facilities are available to serve visitors outside of park boundaries, new faciliU es will not be developed nor will existing facilities be expanded within parks." • The plan suggests awarding a concession contract for a Reef Bay Trail Hiker Pickup service and operation of the NPS dock at Red Hook, and authorizing a pump out facility for vessels visiting park waters. • "While all types of uses are expected to increase, growth in cruise ship passenger visitation to the park is of particular note. The park is experiencing a demand for new and expanded visitor venues to accommodate the growth in visitation and an increase in the number and size of commercial tour groups. There is also an increasing demand for venues for large group (120-150 December 2009 Page68 persons) emanating from hotels and transported via multiple multi-passenger commercial vessels to park beaches." VINP Alternative Transportation System Study (2001) By FHWA-FTAfor NPS The study provides a concise overview of transportation conditions in the park (which, incidentally, arc the same conditions experienced in 2009). Community interest in a bike trail through the park is noted: "A dedicated bicycle and pedestrian right-of-way would provide a safe alternative means of traveling between Cruz Bay and Trunk Bay that would avoid the North Shore Road. Given St John's steep hills, however, the trail would induce only a small percentage of visitors to forgo motor vehicle transport entirely, and would thus have little impact on the island's overall traffic patterns." The report concludes that alternative transportation systems "are urgently needed to improve safety, prevent damage to natural and cultural resources, and enhance the overall quality of the visitor experience." The report does not provide any further detail as to what alternatives might be appropriate for VlNP, although it was unclear whether the copy reviewed was an executive summary or the complete report. Cruz Bay Pedestrian and Signage Plan (2003) By NPS, the Gateway Planning Council of St John, and the VI Gateway Committee for St John The Pedestrian Plan recommended: • Working closely with the Public Works Department • Developing partnerships with community groups and other organizations • Developing a maintenance plan for pedestrian facilities • Developing sidewalk standards • Modifying zoning regulations to include design standards • Conduct a sidewalk inventory • Create a taxi staging area • Develop existing roadways into pedestrian corridors • Implementing a circular tram system for the central core of Cruz Bay. The Signage Plan recommended: • Developing public communication channels for input • Appointing a coordinator to implement and monitor the sign system • Replace the existing "Welcome to St. John" sign. Road Inventory of VINP (1998 & 2006) By FHWA-EFLHD for NPS The Road Inventory Program was created through an agreement between the NPS and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) "to provide NPS personnel at all levels with the basic information needed for effective road and road system planning. management, operations, and maintenance." The 1998 report noted that of the park's 12 paved miles of Functional Class l roads, 5.5 miles received an "excellent" pavement condition rating; 4. 7 miles were in "good" condition; and 1 mile was in "poor" condition. The Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan park's 0.25 miles of paved Functional Class V road were in "fair" condition. The report indicated that it would cost $1.3 million to improve the existing conditions of the roads to an "excellent" pavement condition rating. The 2006 report indicated that conditions had deteriorated significantly. Of the park's 12 paved miles of Functional Class I roads, only 0.2 had an "excellent" pavement condition rating, 0.4 miles were "good," 2.7 miles were "fair," and 8.5 miles were "poor." The report indicated that it would cost nearly $15 million to improve the roads to an "excellent" rating. NPS Management Policies (2006) ByNPS Section 9.2 of the Management Policies address transportation systems and alternative transportation. Most importantly, the Policies assert that "traditional practices of building wider roads and larger parking areas to accommodate more motor vehicles are not necessarily the answer. The Service must find transportation solutions that will preserve the natural and cultural resources in its care while providing a high-quality visitor experience .... Depending on a park unit's size, location, resources, and level of use, the Service will, where appropriate, emphasize and encourage alternative transportation systems, which may or include a mix of buses, trains, ferries, trams, and -preferably non-motorized modes of access to and moving within parks. In general, the preferred modes of transportation will be those that contribute to maximum visitor enjoyment of, and minimum adverse impacts on, park resources and values." Policies directly related to issues at VINP include: Park Roads r---, "Park roads are generally not intended to provide fast and convenient transportation; rather, they are intended to enhance the quality of a visit while providing for safe and efficient travel with minimal or no impacts on natural and cultural resources .... Before roads are chronically at or near capacity, the use of alternative destination points or transportation systems or limitations on use will be considered as alternatives to road expansion." Non-NPS Roads "Where practicable, and after concurrence of the entity with road jurisdiction, non-NPS roads that are no longer needed will be closed or removed, and the area will be restored to a natural condition. The Service will not permit the public or private construction of new roads for access to inholdings unless specifically authorized by law." Commercial Traffic "The Service will work with appropriate governments and private organizations and individuals to minimize the impacts of traffic on park resources and values .... When a determination is made that existing through-traffic routes have adverse impacts on park resources and values, the Service will work with the appropriate government authorities to minimize these impacts ... " Trails, Walks and Bicycle Routes "Trails and walks ... will be planned and developed as integral parts of each park's transportation system and incorporate principles of universal design. Trails and walks will serve as management tools to help control the distribution and Intensity of use. All trails and walks will be carefully situated, designed, and managed to • Reduce conflicts with automobiles and incompatible uses; December 2009 • Allow for a satisfying park experience; • Allow accessibility by the greatest number of people; and • Protect park resources." "Bicycle routes may be considered as an alternative to motor vehicle access .... The designation of bicycle routes is allowed in developed areas and in special use zones based on a written determination that such use is (1) consistent with the protection ofa park's natural, cultural, scenic, and esthetic values; (2) consistent with safety considerations; (3) consistent with management objectives; and ( 4) will not disturb wildlife or other park resources. A similar determination may be made to designate routes outside developed areas and special use zones; however, the designation must be made by promulgating a special regulation." Traffic Signs and Markings "Signs will be limited to the minimum necessary to meet information, warning, and regulatory needs and to avoid confusion and visual intrusion." Parking "When parking areas are deemed necessary, they will be limited to the smallest size appropriate, and they will be designed to harmoniously accommodate motor vehicles and other appropriate users .... When overflow parking Is provided to meet peak visitation, it should be in areas that have been stabilized or are otherwise capable or withstanding the temporary impacts of parking without causing unacceptable impacts on park resources. Permanent parking areas will no normally be sized for the peak use day, but rather for the use anticipated on the average weekend day during the peak season of use." Virgin Islands National Park Transportation Study (2006) By Parsons for NPS/VINP This study was initiated to provide information on transportation for the General Management Plan update. Extensive data collection and observations resulted in a list of recommendations that arc moved forward in the implementation plan in Section 7.0. The study includes traffic data (volume counts, vehicle classification and speed, turning movement counts, and vehicle occupancy), parking data (capacity, utilization, turnover and length of stay), a summary of motor vehicle crashes, and stakeholder meetings. VINP General Management Plan/Development Concept Plan/Environmental Assessment (1983 & 2009) By NPS for VINP The Park's General Management Plan (GMP) is currently being updated. The 1983 GMP considers: • Enhancements to Hassel Island for visitor access and enjoyment • Adjustments to the park boundary to preserve scenic quality and other resources • Continued opportunities for the local economy • Distribution of visitors/uses In the park • Improvements to visitor Information and orientation • Development of action plans specific to VINP • Monitoring and management of marine resources Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan • Insufficient staff and facilities North Shore Road Project (2009) By FHWA-EFLHD for VINP This project is slated to begin Fall 2009 and last for 18 months. It will rehabilitate and resurface North Shore Road and improve drainage at the Visitor Center. The project does not change the cross-section of North Shore Road. All existing signs will be replaced and anti-skid pavement will be applied to the switchbacks on Trunk Bay Hill. St. John Roadway Advisory Committee Report {2009) By the St. John Roadway Advisory Committee for VI Public Works Department A group of concerned St John residents formed the Roadway Advisory Committee to provide input on transportation issues to the USVI Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan described later on. The committee prepared a report to identify concerns and make recommendations for areas needing attention. An overall recommendation of the Committee is that a road survey be conducted to inventory and assess existing conditions, including right-of-way widths and property lines. The recommendations of the report are summarized below: Slgnage • Identify dangerous areas with warning signs. • At a minimum, provide dangerous curve signs and consider reduced speeds in these areas. r"-1 • Conduct an inventory of existing road signs and make needed repairs. Road Striping • The Public Works Department should initiate an immediate road striping program, beginning with Centerline Road/Route 10 from Cruz Bay to Coral Bay. • Review striping issues for all roads on St. John. Roadway Widths • Conduct an inventory of existing road widths with special emphasis on easement mapping. • lfland must be taken to accomplish road-widening, consider a tax credit option to compensate property owners. • Consider widening dangerous areas immediately. Guardrails • Survey all St. John roads to ensure compliance. • Install and re-install additional guardrails or guardrail support structure where required. • Assess existing guardrail conditions. Potholes and Poor Patching • Revisit the means and methods used to patch roads. --------------·-~-- December 2009 • Repair roads such that the patch is level with the road surface. Conditions of Roads • Include roadway base repairs and drainage improvements in repaving projects. Use concrete as a more sustainable surface than asphalt Where asphalt is used, apply a thicker layer. • Plan for roadway widening projects (see above). Construction/Completion of Existing Roads • Complete construction and paving of federally-funded roads, to include consideration of easements, road widths, existing base, guardrails, signage, road striping, and selection of paving materials. • Infrastructure upgrades are needed to keep up with population increases. Construction/Completion of Emergency Routes • Centerline Road is currently the only paved road into or out of Coral Bay. Consider emergency egress and access for residents and supply and emergency vehicles, particularly if this major route is closed. • Consider escape routes for residents in remote areas. Construction/Completion of Bypass Roads • Complete a north-south bypass around Cruz Bay for traffic from Route 104 and the Enighcd Pond area. • Complete construction of the Route 20 extension (King Hill Road) on the southeastern side of Centerline Road/Route 10, including a sufficient road bed, adequate road width, traffic control at the intersection with Centerline Road, striping, and signagc. • Complete construction of Route 108/Bordeaux Mountain Road, including striping and signagc. • Construct a vehicle road on the Johnny Horn Trail/Route 109 between Coral Bay and the Annaberg Plantation. Construction of New Roads • Construct a vehicle road between Fish Bay and Lameshur Bay, including striping and signage. 1 • Complete paving of Route 107 to Lameshur, in duding striping and signage. • Construct a vehicle road base on the Bordeaux Mountain Trail between Route 107 in Lameshur and Route 108/Bordeaux Mountain Road; pave and provide striping and signage as needed. • Rebuild North Shore Road from Annaberg to Route 107 in Coral Bay, including paving. striping, and signage. (This may be the same recommendation as for the Johnny Horn Trail above.) US Virgin Islands Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (2010) By Parsons Brinkerhoff for US VI Government 1 Subsequent meetings with the Roadway Advisory Committee suggested that there was not consensus on this recommendation. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan The Virgin Islands Public Works Department (PWD) is currently developing the Comprehensive Transportation Master Plan (CTMP), which will be the first of its kind for the territory. The purpose is "to identify transportation strategies based on our future growth and development, and serve as a framework to prioritize what transportation investments are most important to insure our continued quality or life." The plan has a horizon of 2030 and will address motorized transportation modes. "The CTMP will result in a roadmap of how future transportation needs of the USVI will be addressed; it is based on systematic analysis of existing conditions, future needs, and alternative transportation approaches." 1 To ensure consistency and build cohesion between the territorial government and VINP, the CTMP's project manager from PWD has been invited to serve as a member of the VINP Plan Steering Committee. Likewise, the NPF Transportation Scholar serves on the CTMP's Advisory Committee. ' http:/Jusylt@nsponatlonplan,eom/ December 2009 Page74 APPENDIX 8: EXISTING CONDITIONS 1.1 Land Use 1.1.1 Island Land Use: Travel through VINP St. John has two towns: Cruz Bay on the west end and Coral Bay on the east end. In order to get from one town to the other, one must travel through the Park. Figure 21 shows the population distribution according to the 2000 Census. Although c·ruz Bay is the main town on the island, with almost 3,000 people, Coral Bay grew by almost 80% from 1990 to 2000. The largest employers on St. John are VINP, the local government, the Westin St John, and Canecl Bay Resort, all located in or nearby Cruz Bay on the western end of St. John. Figure 21: St. John Population Distribution 1990 and 2000 (Source: US Census) e 1990 Census 0 2000 Census • l • - , . ~ population: 649 ,-C-e-nt_ra_l ... su,._b_d-is-tr-!c-t--;, 9% from 1990 le # e ~ .. G • ,--.:....::~::::::;.::,, ______ :~' ... Cruz Oay 2000 population: 2,74 +11% from 1990 2000 population: 746 +20¼ from 1990 ~ .. --........... ... .. A ~ o~ 0 1Mf1t:i .. .. . • .. . Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan In addition to island residents and visitors, commercial traffic uses St. john's two main roads. The main types of traffic arc construction vehicles and water trucks (Figure 22) which deliver to sites throughout the island. Since there is no alternative commercial vehicle access, these large trucks must navigate the sleep and narrow roads and lhcir sharp curves. Often large vehicles cannolroundthcsccurves without taking up both travel lanes. 1.1.2 Destinations within VINP Private Inholdings As delineated by the beige areas Figure 22: Water trucks such as this one need to access every part of the island. within the Park boundary shown in Figure 1, there are many private inholdings situated in the Parle Some of these, such as Peter Bay, are developing as luxury villas and homes. There is also discussion ahout building a new school in Cathcrineberg east of the health clinic on Centerline Road. As a condition of Rockefeller's donation of land to the National Park Service for the creation of VINP, Caneel Bay Resort ( on North Shore Road just east of Cruz Bay) was to be a "retained use estate," meaning that it would continue to operate as a resort within the Park for a specified per·iod of time. That time period has expired, and now Congress is con~idcring a bill authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to lease the property back to Can eel Bay Resort rather than pursuing a concession contract for operation and management of the resort. Maho Bay Camps, a private campground within the Park, is currently for sale. Oppenheimer Beach, between Hawksnest Bay and Peace Hill, is owned by the territorial government. Some public comments have suggested that the Park prevents property owners from accessing land that they own within the Park. This is not true and the Park invites any private inholding owners who do not have access to their property to contact the Park so that an arrangement can be made. Beaches St. John's beaches arc one of the main attractions in the Park: December 2009 • Some, like Salomon Bay and Honeymoon Beach, arc only accessible by foot or by boat. • Hawksnest Bay has parking, restrooms, and pavilions that can be reserved for special events. • Moving east along North Shore Road, there is a small parking area for the beach at Jumbie Bay, which is accessible via a staircase roughly 250' down the road. • Trunk lJay is a world famous beach with an underwater snorkeling trail. It is the only site in the Park with a fee. Amenities at Trunk Bay include showers, restrooms, a snack bar, snorkeling equipment rentals, and a gift shop. The beach has lifeguards and a taxi stand. There is par·king at Trunk Bay, but excess parking demand causes vehicles to park along the road. The VINP Calendar Year Highlights for 2007 note that there were 181,521 visitors to Trunk Bay in 2006 and 142,221 in 2007. • Cinnamon Bay is the site of the Figure 23: Francis and Maha Bays Figure 24: Saltpond Bay Park campground. There is a ~ • • .: . • .- cafeteria, amphitheater, camp store, snorkel rentals, restrooms, and showers. There is some parking at Cinnamon Bay, but like Trunk Bay, the lot frequently overflows. • Parking at Maho Bay is very limited. There arc plans for a small lot at the east end of the beach on the southeast side of North Shore Road. There are currently no amenities at Maho. • Francis Bay has a restroom and picnic tables. Parking is very limited. In summer 2009, The Friends of VINP completed a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk on a portion of the Francis Bay trail. • Saltpond Uay at the southeast corner of the island has a restroom and limited parking, but is accessible via the VITRAN bus. There are some other remote beaches near Lameshur that sometimes require four-wheel drive to access. • Other beaches are only available by foot or boat. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Hiking Trails Some beaches, scenic views, historic plantations, and sugar mill ruins arc reached via hiking trails. Parking at trailheads is often quite limited (as will be discussed in Section 1.2.8), sometimes consisting of pulling over onto the shoulder of the road. Some trail heads are rwt dcal'ly marked. An interesting phenomenon at VINP is the "Trail Bandit," an individual who clears (using herbicides and saws) and maps trails in the Park. In some ways this is very helpful, because the Park's limited resource~ prevent it from maintaining every hiking trail, so the Trail Bandit essentially performs maintenance that the Park cannot. In addition, the Trail Bandit has developed a very detailed and accurate map using GPS which is far superior to the Park's trail map. VINP and the Trail Bandit have reached an agreement by which a version of the Trail Bandit's map (Figure 26), called "The Hiker's Guide," is sold at the Visitor Center and he donates a portion of the proceeds to the Park. His stated objective is "to help spread the word about hiking on St. John and make it easier and more enjoyable for all." 1 However, there arc some negative aspects to the Trail Bandit's actions. The guerilla clearing disregards private property lines and impacts fragile habitats, sometimes destroying very rare species of plants. Some of the Figure 25: Some oreas are only accessible by hiking trails. clearing is of old roads or trails that are growing over with vegetation, hut some arc new trails that he has created to access different destinations. In all, there are 33 hiking trails recognized by the Park in the "Hiker's Guide." Most are less than 1 mile long, and the longest is 2.6 miles. Some arc the remnants of Danish roads from the colonial period. The majority of the trails run north-south through the mountains. Hiking is the only way to access the area of the Park south of Centerline Road and west of Bordeaux Mountain and Lamcshur. 'The Trail Bandit's website Is http:ljtrailbandit.org. December 2009 ) ) Figure 26: Trail Bandit's Hiking Mop {Note: this is not the Hiker's Guide described above.) ~--------------~--~~------~ I .. rrFte Trai[ <Banait quufe 'To '11iL 'Jfifj,y; 'Trails Of St.John, o/. I. A~-~~----w.e.Wn....""'"""'~• ta"'..,__k...,._,."""""~_,e-t'-"""' -•"-.:t,·~..,,.,.,_.,.~ • ..,~ -~-..--.-.,,i.._ ... ~.......,. 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"';- ... .. : /'"h.J:(!) , :t• .... , I- - .. ~ -.... - .. lit: • ,.. I ... I 1" Yl, ~- ,.~-- t 1. ;;:;'; - / .. ,:'( ... I ... December 2009 ..... ~ ~- ., -- ~~..OIUl OOntO\l<S~~fOOfto«O.llS tJlntC>"C.S#G~fl•lll -·~-,,_ _______ ., ____ ...... ) l Caribbean Sea - Historical and Cultural Sites Among the most popular historic and cultural sites within the Park are the Annaberg Sugar Mill and School ruins northeast of Maho Bay; the Reef Bay Sugar Mill ruins on the south shore, and the Petroglyphs about½ mile north of Reef Bay. The Reef Bay Sugar Mill and the Petroglyphs (Figure 27) arc accessible only by hiking, an<l the Park offers guided hikes to these spots. Ruins such as Catherineberg and Trunk Bay are alongside of the road. Cultural demonstrations are periodically offered at Anna berg. 1.1.3 Park Visitation Park visitation is measured in recreational and non-recreational visits; recreational visitors use park facilities, while non-recreational visitors do not (for example, they drive through the Park but do not stop). The NPS Five Year Anrwal Recreation Visits Report for 2008 indicates that the average number of annual recreational visits over the past five years is 662,867. Visitation is affected by the severity of a previous year's hurricane season and the damage that the region experiences as a result. Figure 28 shows that visitation has declined over the past five years. However, Figure 29 shows that non-recreational visits have stayed relatively consistent, while recreational visits have declined. The Figure 27: Annaberg Sugar Mill and the Petroglyphs 2009-2010 Forecast of Recreation Visits for VINP suggests that there will be no change in visitation between 2009 and 2010. Figure 28: Annual Park Visitation 1957-2008 (Source: NPS Public Use Statistics Office} Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan 900,000 800,000 700,000 600.000 j ~000 1 i 400,000 ~ .. 300,000 200,000 100,000 0 19S5 1965 1975 1985 Year Figure 29: VINP Visitation: Recreational and Non-Recreational 2004·2008 (Source: NPS Public Use Statistics Office) 900.000 l 800000 ........ . ... ..... 700,000 .................... ............ ...... ...... 600,000 500,000 400,000 1995 2005 - ♦ - Rec Visits --- Non-Rec Visits ...... ...... ....... ..... .... .... ...... -... -.. 300,000 j, ------------------11-------------------- 200,000 100,000 0 +---------~----------------------------, 2004 December 2009 2005 2006 2007 2008 Table 3 shows that approximately 20% of recreational visitors stay overnight in the Park. The 2001 Alternative Trnnsportation Study noted that about 30% of visitors to VlNP are cruise ship passengers and that the market share at the time was growing. Cruise ship passengers typically visit VlNP for a few hours on a planned tour. The other 70% of visitors typically use a car or taxi and are on the island for more than a day. Table 3: 2004-2008 VINP Visitation by Month/Year (Sovrce: NPS Pvblic Use Statistics Office) 2004 R.ec.vtslts . ;j'Q3,590 Non-Rec Visits 340,844 Total \/isl~ 1,.134,434 Concession Lodging 20,209 Tent Campers 0 RV Campers 0 Concession Camoirrounds 21,910 Back Country Campers 0 Misc Campers 11.8,375 Total Overnight Stays 162,229 2005 2006 2007 2008 80.3.040 6];7.289 511,382 469i(l34 330,225 329,592 310,067 302,384 1,138,265 1,006.881 ,881,44.9 i77fl 4'18 20,531 29,789 20,867 21,519 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21973 23,630 19,341 22,354 0 0 0 0 102,964 69,567 62,100 54,853 146,422 124,120 104,099 99,914 Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Table 4: VINP Year-to-Date Report (Source: NPS Public Use Statistics Office) l 2 3 4 s 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Same Visits This This Year last Year %Change Report Date: July 2009 Month % Change Fiscal YTD YTD Month last Year Recreation Visits TOTAL RECREATION VISITORS 34,753 40,849 MAHO BAY CAMPGROUND GUESTS 5,031 5,659 CANEEL BAY RESORT GUESTS 6,727 7,489 BOAT VISITORS AT TRUNK BAY BEACH 793 1,211 BEACH USE AT TRUNK BAY BEACH (OTHERS} 7,649 7,131 TRUNK BAY TOURS 48 6( TRUNK BAY PASSENGERS OFF BOATS 321 488 TRUNK BAY PASSENGERS OFF TOURS 2 57( 4 256 VISITORS AT NATIONAL PARK CENTER 4,192 4 323 TORTOLA FERRY PASSENGERS ( \( ' ANNABERG SUGARMILL RUINS VISITORS 730 2,464 Overnight (O/N) Stays CINNAMON BAY CABIN O/N STAYS 1,485 TENT 0/N STAYS 452 RVO/NSTAYS 237 GROUP 0/N STAYS 90 NORTHSHORE BOAT 0/N STAYS 1,37( SOUTHSHORE BOAT 0/N STAYS 209 NONRECREATION 0/N STAYS 21 Notes per "VINP Public Use Counting and Reporting Instructions" Recr1toeion Visils 1. The number of registered guests at Maho Bay Campground. 2. The number of registered guests at Caneel Bay Resort. 1,930 295 .362 153 139S 676 6l YTD YTD -14.9 313,113 346,538 -9.6 ·ll 43,19~ 47,611 -9.l -10.2 44,733 58.341 -23.3 -34.5 S 613 6.449 ·13 7.3 51,879 56,109 -7.5 -2( 1113 522 -20.1 -33.2 2,162 2,488 -13.l -39.5 21 019 31888 -34.l .3 35,504 35,108 l.1 0 0 iO -70.4 17.519 16,504 6.2 -23.l 14,597 16,795 -13.l 53.2 9,477 9,248 2.5 -34.5 6 525 6,754 -3.4 -41.2 114 2,431 -S2.8 ·l.8 42,037 30.001 40.l -69 11,978 14,531 •17.1 -69 1,1.98 1,454 -17.1 3. The number of boats observed offshore at Trunk Bay Beach. The number of boats is mult<plied by the persons per boat (PPB) multiplier of 8.53. 4. The number of visitors on the beach at Trunk B .. y. s. The number of visitors coming off boats at Trunk Bay. 6. The number of visitors coming off tours at Trunk Bay. 7. The number of visitors at the National Park Center. 8. The number of passengers on Tonola Ferries that enter park waters. Overnight Stoy,s 9. Conccs~loncr Lodging - Cinnamon Bay Cabins: The number of visitors staying overnight as reported by the concessioner. 10. Concessioner Campgrounds• Cinnamon Bay Concessioner Campground: The number of visitor~ staying overnight as reported by the concessioner at the tent sites, bare sites, and group sites. 394,l\4 52,021 59,24( 7,09 68,671 56' 2,762 27,905 4S.214 I 22,225 18,28, 10,724 8,549 1,39( 47,26 13,647 1,365 ll. The number of visitors by boat at Northshore is determined by dividing the number of boats counted (from ranRer logs) by the number of counts made. The average number of boats per count is multiplied by the number of days In the reporting month. Th<! estimated number of boats is increased by 25 percent to account for boats missed (before and after hours). 12. The number of visitors by boat at South shore is determined by dividing the nlimber of boats counted (from ranger logs) Non-recrenrlon Overnight srovs 13. Ten percent of thr. bo~t use at Northshore and Southshore is estimated as non-recreation overnight stays. December 2009 Figure 30: Visitor Destinations in VINP Based on year-to-dote (July 2009) visits. Note: there ore other destinations within the Pork, but these ore the ones for wllich visits are recorded. __ ,,. CaneelBay Resort 44,733 . . ., ........ -·, ,· - - • - :il . ~ Visitor Center ~ \ 35,504 \r.,,; , (~,~ er( •J A ~ o.:_ /h':lf1.,Clfa,I Roold-N.iy ... \. •• ' Pi\1k bounduv • • ♦ f I 'r ' . (,.' . 1.2 Transportation System Characteristics This section describes the travel modes to and on St. John; describes marine access to the island; explains roadway characteristics; summarizes traffic volume, vellidc classification, and vehicle occupancy data collected for the VINP Transportation Study; and describes parking. Much of the following information is discussed at length in the VINP Transportation Study; a summary is provided here to provide an overview of the most significant aspects. 1.2.1 Travel Modes to St. John Table 5 summarizes the ways in which one gets to St. John. Nearly all access to the island is through Cruz Bay. In addition lo the public modes described below, the Westin and Caneel Bay resorts both have their own boats to transport their guests between St. John and St. Thomas. VINP employees can commute to St. John from St. Thomas for free via the Can eel Bay ferry. It is also helpful to note that the VI Port Authority owns and operates the three ferry docks in Cru7. Bay: 'the Creek,' 'the ferry dock,' and the Enighed Pond autobarge terminal (see Figure 31). Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Tobie 5: Summary of Trove/ Modes to St. John rip takes about 20 minutes Fare Is $5 one-way+ $2 per piece of luggage harlotte Amalle frip takes about 45 minutes are Is $10 one-way+ $2 per piece of luggage December 2009 There Is no air service to St. John. The Park's Commercial Services Plan notes that "Although at one time seaplane service was permitted from the NPS boat ramp in Cruz Bay, it was discontinued based upon a determination that vessel tratfic, other water-related activities, park operations at the ramp, and environmental values would be adversely affected." (See Fir,ure 31 for the location of the seaplane ramp.) Hourly 6:30AM to 12:00AM • Service between Cruz Bay on St. John and Red Hook or Charlotte Amalie on St. Thomas. • Departs from and arrives at the Ferry Dock (Figure 31). • Operated by Transportation Services and Varlack Ventures. Ridership 1,220,000 passengers in 2004 (per the VINP Transportation Study) bout every 2 hours 7:15AM lo 5:30PM ver 130,000 passengers in 2004 (per he VINP Transportation Study) uto Barge Fare • Service between Cruz Bay on St. John and Red Hook on St. Thomas (Figure 3 on page 7). • Terminal ln Enighed Pond (Figure 31). • Operated by love City Car Ferries, Boyson's, Inc., and Global Marine. chedule Ridership $27-$30 one-way, $42-$50 roundtrip, + $3 port fee. Passengers ride with car t no eKtro charge. This is a critical factor in mode choice. For cxa mple, it is more convenient and affordable for visitors arriving at the St. Thomas Depending on perator, barge Nearly 50,000 vehicles chedule ls either h (one-way) in 2004 (per very 2 ours he VINP lrport to a rent a car there and bring it to St. John on the auto barge than it 1s to take a taxi (with a per person charge} to the passenger ferry to St. John nd then another taxi to their hotel or villa rental. Private Boat 6:15AM to 6:15PM . I 30 Transportation Study} r hour y 7: AM to 6:00PM • There Is little to no dock space in Cruz Bay for more than 15-minute docking, as shown in Figure 31. • Figure 33 shows that private boats are allowed to anchor or use a mooring in designated areas of Park waters depending on the length of the boat. Yet accessing land from an anchored or moored boat is still challenging for dinghies due to the lack of dock space. • Another Issue for boaters is the island's Jack of a pump-out station and other marina facilities. • Use of overnight moorings in the Park: 9,375 nights in 2006 and 9,997 in 2007 (per VINP Calendar Year Highlights for 2007). Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan • See Figure 31 for arrival and departure points. • Proof of citizenship required. • There is no US Customs station on St. Thomas, so all international ferries must clear Customs in St. John, even if their destination ls St. Thomas. • Operator is Inter-Island Boat Services. (Speedy's operates serves STT to VG but must stop In STJ to clear US Customs.) ip dtrip, S26 one-way rda trip December 2009 chedule Departs Cruz Bay at 8:30AM & 11:30 AM dally, with a 3:30PM trip M,T,W,Th,Sat; S:00PM Fri; 4:30PM Sun; upon reaching Tortola, the boat picks up passengers for the return trip to t. John. perates on Thursday and Sunday only, departing St. John at 8:30AM and Virgin Gorda at :00PM. Departs St. John MTFSS at 8:30AM & 2:20PM Upon reaching Jost Van Dyke, the boat picks up passengers for the return trip to St. John. Cruise Ship Excursions • Cruise ships coming to the region typically dock in St. Thomas (Charlotte Amalle). Note passengers transferring from Island Girl ta safari bus tours on right side of photo. • Cruise ships offer their passengers excursion trips to St. John for various activities such as snorkeling at Trunk Bay, taking an island tour on a safari bus, visiting the Anna berg Sugar Mill, or hiking. • The VINP Transportation Study notes that nearly 2 milllon cruise ship passengers arrived In St. Thomas in 2004. VINP records show that there were more than 64,000 excursion trips to Trunk Bay that year. The peak season is November to March. • As shown in the photo above, passengers take a boat such as the Island Girl from St. Thomas to St. John and transfer directly to waiting safari buses which take them to their chosen activity. Figure 6 shows the location of the excursion transfer area in Cruz Bay. • The Park requires excursion providers to have a CUA. Sub-contracted seNice providers such as the safari buses are permitted to operate in the Park under this CUA. Per the 2001 VINP Commercial Services Pion, "tour operators (are] responsible for the compliance of their contracted taxi and safari bus operators with regulations and for safe driver behavior." • Operators include Cruise Ship Excursions. Inc. and Transportation SeNices, Inc .. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Water Taxi • There are three water taxi operators: Calvin Thomas, Dolphin Water Taxi, and Dohm's Catamaran Power Boat. • Water taxis are demand responsive and serve practically any water accessible point on St. Thomas, St. John, and the BVI. • Water taxis were using the Waterfront in Charlotte Amalie and the Park Dock In Red Hook to pick up and drop off passengers until Homeland Security regulations went into effect and restricted this access. • A CUA is required if the water taxi uses one of the VINP docks or were to do tours within the park boundary. • According to watertaxi-vi.com, rates are generally: o $2S/person with a 5 person minimum between Red Hook and St. John o $SO/person with a 5 person minimum between Frenchman's Reef or Crown Bay and St. John o $35/person with a 5 person minimum between the Ritz and St. John o Custom day trips available for hourly rates of $200·$300 (2 hour minimum) • There is some confusion as to whether water taxis are under the Jurisdiction of the VI Taxi Cab Commission. If they are a "vehicle-for-hire," they are required to have a taxi medallion; if they are a "charter boat," they are not under the jurisdiction of the VI TCC. December 2009 Figure 31: Cruz Bay Transportation Focilities 1.2.2 Travel Modes on St. John/within VINP This section provides an overview of the transportation modes on St. John. More detailed information is available in the VINP Transportation Study. Table 6: Summary of Travel Modes on St. John/within VINP Bicycle Pue to the narrow roads with blind curves and formidable grarles, bicycling Is not a safe or attractive mode. There Is generally not a shoulder on the Park roads. In fact, the "Gettin~ Around" section of the VINP website promotes motorized ~ehicles for transportation: "The best and safest way of getting around the Park and the Island would be by vehicle. Bicycles are not recommended due to steep and winding road~." I I Pedestrian Walking along the side of the roads Is not a safe or attractive mode for the same reasons that bicycling is not. lliklng for he sake of hiking is enjoyable, but since trails are generally not available between major attractions, they cannot be used for general transportation (for example, as a means to get from the Cinnamon Bay Campground to Cruz Bay). Hitchhiking Is a valid and frequently used mode on the Island, although wailing for a ride on the side of the road can be dangerous depending on the location. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan M oto rcycle/Scoote r otor scooter rentals are available on the island, but previous experience i~-recommended given the steep roads, articularly the switchbacks on Trunk Ba Hill. typical safari bus is a Class 6 vehicle with about four forward-facing bench .'>eats In the bed shaded by a canopy. This onfiguration can hold about 24 to 27 passengers. There are also smaller taxis (Class 3 or 5 vehicles) which have two bench eats along the sides of the truck bed facing each other; these vehicles accommodate about 111 passengers. The territorial overnment recently ruled both of these vehicles illegal and they are being phased out from the VI taxi industry. It is nclear what types of vehicles will take their place. axis are regulated by the VI Taxi Cab Commission (TCC), which sets rates and requires any vehicle-for-hire to have a edallion to operate (see Appendix F). There is a limit on the number of mec!allions in the industry. The TCC also regulates axi stands to ensure fair dispatch. l taxis offer different services: some cater to cruise ship excursions, transporting cruise ship passengers to their chosen ctivity; others specialize In island tours, providing narrated trips around the island and describing history, culture, and cology; some attend to particular hotels or villa rentals; others focus on street fares. er the 2001 VINP Commercial Services Pion, "All businesses and individuals providing tour services for hire within the park re required to obtain a CUA. This requirement applies to operators providir,g organized tour services versus delivering a axl fare to any one of a multitude of destinations. Resort, hotel and taxi ass,iciation tour services are subject to this equirement. Exempted are regular taxi services engaged in transporting fares from point A to point Band not providing 'tours", rental cars used for personal transport, and public buses operating on a fixed route with a published schedule." here are about 140 taxis on St. John. While some drivers operate independ•~ntly, others organize in associations or ooperative arrangements and specialize in a type of service as described above. ares (provided in Appendix F) are charged per person by distance. It is therefore most cost-effective for drivers to load as any passengers as possible (without exceeding the safety limit) onto their vehicle before departing. This practice ohen esults in poor customer service, as people may be loaded onto a taxi and asked to wait while the driver waits for more assengers. In addition, not all passengers may be going to the same location, so stops may be made along the way to a lnal destination. In these ways, the service is more of a paratranslt operation than conventional taxi service which Is riv ate and demand responsive. In fact, one of the TCC regulations is that "any person requesting a taxi exclusively for imself must pay for a total of six seats." December 2009 Many rental cars are identifiable by the large sticker at the top center of the windshield. ar rental agencies are regulated by the VI Bureau of Motor Vehicles. There is a quota limiting the number of rental cars hat the agencies on St. John can offer, which is based on "traffic safety, traffic flow, and the numerical needs or demand or drive-yourself cars" according to the VI Code. In 2003 this maximum was set at 62S. Each agency on the island is llocated a portion of the quota and cumulatively they have approximately 625 vehicles at any given time. There are pproxlmately 20 rental agencies on St. John. Approximate rates are $70/day to $100/day and $420/week to $600/week epending on the type of vehicle. he VI Code regulating rental cars (a.k.a. "drive-yourself car") states that rental cars are to be identifiable by their license lates and that: All drive yourself cars shall be operated exclusively on the island for which rhe registration license and corresponding license plate(s) were issued and shall not be transported for use on any other is/and.i owever, in practice rental car license plates are not distinguishable from other vehicles because there is a sense that oing so would make tourists more vulnerable to crime. In addition, the VI Attorney General determined that rental cars n travel between islands, although further information on this decision could not be found for this report. While St. John ental car agencies do not allow their vehicles to be transported between Islands on the auto barge, some St. Thomas gencies allow their vehicles to come to St. John, but will not provide motorist assistance there: the renter Is responsible or any repairs or service needed off St. Thomas. rivate villa rentals often include a car rental. St. John's car rental agencies frequently sell out of vehicles because they are eing provided with villa rentals. s noted in the auto barge section above, some visitors rent a car at the St. Thomas airport, finding It less expensive and ore convenient than getting one on St. John, especially since car passengers ride the auto barge for free. t. John rental agencies often provide parking In Cruz Bay for clients using their cars. This Is a significant incentive given the ack of available arking in Cruz Bay. 1 VI Code Title 20, Part 11, Chapter 38, §422h. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan fare Schedule The bus leaves the Cruz Bay Ferry Dock hourly at 20 !'are is $1 minutes past the hour beginning at 6:00AM and ending at 7:25PM. • VITRAN is the local transit agency and operates under the auspices of VI PWD. • Provides fixed route service between Cruz Bay and Saltpond via Coral Bay along Centerline Road. • Operates Dial-a-Ride services and is wheelchair accessible. • The FTA has prohibited VITRAN from operating on North Shore Road until it acquires vehicles suited to the steep grades and tight turns, particularly the switchbacks on Trunk Bay Hill. VITRAN and PWD expect the vehicles to arrive within one year. • The St. John Community Foundation also operates a Dial-a-Ride service. Ridership lrhe VINP Transportation Study noted that VITRAN ~ransports about 100 people per day. Private Vehicle (owned/leased by island resident, a.k.a. "island car") The VINP Transportation Study indicates that depending on data source, there are 2,000 to 5,000 private vehicles located on St. John. A transportation survey of visitors and residents was conducted in 2009 for the territory's Transportation Master Plan. The responses should be able to provide valuable insight as to mode split, and may be available for review when that plan is complete in 2010. In the meantime, Figure 32, based on 2000 Census data, shows the mode split for St. John residents traveling to work. A substantial portion carpooled or walked, which may reflect the popularity of hitchhiking on the island. The VITRAN bus has a reputation in the community for being unreliable and schedules are not published, so this may explain the low mode share of the bus. December 2009 Figure 32: Means of Transportation ro Work/or St. John Residents (Source: 2000 US Census) Motorcycle Walked 15% 0% \ Ferryboat or water taxi 3% Safari bus or taxi 3% Worked at home 3% Other means 2% 25% 1.2.3 Marine Access to St. John Drove alone 45% Figure 33 describes provisions for boat access to St. John; VINP regulations for mooring and anchoring within park boundaries arc summarized in Table 7. There arc no boater facilities such as a marina or pump-out station on St. John. There are two boat ramps, one in Coral Bay and the "Sea Plane Ramp" in Cruz Bay. The only docks on the island are in Cruz Bay (sec Figure 31}, Coral Bay (Figure 34), the Westin, Cancel Bay Resort, and the VIN P /Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station in Lameshur. There are dinghy channels marked by buoys to most beaches. Dinghies are allowed to pull on to the beach to pick up or drop off, but cannot stay for longer periods of time. While it is free to use a Park mooring during the day, there is a $15 fee for mooring or anchoring in the Park overnight, with a 30 night maximum per year. There are seven pay stations in the Park (such as in Figure 35) and during the peak visitation season, Bay Hosts are present to answer questions and collect fees. Hurricane 1-lole on the eastern side of St. John provides a relatively safe haven for boats during tropical depressions, storms, and hurricanes. The Park and Friends of VI NP have installed chains at the bottom of Hurricane Hole to which boats attach storm moorings; there arc 124 storm berths. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Figure 33: Boot Access ro sr. John (Numbers odjocent to symbols represent the number of thot type of mooring; source: VINP Mariner's Resource Protection Gulde.) caneel eav Resort dock 03V use Only • f~hlng ♦ e>vtrnl£hl - SCUM-Oa UseOnl " A 0~ -- - ) Virgjn hJ.1ndi Ua1:0n.aJ r~ J \ • 6 /1 } n l Mir~ Tobie 7: Limltotions for anchoring ond mooring within pork boundaries Private Vessel Size Limits for North Shore Length on Deck May anchor only in sand and not within 200' of mooring field Must use mooring If available ~ I r ...... C ~/1, "',i, 4,4,.. 1,. """ ">,, ~, 16' or less 17' to 60' 61' to 125' 126' to 210' Prohibited from using moorings- must anchor in sand 200' seaward of mooring field Prohibited from using moorings- must anchor in sand at Francis Bay 200' seaward of mooring field at depths greater than 50' Greater than 210' Prohibited from mooring or anchoring Private Vessel Size Limits for South Shore Length on Deck 16' or less 17' to 60' 61' to 125' 126' to 210' Greater than 210' December 2009 May anchor only in sand and not within 200' of mooring field Must use mooring if available Prohibited from mooring or anchoring Prohibited from mooring or anchoring Prohibited from mooring or anchoring Figure 34: There is significant demand for the dock In Cera/ Bay. Figure 35: Pay Station in Coneel Bay 1.2.4 Roadway Characteristics This section summarizes observations of the roads in VINP as well as data from the 2006 N PS Road Inventory ofVINP by FHWA and the Eastern Feder2l Lands Highway Division. Vehicles drive on the left side of the road in the US Virgin Islands, but vehicles typically have the steering wheel on the left. Roads through the Park are posted for a 20 mph speed limit with some sections posted at 10 mph. The cross section widths vary, but all roads are two lanes. Due to terrain, there arc some especially steep sections, such as immediately east of Trunk Bay. This segment has three switchbacks which typically force large vehicles to use both travd lanes as they round the curves (Figure 36). Two- wheel-drive vehicles have difficulty making it up the hill when the pavement is wet, as noted in the 1998 FHWA North Shore Road Triple Switchback Safety St 11dy (see summary in Appendix A). There are many other blind curves in the Park, and when large vehicles round them, they take up both travel lanes. Appendix D of the VJNP Transportation Study reviewed the Environmental Assessment for Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Figure 36: Trunk Boy Switchbacks the Rehabilitation of North Shore Road and notes that the road's cross-section is not up to standard, but there is not a plan to change it: "The section of North Shore Road (V.l. Route 20) between Cruz Bay und the area of Annaberg access road is a paved, two-way roadway with an average pavement width of 18 feet The pavement width does not meet the minimum requirements set in the 1984 Park Road Standards (D.0. 87A) and is su bsta nda rd for two- way traffic. The inadequate lane widths have created unsafe driving conditions, as evidenced by areas where vehicles clearly travel on the existing shoulders. Damage to roadside vegetation occurs due to visitors pulling off the road on to undesignated areas. The existing pavement surface is rough and undergoing severe deterioration in some areas. The road has inadequate drainage structures that have worsened the condition of the road and severely deteriorated the shoulders. FHWA representatives also indicated that the ·Nidening of North Shore Road was not considered as a serious alternative and was dismissed early in the process. {The North Shore Road EA} also states that "When the {!\'PS} is faced with a choice between creating a severe road scar to bring visitors to a destination point, or requiring visitors to walk a considerable distance or to utilize alternative transportot ion systems, the decision should be against the scar." The North Shore Road project began in October 2009 and is expected to take 18 months to complete. It will rehabilitate and resurface North Shore Road and improve drainage at the Visitor Center. The project docs not change the cross-section of North Shore Road. All existing signs will be replaced and anti-skid pavement will be applied to the switchbacks on Trunk Bay Hill. December 2009 Based on public comments, there appears to be a shortage of striping, regulatory and warning signs, and guardrails/guard walls. Road striping has faded and the centerline is no longer visible for the majority of North Shore Road. There may be road sections which would be suitable for a centerline rumblestrip trial. Road jurisdiction is a significant issue at VINP as discussed in Section 5.5. As of November 2009, the Public Works Department is constructing a roundabout in Cruz Bay at the intersection of routes 10 (Centerline Road), 104, and 102 (Southside Road). A safety program is underway which focuses on repairing and replacing guardrails throughout the island. Gift Hill Road (route 104) is being repaved/improved. Public Works projects to be initiated within the next six months include the completion/paving of Bordeaux Mountain Road, King Hill Road, and Bethany Road. 1.2.5 Traffic Volumes Existing Conditions (2005) During January 2005, vehicle classification and hourly volumes were recorded using tubes at: • North Shore Road west of the Can eel Bay entrance • North Shore Road at Peter Bay • North Shore Road east of Maho Bay • North Shore Road on King Hill, north of the intersection with Centerline Road • East End Road at Hermitage • Route 107 at Johns Folly, north ofSaltpond • Centerline Road west of the Cinnamon Bay Trail Using these data an average daily traffic (ADT) volume was calculated for January, as mapped in Figure 37. Virgin Islands Natlonal Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page99 Figure 37: 2005 Average dally traffic volumes-January (Traffic data source: 2006 VINP Transportation Study) The VI Public Works Department collected data in 2009 for the territory's Transportation Master Plan. These data may be available when the plan is complete in 2010 and may provide a more up-to-date snapshot of existing conditions. The V/NP Transportation Study conducted turning movement counts at the beach parking lots at Hawksnest, Trunk Bay, and Cinnamon Bay, and at the intersection of North Shore Road and Centerline Road. The volumes for an average day are provided in Figure 38. The beach parking lots have separate entrances and exits. The amount of through traffic is lower at the more eastern beach destinations. December 2009 ~ Figure 38: Turning Movement Count Volumes-Average Day In January 2005 (Traffic data source: 2006 VINP Transportation Study) Average Day £8 we NB SB Hawksnest lT 59 0 0 24 TH 500 516 0 0 RT 0 17 0 S3 1169 Enter S59 533 0 77 1169 Eidt S24 569 76 0 1169 EB we NB SB Trunk Bay LT 143 0 0 58 TH 330 346 0 0 RT 0 49 0 140 1066 Enter 473 395 0 198 1066 Exit 388 486 192 0 1066 EB we NB SB Cinnamon Bay LT 176 0 0 91 TH 221 213 0 0 RT 0 78 0 180 959 Enter 397 291 0 271 9S9 Exit 312 393 254 0 959 EB we NB SB NSR & Centerline LT 59 0 0 180 (King Hill) TH 458 444 0 0 RT 0 149 0 54 1344 Ente- S17 S93 0 234 1344 Exit 638 498 208 0 1344 Howblffl-A _J LJ;3 24 L .. " if 59 ~ 'Iii;. 17 "' ii. j r ... ,. 500 .. • 516 j .. r,w,Uor _J u~40 58 L " I 143 ~ "- 49 : i 1 .. 330 .. • 346 I ... OlnomGft&ar _J LJ: 91 L .. I 176 ~ "- 78 : r j 221 213 l f .. • "' NOffASINWRd _J; :L ~ { • 59 ~ "- 149 ! 458 .. .. 444 Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Future Conditions (2030) Historical trends and/or planning estimates for future conditions could not be obtained for this plan. The VI Public Works Department is working on projections as part of the territory's Transportation Master Plan. These data may be available when the plan is complete in 2010. In the meantime, a basic estimate can be made using the 2005 data provided above and assuming a growth rate of2% per year. This estimate suggests that in 2030, average daily traffic would increase to the levels shown in Table 8 and Figure 39. Table B: 2030 ADT Estimates (Assuming 29' annual growth.) North Shore Rd west of Caneel Bav North Shore Rd at Peter Bav North Shore Rd at Maho Ba'il December 2009 King Hill Centerline Road East End Saltpond 2005 Ave. Daily 2030 Ave. Dally Traffic Traffic 2187 3588 978 1604 729 1196 629 1032 1872 3071 314 516 384 630 r""', Figure 39: 2030 Average Dally Volumes at North Shore Road Intersections (Assuming 2'6 annual growth.} Average Day EB we NB SB Howbnntlltatb Hawksnest LT 97 0 0 39 _J LJ;7 39 L TH 8lO 847 0 0 .. RT 0 28 0 87 1918 I 97 J "- 28 ;: .. ! Enter 917 874 0 126 1918 f Exit 860 934 125 0 1918 ' 820 .. .. 847 i EB we NB SB ,,.,.,. Bay Trunk Bay LT us 0 0 95 _J L_J;3o 95 L TH 541 S68 0 0 .. RT 0 80 0 230 1749 I 235 J " 80 : • Enter n6 648 0 325 1749 r ! 5 Exit 637 191 315 0 1749 I 541 .. .. 568 ~ EB we NB 58 °""""""Soy OMamonBay LT 289 0 0 149 _J L_J;5 1:L TH 16) 349 0 0 RT 0 us 0 295 1573 I 289 J " 128 : . Enter 651 477 0 445 1573 r ! Exit 512 645 417 0 1573 I 363 .. .. 349 i EB we NB 58 --«d NSR & Centerline LT 97 0 0 295 _J;' tL (King HIii) TH 751 na 0 0 RT 0 244 0 89 2205 i' l Enter 848 973 0 384 2205 :i 97 J " 244 1 Exil 1047 817 341 0 2205 t 751 .. .. 728 s 1.2.6 Vehicle Classification For the purposes of this plan, vehicle classes (as shown in Figure 40) are grouped as follows: • passenger vehicles include Classes 1,2 and 3; • medium trucks (including safari buses} are Class 5, 6, & 7; • large trucks are Class 8 and higher. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Small safari buses (2 bench seats facing each other) are Class 5 trucks; large safaris ( ~24 passengers) are Class 6 trucks. As shown in Table 9 and Figure 41, Class 2/passcnger cars (small/medium SUVs) constitute the majority of all vehicles on St. John's roads, ranging from 66.3% (on a weekday) on North Shore Road near Caneel Bay to 88.7% (on a weekend) on Centerline Road in the East End. There is a water plant immediately west of Cancel Bay Resort which accounts for the high percentage of large vehicles there. The VI Public Works Department collected vehicle classification data in 2009 for the territmy's Transportation Master Plan. These data may be available when the plan is complete in 2010. Figure 40: FHWA Vehicle Clossificotion (Source: http://www.sorasoto-monateempo.org/Fiqures/flqurel.pdf) a.ASS GROUP DESCRIPTION 1 ~ MOTORCYCLES ~ ALL CARS CARS 2 r:;,rC.-, CARS W/ 1-AXLETRALER r;;ir:C.-, CARS WI 2-AXLE TRALER 3 ~ PIO<-LPS & VAJ-45 1 & 2 AXLE TRAILERS 4 (~ BUSE.$ 5 r. '°'-' 2-AXLE, SINGLE UNIT 6 , .. ~ 3-AXLE, SINGLE UNIT 7 '··· ~ 4-AXI...E, SINGLE UNIT 1. JG 2-AXLE, TRACTOR, Ii 1-AXLE TRAILER (2& 1) ; '" :.G 2-AXLE, TRACTOR, 2-AXLE TRAIL.ER (2&2) 1. ~ 3-AXLE, TRACTOR. I 1 ·AXLE TRAILER (3& 1) J~ Cf) ~- 3-AXLE, TRACTOR, ::ii:: :!-AXLE TRAJLE.R(3&2) (.) . :::, ~. '·· ~ 3-A XI.E., TRUCK a:: W/ 2-AXLE TRAJLER I-§ '··· ~G lRACTOR W/SINGLE TRAIL.ER J: '· .1. ~ '· .1. .JG ANY 7 OR MORE AXLE 14 NOTUSEO 15 UNKNOWN VEHIQ.E TYPE December 2009 !">-AXI...E MJLH TRAILER S-AXI...E MU.. Tl-TRAD.ER NO. OF AXLES 2 2 3 4 2,3, &4 2&3 2 3 4 3 4 4 5 5 0&7 5 6 7 01' more Table 9: Vehicle Classification January 2005 (Data source: 2006 VINP Transportation Study) Segment North Shore Rd North Shore Rd west of Caneel Bay a1 Peter Bay Ave. Da y 2.187 Traffic 978 C _ Oanl 0.4% 0.3% .g ~ Class 2 66.7% 72.9% ,. 0 V •- aass 3 18.8% 16.0% ~ ~ Class4 0.2% 0.1% .!! :.a Medium trucks U.,:; .. ~ Class 5.7 12.3% 10.0% - 0 -~ .c ~ ~ Large trucks 0.6% >- (Class 8+) 1.4% r: Class 1 9 3 .2 i:: Class 2 1460 713 - 0 e ct Class 3 412 156 ~ ~ Clan 4 4 ~ 'O .... Medium trucks 0 '-= ., 0. 269 98 .ii "' ~e s (Class 8+) 32 6 Figure 41: Vehicle Classification January 2005 (Dato source: 2006 VINP Transportation Study) -urcer,udu - MedfLm r,uck.1 - Pusenger Vthidu ... .,,. - .,,. ;:,. ..., __ .,., ~ 0 IM+,, North Shore Rd King Hill Centerline at Maho 0ay 729 629 1,87 1.0% 0.4% 0.4~ 80.2% 85.6% 76.8\ 9.7% 9.2% 16.7\ 0.1% 0.0% O.l'l\ 8.7% 4.5% S.3~ 0.4% 0.2% 0.8~ 7 2 7 585 539 1431 70 58 313 0 2 64 28 99 3 2 14 Virgin Islands National P Saltpond 14 384 2% 0.3% .9% 82.9% .4% 9.2% 0% 0.0% 4% 7.3% 2% 0.1% 1 67 318 19 35 0 0 7 28 0 0 1ve Transportation Plan 1.2.7 Vehicle Occupancy The V/NP Transportation Study also measured vehicle occupancy, as summariz.ed in Tabl Tobie 10: Vehicle Occupancy Summary from 2006 VINP Transportation Study Vehicle Type lass 2 (passenger cars (small/medium SUVs) ~:lass 3 (light trucks) k:lass S taxi (2-axle single unit trucks) Class 6 taxi {3-axle single unit trucks) 1.2.8 Parking Average Occupancy 2.38 1.93 4.38 7.56 A brief parking inventory was conducted in October 2009 and is included in Appendix D. frequently cited problem areas are the Visitor Center and Trunk Bay. There are 38 vchicl neet, which park at the Visitor Center, Maintenance, and the Biosphere Reserve Center. ·t employee parking at these sites as well. The VINP Transportation Study found that the most frequent parking turnover occurred: Sugar Mill, where 60% of the vehicles stayed less than 1h hour. The lowest short-term tu· at Maho Bay, where only 16% of the vehicles remained less than½ hour. The Trunk Bay occupied the longest, where 27% of the vehicles were parked for more than 3 hours. The Reef Bay and L'Esperancc (sec Trail Bandit's map in Figure 26) Trails are on Center! since taxis do not travel on Centerline as frequently as on North Shore Road, people oftc1 to get to the trailheads, despite the lack of parking. A sleeping giant in the realm of parking demand appears to be villa rentals. The density c associated with the villas is such that they require cars for access. Moreover, the number island has not approached build-out, so demand from this source will only increase. One managing this issue, if not already underway, is for the VI government to work with deve density so as to make transit more feasible, and/or charging transportation impact fees. is to work with the villa rental companies to determine how best to manage transportati the villas, such as contracting with a local taxi business to arrange for transportation. There will always be parking demand from rental cars associated with villas. But reducir demand from other sources, such as visitors coming from St Thomas for the day, emplo) and guests staying at hotels may be more manageable. I December 2009 l e most 'INP ::tberg urred twas rnt tat car I n the >ption :I for :ing ?nts, APPENDIX C: COMMITTEE INFORMATION Virgin Islands National P ive Transportation Plan Virgin Islands National Park {VINP) A her native Tramportatlon Plan SU!l!rlng Committee Meeting. Thursday, August 20, 2009 at VINP Visitor Centl!r Meeting Minutes by B. Isler Attendees: Leona Smith, SI. John Administrator Monique Slbllly Hodge. VI Department of Tourism Leia laPlace, DPNR Division of Plannine; Camille Parris, Jr. Paradise Taxi and Board Member of VI Taxi Cab Commission Judy Wheatley, VI Taxi Cab Commission Executive Director Ulric PIigrim, VI Taxi Cab Commission Chairman of the Board Javier Estrill, VI Taxi Cab Commission Super11isor of Tnl Enforcement Mark Hargrave, VINP Superintendent Paul Janes, VINP Concessions L.aurelly Anthony, VINP Commercial Use Autho;lzatlons Beth Isler, NPF TransporLatlon Scholar • The flrst order of business was Introductions. • Beth explained the purpose of the VINP Alternative Transportation Plan which ls to build working mitigate excess ~rl:lng demand, Improve safety, and lmpro.,.e flow and circulation within the Par! • Described the planning process, which Involves developing a vision and goals, identifying Issues ar thM identifying ways of addressing the Issues to achieve the vision. • Noted that VI Public Works Is currently developing a Transportation Master Plan, so this Is an lmpi opportunity for collaboration to ensure consistency and ma~lml1e effectiveness. • Described role oi Steering Committee • Described role of Advlsorv Committee • The group considered the draft vision statem<!nl; no comments. Can be revisited over subsequenl • The group bralnstorme<I goals: l. Reduce parking demand. 2. Establish scheduled transportation service through the VI Taxi Cab Commission. 3. Improve! safety. 4. Improve? bicycle and pedestrian facilities. 5. Improve wayflndlng;ind t,affic slgnage. 6. Manage Park overlooks/scenic pull.ofls. 7. Provldo ror altetnatlve-fueled vehkles. 8. Be accessible tor physkally<hallenged people. 9. Reduce number or rental tars coming over from St. rnomas. 10. Improve visitor experience. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. December 2009 and 1 of2 12 AddrMs sediment oontrol from unp:aved roads. • Uke the vision s.tat.-ment, the goals may be revised over w bsequent mN(lngs. • Talked about holding Open HO!Jles to listen to public comments. Next Steps: • &th will fOtWard mHt.lng minutes to SC members and coordln:ate ~ mHtlng (m llkely focus on developing tvaluatlon criteria to prioritize projl!Cts. • &th wilt contact ta><I drivers to solicit a proposal from them regarding scheduled t\J to lll!Xt SC muting and wfll bl! 11!\/lrNf'd by VINP and VI Tiud Cab Commlss'on. • &th wlll fONtard electronlc copies of 2006 VINP Transportation Study to SC membt • VINP wlll organize Opl!n Hou~s. one In Cruz Blly and o,,e In Coral 8.ly. These are Ille comlrc weeks. S Se-p1em~1 2009 Page 2 ol 2 Virgin Islands National P, -r). /\ll!'f!(]r,11 wlll 1 wfll be due prior lace over thl! ve Transportation Plan Virgin Islands Natlnnal Park (VINP) Altl!rnatlve Transportation Plan Steering Committee Meeting, Wednesd.ly, September 9, 2009 at VINP Red Hook Meeting Minutes by B. Isler AttC'ndees: Donna Roberu, VITRAN Monique S billy Hodge, VI Department or Tourism Julius Jessup, DPNR Division of Planning Keith Rich.lrds, Public Works Department Judy Wheatley, VI Taxi Cab CommiHion Executive Director Ulric PIigrim, VI Taxi Cab Comml~slon Chairman of the Board Javier Estrlll, VI Taxi Cab Commission Supervisor of Taxl Enforcement Nlkolay Hotze, Caneel Bay EH,.1 Richardson, VINP ~th Isler, NPF Transportation Scholar Via phone: Lela LaPlace. DPNR Division or Planning • Beth recapped the purpose of the VINP Alternative Transportation Plan and roles of the Steering Committees. Noted that VI Public Works Department Is developing a terrltory•wlde Comprehensl Master Plan. so this Is a great opportunity to wort.: together. • Went around the room for Introductions and to describe what e.ich commlllee member wants tc plan: o Improve safety; Increase parking aVi\llablllty; Improve transportation alternatives !Ike as hear from the public with their r~ornmendaUons; Increase visitation to the Island and n more ~cesslble In terms of c~t and c\Jstomer service. o Improve customer service (one bad rtvlew on trlpadvlsor.com can be very bad for the rE can provide better service by not maldng people wait for a run load before leaving for th balance Incentives and disincentives- for example, people m.ty be willing to use transpo, alternatives so that they don't have to pay for parking; Improve safety and i.ecurlty, part vlslblllty of park rangers; Improve Crui Bav parking and congestion. o Improve rustomer service, Improve slgnage. make parking more available, Improve sale projects so that they can be Implemented. o Implement annual driver training ror safety (safety IS a customer service) ror taxi drivers drivers, etc. (VITRAN drivers currently do go through annual training); first contact with, lslJnd, for example, on the ferry; VINP shoukl Increase Its pre~enc(! at Saltpond; RC!C!l 8c11 Improvements, pMticularly with vlslblllty and safety; Improve slgnage to make locations hiking trail obvious; need transit service on North Shore Road- people staying .it Cinnam Campground ta~e VITAAN along Centerllne Road and then hike the Cinnamon Bay Trail b campground AT NIGHT. lhls Is I safety concern but people do It because of the lack of tr. 3lternatlves. o Need effective. !?fllclent, and sale movement of people and goods, have 3 coordinated p thl! government and VINP; vision and goals are Important to establish what we need to J develop short and long-term Implementation plaM that ldentlry resources for lmplemet December 2009 .atlon he n; taxis ,n; ·le ·s orr- eeds ofa 1 of 3 slgnage; manage vehicle drivers; Include periodic 1evlew of plan with comn to-date and measure progress. o Provide best customer service possible. o UndC?rsland the balance of the transportation modes in the sy,;tem and th, St. John and the land use. o Improve mass 1rar1slt system In order lo improve taxi seNlce [taxis are .som they are dollar rides and It Is not possible to tell which- taxis must be taxis, In order for taxis to stop providing dollar rides). o Pr011ide people with a better transportation experience; address rent.al can • 01!.<ussed rental cars traveling between St. John and St. Thomas o Each car rental agency has their own policy regarding their cars traveling b1 o Perception Is that cars from St. Thoma_s are lnundat,ng St. John transpor1a1 parking capacity; need more research, like surveys on auto barges. The USI website will hai,e visitor survey data which may shed som!' more light on ti o Villa rentals often Include rental cars. o Most convenient for people to rent a car at the airport and bring It straight carrvlng luggage onto taxi, then ferry, then anothe1 taxi. Need a convenlcn order to compete with rental cars. o Need to consider from the vlsllor standpoint- what ls most convenient and o Need to provide transportation Information rn that people can plan their t • Don't rewkt alternatives- give people as ma11v options as ponlble and Increase cor • Consider a park & ridP system to alleviate parking Issues In the park. • There Is demand for VITRAN service on North Shore Road: only road block Is equlpn ft!derally approved to negotiate the switchbacks on T,uo~ Day hill); medium-sized b year. • Need to expand transit service. • VITRAN is one of the few wheelchair-accessible transportation providers; there are wh~lchair accessible • Taxi Cal> Commission Is working on a professional developme111 program for drivers • Need to keep In mind that taxi fares have not changed since 200S, despite l11crease1 VITRAN Is subsidized- taxi busl11esses are not. • Be rnre that both tourists and residents benefit from transportation Improvements. • Reviewed the vision and goals, with the following rei,isions/addltlons (goals are not 1. Reduce parking demand. 2. Establish scheduled rransportatlnn \Prvlce IIH8ta11lA lh~ lll TdMI Cali b8·m~~1ssle1• 3 Improve ~,rerv. 28 October 2009 Virgin Islands National P ement to keep up- between VINP and . bu! sometimes IS~ lraMlt In place ds. nd consuming 1tlon Master Plan ather than ed alternative In I time. Improve service. buses that are be arriving within a ! taxli that are s; moreover, ular order): ve Transportation Plan 4. lmpr<>W! bicycle and pedestrian fadlftll!S. S. lmpr0111111n1yflndfng and traffic slgnage and post shutllf! and VITRAN schedul.s. 6. Manage Park o~ooks/scenlc pull-offs. 7. Prolllde for alt~Mtlve-fu~ed vehkles. 8. Be ac.c:eulble for pho;slcally<hallenged people. 9. ReduCI! vllltor reliance on rental car, fot moblllty and access ~tu1,ber ef ret'ltel cars coming a ~- 10. lmpr011e visitor experience and customer service. 11. Enable people to pre-plan their trip. 12. Addr~ sediment control from unpaved roads. 13. Improve mobility and acc~sslblllty within the Park. • Ran out of ti~ before discussing evaluation crltet1a/prloritltatlon and public outreach. N@x?Steps: • B!!th wlll fOl"Ward meeting minutes to SC members and coordinate next meeting (October) on St. • ~th wlll contact the St. John Administrator for guidance on what public outreach formats have b $UCCl!S!ful on the l.dand. • Bi!th wfll mttt with Ule llureau of Motor Vehkl111 to learn m0<11 about rental car operatJons. December 2009 r 2009 3 of 3 Virgin Islands Natlon:il Park (VINP) Attornatlve Transportation Plan Steering Committee Me~lng, TuMday, October 20, 2D09 at VINP Visitor Center, St. Jc Meetlng Minutes by B. Isler Attendees: Ira Wade, Public Wnrks ~pa,tmenl Donna Roberts, VITrt,\N Keith Richards, Pub r Works Department Judy Wheatlev, VI T nl Cab Commission E,cecutlve Director Ulric Pllg1lm, V1 Tax cab Commission Chairman of the Boa,d Javle, Emlll, VI Taxi Cab Commission Supervisor of Taxl Enforcement Camille Paris, Jr., VI Taxi Cab Commlulon Board Member Aubrey Bridgewater, VI TaXI Cab Commission Enforcement Officer Dustin Prudhomme, Westin St. John Director of Safoty Amo Pfeifer, Westin Sr. John Oir&ior of Rooms Elba Rlcha1dson, VINP Paul Jol\es, VINP Beth Isler, NPF Transportation Scholar • Went around the room for Introductions and lo hear what new committee membc o Improve transportation system efllclency. o Address congesllon. o Provide public Iran.sit. o Provide rrwlronmentalty sustalnable/"ereen• transportation options. o Provld~ bike paths and sidewalks; more options for bicyclists and pedestrl o lmpro• f• par1(1ng. o Publk 'Nor~ has many projects already In progress and several that will b • Roundaboul Safety program (wlll replace guardrails, etc.) • Route 104/Glft Hill Road paving Sidewalk between 7"' Day AdventlH Church and roundabout • Paving Bordeaux Mountain Road Paving King HIii Ro.Id • Pil\llng Beth:iny Road. o Improve customer service. o Make transportation safe and effective. o St. Joh" rental ur quota c:innot be Increased becau5e transportation syst, [congestion and not enough parklngl. As transportation pr011lders, VITAA~ make up the difference. Virgin Islands National P et out of the plan: :Ix months: , over-capacity ,ould be able to Pa1te 1 of 2 ive Transportation Plan o Ensure that the projects come to fruition. Make sure something comes out of this plan. o Public Worh Is developing a Comprehensive Tramportatlor, Ma~ter Plan thal will provld or projects for each islar1d over the r1exl twenty years. This preS,enl.S an excellent opport~ shared solutions to shared ptoblems. The process for prioritizing and organizing the proJ1 similar to the process for the VINP transportation plan. o Provide a safe and reliable transportation system for everyone (not exclusively residents together toward common goals rather than against each other. • Beth described the concept of a Transportation Management Association (TMA) and suggested th developed to continue the work started for U1ls pl~n. The TMA would be an Independent organlzJ any one agency. It would be a cooperative framework In which to plan the St. John transp0<tatlon Implement projects. There would be an Interim period between Beth's departure ancl the establls TMA during which someone would have to take the lead in calllng regular meetings The first step Identify funding sources to hire ar1 executive directo, for the TMA. • Beth explained the project prioritization process. The recommendations of the 2006 VINP Transpl have been organized Into a spreadsheet to b, scored according to how well they satisfy the plan I by the committee In earlier mee!lngs. Other measures such as malntalnabillty, public acceptablllt\ momentum, Implementability, and Impact are also to be considered. Asked the committee If ther measures to add, but there were none at the time. • Through the prlorttllatloo process and su!Hequent discussion, the committee wlll Identify proje steps, and llmeframes, and develop partnerships to Implement projects. • Dl~ussed the fir st project listed In the spreadsheet: »support scheduled shuttle service managed Industry.» Confusion arose by u~e of the term "shullle." What was meant was scheduled service t a regular route to be provided by taxis. The ser\lke would charge the usual point-to-point fores re TCC. The TCC has suggested 10 the drivers that they cons/Mr providing this option and submit a pr Park. The proposal Is to come entirety lrom the drivers arid the system would be self-managed by wlll support the system In ways that It can, such as providing shelters with benches at various loca not manage, regulate. or dictate how the s-r-,tem would operate. Taxi drivers interes!ed In providi should work out the details and come forward with a proposal. ComniltteC! members are requested to peruse the prioritization sheet and score projects by Tuesd 3'~. BNh wlll th!!n compl/C! the results and prlorltl2e the list. Next Steps: • Coordinate nl!xt meeting (November) In Red Hook. • Continue to develop the Implementation plan. 21 October 2009 Page 2 or 2 December 2009 d list lfy Nork jer ,er ,axl son ,evl e ark ,uld vice er Vlrgln Islands National Park (VINP) Ahernatlvo Transpo"atk>n Plan Steering Committee Meeting, Thursday, Nov<?mber U, 2009 at VINP Red Hook, St. Thi Mei!tlng Minutes by B. Isler Attendees: Julius Jessup, DPNR Keith Richards, Public Works Department Judy Wheatley, VI Taxi Cab Commission Executive Director Ulric PIigrim, VI Taxi Cab Commission Chairman of the Soard Javier Estrlll, VI Taxi Cab Commission Supervisor of Taxi Enforcement Mark Hardgrove, VINP Elba Richardson, VINP Paul Jones, VINP Seth Isler, NPF Transportation Scholar Discussed proposed sign for park overlooks (see right); no comments. VINP win buy signs and Install two at each ol the Caneel, Trunk, and Maho overlooks on North Shore Road. Signs are 12"x18ff. This should help taxi operations by Increasing capacity at the overlooks. VINP will also work on trimming vegetation al the overlooks. Beth had only received one response regarding the prioritization worksheet provided at the I.isl meeting. Therefore, a dlflerenl prioritization proce!>S Is prop~ed to Identify committee members' top priorities: the Items from the Implementation plan 1 were posted on the wall and each person was given ten stickers to place next to the projects which they considered to be most Important. The rasults are below: Eight votes Plans o Develop a Park Sign Plan Six votes Projects o Supporl scheduled service managed by the local laxl Industry o Develop an lntern1odal facility at the VINP dock In Red Hook Plans o Develop an erosion and sediment control plan for unpaved roads Five votes Plans 1 The lmpl~m=atlon plAn Include, tw ,..:om,,,.,ndotlon. of th~ 2006 VINP Trarupo,rat/cll Srooy" vie41 u I!, fe<Rnt e.xptrl~nC:M ,U Vlr4P. Virgin Islands National P, Page I of 4 ve Transportation Plan o Flnallie VINP Alternatl11e Transportation Plan Four votes Projtct.5 o Consider annual training for taxi drh1ers ThrPI! VOtM Pro/tcts o Add strat~lc.ilty placed g\Jardrails for drop-offs and ro.1dslde obstructions o Develop a Tra'X!ler Information System/Parking Management System TWo votes ProJtct.5 o Cr@ate new parklng at Maho Bay P/aru o Coordinate with local agencies ~gardlng planning and lmplementi!tlon of the propo~d C garase o Create a St. John Transportation Management Association to manage travel demand Pro]tct.s o Manage and enforce overlooks to lmprovl! operations for USl"r!. o Provide a tra/1 on the oorth side of NSR from the Jumble Beach parking lot to the staircase o Stripe all roads with centerline stripe and edge stripe Plnru o Replace or reduce the severity of the Trunk Bay-Peter Bay swltchbacb o Widen Nonh Shore Road, C@nterllne Rwd, and other park roads to NPS standards o Continue to lnvesllgate the feasibility of a bike path: the Lind Point segment o Work with VI Public Works Department to Identify and prlorlllze safety improvements o Develop access plan for Hass@l hland o Coordinate on development of a marine acce:ss plan PollcMs o Use Park Rangers and V1P0 to enforce all traffic laws, particularly speed limits No votes Projtct.s o Provide visitor parking around t!W! pmlphuy of the ballneld located east of the VC o Remove trees to restore sight dl~rance for Jumble Beach parking lot 13 November 2009 December 2009 Ing o Repair open catch basin located east or Maho Bay o Lower speed limit on Centedine Road near Reef Bay trallhead to 10 mph a, pedestrians are ahead o Correct the sight distance problems al it1tersHtions and driveways or redu o Repair the gut nea1 Oppenheimer Beach o Reconstruct perpendicular barrier walls to have slanted ends for safety P/an.s o Clarify definition of "access" In GMP o Construct paved shoulders°" all ruial, paved roads on St. John within park o Widen and lncrea~ radius or sharp curves where autos and trucks often er o Complete paving on Bordeaux Mountain Road within park boundary o Obtain property to reconstruct 100 degree plus Penn Corner on NSR for ad o Evaluate po.slble lmprovemcnu for acceH road to Francis B.ay, Including: 1 pass parked cars; add taxi turnaround o Construct paved shoulders on all rural, paved roads on St. John outside or 1 o Complete paving on Bordeaux Mountain Road outside park boundary o Develop a VINP Parking Plan and establish parking management strategies o Work with VI Port Authority and stakeholders on Improvement and malnto Polldts o Provide acceu to private property owners surrounded by VINP o Enforce handicap parking laws o Develop a policy on large vehicles • Discussed the top five projects: o D(!V<?lop a Park Sign Plan: VINP will en1er this project Into Its project mana o Stipport schN1ul(!d service managed by the local taxi Industry: the taxi drl potential for scheduled service and some are planning out the service. o Develop an lntermodal faclllt'i at the VINP dock In Red Hook: VINP ls worl Fish & WIidiife to make Improvements to this area. to Include restrooms, d replacemenl, and an impro~ed passenger waiting sheller. VINP will contlm Use Authorization permit holders to provide transportation between the V Park on St. John, which will allow a more convenient and seamle.ss trip for reduce reliance 011 rent.al cars. Caneel Bay Resort should provide some kine transport bags from taxis to boats. o Develop an erosion and sediment control plan for unpaved roads: VINP v. Community Council and others lo Identify trea1me111s for roads and develo Virgin Islands National P gM that warn that Its In these areas er line :o allow 2 cars to for the Cr~k em to get funding. tJSSlng the NR's Division of tramp •Ith Its Commerlcal ,k area and the and potenlially u11ice or dollies to 1 the Coral Bay 13 November 2009 Page 3 ol 4 ive Transportation Plan o Flnall1e VINP Ahernat/111!! Transportatlon Pfan: Beth wlll send out a draft for committee r The deadline for comt"'enu will be 0teember 1". Beth will then make revisions based on and flnallze her report oy December 8 .... The comm\ttu can continue to re\llse the plan a. n~ded after that tlmr • Olscuued how to keep the coo r.ratlve planning process for St. John movlne forward after Beth le agrud th.lit most logtcal and el ectlve way Is to continue the procus through the terrltoty'!. Comp Transportation Master Plan (CT -AP). Public Worh will take the lead on this. Suggestions for the plan: l} Ind •de a "Safety and Security" heading In the lmplementaUoo plan. Tl ldentiOed as a publk prlorlly d, •Ing the CTMP development; 2) remove wfeaslble" from the recom "Work with VI Public Works 0e :-irtment to Identify and prioritize feasible safety Improvements: I these revisions. Next Steps: Beth will combine the prlotltlutlon results from this meeting with the completed worksheet that 1 after the lut muting. • Committee to review the draft ri-port/plan that Beth will send oot during the w~k of 11/16. Pleas feedbaclc by 12/1. • C'.oordlnate next meeting (January) In St. John. 13 HOllember 2009 Pagt' 4 of 4 December 2009 lttt Has 0 ce Virgin Islands National Park (VINP) Altornatlve Transportation Plan Advisory Committee/Taxi Cab Meeting, Thursday, August 20, 2009 at VINP Visitor c, MC!i!tlng Minutes by B Isler Attendees: Beaver/Austin Henc·lcks Carn Ille Parrli, Jr. P;, ar11se Taxi and Board Member ol VI Taxi cab Commis1ion Ana Penn, Neal's Taxi Kenneth WIiiiams, Kltc'l Tours Doreen C.lllwood, Lo,,c Cllv Taxi Benedict Reg/ste, VI .. axl Ai.soctation Earl Thoma!, St. Johr Taxi As,1oclatlon Judy Wheatley, VI Ta~I Cab Commission Executive Olroctor Ulric Pllgrln,, VI Taxi Cab Commission Cha rman of the Ooard Javier Estrlll, VI Taxi Cab Comml!.Slon Supervisor of hxl Enforcement Mark Hargrovl!, VINP Superintendent Paul Jones, VINP Concessions laurelly Anthony, VINP Commercial Use Authorizations Beth lslu, NPF Transportation Scholar • The first order of buslnass was Introductions. • Beth explained her role, which Is to address parking overflow, Improve safety and • Described the purpose of the meeting and why this group was b1ought together. 1 operation issues and 2. Identify solutlons/make recommendations for lmproveme • Noted that there s much to talk about, so there wlll ll~ely be se11eral meetings ov, The meeting the 1 turned to a discussion of taxi Issues: • It would be il!l!P,al for VINP to operate Its own shuttle ~,vice without a meda' v~hlcle-for hln• and therefore under regulation of the VI Tal(I Cab Commi1slo1 • Comnu.micatlon is a significant lnue; for example. eventhough visitors at Frar they can catch the Maho shuttle back to Cruz Bay, they may forget or be unsl bad for then since there are no signs. The lack of communication also preve plan a trip h ad11ance, so they might end up renting a car. • Public road, like Johnny Horn and the South Shore have been closed to vehlcl property. • Curves shoukJ be widened. This has been brought up In the past b1.1t nothing I • The roads are owned by the VI government but maintained by the Park. • The entrance fee for Trunk Bay was supposed to be temporary, but it Is still In • There Is not enough parking at Trunk Bay. It should be expanded on the top o visitors for parking In a •No Parking· zone when there are not enough spaces • Perhaps there could be a staging area for Trunk Bay taxis at another IO(atlon t 111s ltors Virgin Islands National P :ircul.lllon. Identify taxi :w months. , It would be a 1naberg :ire told I hat axi will really come om being able to ~~ access to prl11ate I~ unlalr to ticket ,. rklng spaces for Pagel ol 2 ve Transportation Plan • There should baa connection between the North Shore and Centerline roads for emerllencv ~ and to provldl! an alternative route when the Park entrance on North Shor!! Road (NSR) Is dos Camlval. • Per~ps the VI government and VlNP could form a partnership to Investigate the potential of I roads. • VINP Is ruchlng out to the taxl businesses to consider running sdleduled rouw. The operatic man.alllNi by the taxis. The Pari: should not be ov1~ng It. • Taxis want stsucture • It's• nl!W day for the tul Industry. Thf! Taxi Cab Commission Is bringing consistency In managI enforcement. Therl! wlll be a stafT member stationed in Cruz Bay to enforce rules. Part overlooks nttd to be better managed. Currently p!!ople poll In and picnic !tte<e, blecklng from eettlne their tums. The Pan: should do something to keep p@Ople moving so l'!'lervone ge • Enforcement ls essential for succw. • The Park mllht consider charging for parking, • At thlJ point, the m~tJng began to focus on non-Park rl!l&IM ls.sues such eu regulation of Uxl etc .. 5 Sepe emb« 2009 l'ag,,2o0 December 2009 Id e and APPENDIX D: VINP PARKING INVENTORY Virgin Islands National Park Parking Inventory Oct, otes: Number of parking spaces in estimated for informal/unpaved/unstriped if VINP b FHWA/EFLHD has s uare foota e of parking lots in GIS. lumb. 1e kJfh Oa«o1y· 4 tp.);n Pttct H1I lrv.,,,J C,u«,1\y. 5 \'3aCU Und Po◄nl 1r.a,t?'lnd Cap.ac ty •• s.c,att1 Biotph.ftf' R.t'-f'IW' (not rttJblt) Catt,c1ty ~• ,p;arM ""S gO\ tr "'Mf"t ~ho.cits -S •""'Wff wlruc:11-s Vki!a, Cenh:r (.ap;tClty. CO '?-10\ ClnrH mon Butt\ & CJin'IPC,rOYrd C•PKJtV: 1419,cts ?COS~ 70,~wi tQ0'H.OW'te1padry lrun1. &.-, Or•,h CID1Kifr;.l0W4Ct1, 100S Dffrynd. ~, SPl<n 16 SOY 'lf:hl<le tpa,c:u J 1 tffiployft' Jp.KH '°"~1,n~ncr f.J.C• 1,r 1no1 c,,.;bl<I C-cuuy 37 11,m, Hlklne 1,.11 Maho Bcuti ca,,..oty: 9 sJ>M:t>t JOOS 0.m.Jnd JS 1pJC•1 l~ow,up.,c-rty J WC •tef'tlolblC' IPJCt 4 unc1u1ao,1n1 \Pilc1:, -··Ro>d OOlSOS Park bound,1ry Virgin Islands National P, I II I 1-:) ------j \JPS Rood Inventory ,.,,,._,,Smool(n,in,J C.p,dty 2 >IW(H Al":N~UII )tielt MIi/ lc-inster 8•y ft~lhud C..io.auty; 131P,<n 200S Orm•nd. 2 l so.«n 7~ OYUUt,atlly >and 8t.Kh tutv. -a 41artt J Otff\,\NS.19 ,:,un t.OW"fUl).l(l'fY .,.._ ,,..,, 2005 - ,,-p.,U,1upoadftr..ld I 19:Plepl \o><et Ml<ounlod,i 'le Transportation Plan December 2009 ... QJ ... C: ~ £ ·.;; > • 40 spaces o 17 employee spaces o 16 gov. vehicle spaces o 2 visitor spaces o 1 accessible space o 4 undesignated spaces • There are 38 vehicles in the VINP fleet; they are parked at the VC, Maintenance, and the Biosphere Reserve Center. • The designation of spaces (e.g. visitor versus gov. vehicle) is not always clear. • Gov. vehicles sometimes parked in visitor spaces. • Some parking spaces are shared with VIPD and St. John Rescue. • Public has suggested expanding parking around the ballfield. 8 spaces could be added next to existing parking without removing trees. • Photos to left: o Top=VINP driveway, looking west from the bend towards vc. o Middle=employee parking on north side of driveway. o Employee and gov. vehicle parking on south side of driveway. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ~ ·.;; ro ... QJ u C ro C QJ ... C ·;;; ~ December 2009 • 32 spaces • Paved & striped • Single access (in/out) • 4 spaces+ ~7 overflow spaces closer to residences • Gravel with concrete bumpers • Located on Lind Point Road • ~9 spaces+ 4 on grass opposite parking • Paved, not striped • ~ s government vehicles, ~s employee vehicles • Pull-off for 3-4 vehicles • Paved • Adjacent to taxi pull-off • 30 spaces (including two accessible spaces) • One-way configuration; separate entrance and exit • Spaces slightly angled • Paved & curbed • There is an area that appears to be a taxi pull-out, but it is not signed; perhaps it is excess parking? • About 2 spaces along side of driveway before gate Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan December 2009 • About 5 spaces • Single access (in/out) • Access is not perpendicular to road • Pavement is in very bad condition • 4 spaces • Vehicles must back into North Shore Road to exit • Poor sight distance Project in progress to build ped connection between parking and beach • Paved • Drainage issues • 30 spaces (visitor, not taxi; includes 1 accessible space) • Taxi lane and 5 spaces for taxi drop-off • Paved & curbed • Striped • One-way configuration; separate entrance and exit • Grades on west side of lot (adjacent to taxi lane) favorable for parking expansion. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan .c u ~ Ill 0 .c 111 ~ ,:, /ti (I) .c /ti .. I- I > /ti co "' ·u C ~ ... December 2009 • 19 spaces in lower lot (including 1 accessible space), "'15 in upper lot • Lower lot is paved • Upper lot is gravel with no formal boundaries • Taxi stand adjacent to lot • One-way configuration/separate entrance and exit to site, but single in/out access to parking lot • Parallel pull-off for about 9 vehicles Paved • Stone wall • Approximately 9 illegal spaces on southeast side of road as shown below • 9 spaces • Paved & curbed • Vehicles must back into road to exit • Significant drainage problem (see sediment collection at northern end of lot in photo below) • 9 spaces • Dirt lot • Driveway posted "No Parking" on east side, but not on west side • Parallel pull-off for 2 vehicles • Pull-off is too narrow • Paved • No ped connection between parking (at Danish Road) and trail to Annaberg School • Signage for Anna berg School is inadequate • 13 spaces • Single access (in/out) • Paved & curbed • No handicap accessible spaces • Splitter island (flush with pavement) • Staircase connects lot to mill • Taxi turn-around adjacent to mill • Lot seems especially wide; different configuration may be more efficient; spaces seem very wide on east side Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan -c 111 cu ~ 111 .= -c n, cu :5 -~ .... > n, al C 3: 0 co December 2009 Official park map suggests that trail begins at end of dirt road at park boundary, but sign for trailhead is on Route 10 next to the Moravian Church in Coral Bay (outside the park boundary). • It is unclear where to park. • VITRAN has a stop on Route 10 adjacent to the Church. • ~s spaces • Single access (in/out) (very wide) • Dirt lot • Trail is not maintained; trailhead is signed eastbound on East End Road, but not westbound. • Approximately 6" vertical drop between road and lot on eastern side of access (see below). • ~g spaces • Dirt lot • Single access (in/out) (very wide) • Located on 90-degree curve in road • Adjacent VITRAN stop • No formalized parking • Small turnaround: vehicles can pull around the tree to reverse direction • Unpaved Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan December 2009 • No formalized parking; vehicles pull to side of road (top left) or can go to end of the road by the Ranger's driveway and park in the very wide turnaround (bottom left). • Unpaved "O n, (LI .r:: 'iv ;: > n, a:) - (LI (LI a: "O ,a 0 a:: (LI .!: .: (LI c (LI .:!. 'iv ... I- > ro a:) C: 0 E n, C: C: u • No formal parking; vehicles pull off on both sides of road, but there are very steep drop-offs adjacent to these shoulders. • Trailhead located on blind curves on Centerline Road. Sight distance is very poor. • Taxis stop in the middle of the road to drop off passengers for the ranger-guided hike. • 2006 VINP Transportation Study recommended locating parking on the hairpin turn 0.3 miles west of trailhead on Centerline Road. (see below). • No formal parking; vehicles pull off on south side of road (trailhead is on north side of road). • Grades on south side of road favorable for parking expansion. • No approach signs or ped warning signs. • Vertical drop of +12" between Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan "' C 0 .:; IV ~ GI "' ..c 0 ~ GI C GI ~ December 2009 Scenic Pull-Offs/Overlooks • Sight distances at each overlook should be measured; many seem to be inadequate. • Place signs ahead of overlooks to warn approaching vehicles. • Pavement marking for North Shore Road overlooks shown far left. • Guardwall for North Shore Road overlooks shown near left. • Room for ~10 vehicles • Room for about 3 vehicles > II) co X C :, ... f- > Ill co 0 .c n, ~ > n, co C 0 E Ill C C u > e "O Ill 0 a:: ~ :E Qj - C ~ • Room for about 5 vehicles • Poor sight distance at entrance due to vertical curve. • Room for about 3+ vehicles • Trimming trees at far end would encourage drivers to pull forward and maximize use of overlook length. • Room for about 2 vehicles • Very narrow • Inadequate sight distance Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan r"\ APPENDIX E: Acr 806 ACT.NO.806 BILL No. 1 !',(,? FOt:R·rH tJ:ClSLATU.iU: OF "l'tlE VJRGlN 1~u.1.:i::s OF THE UKITED STA'fES Rcgula.r Session ----·---- 196? .~c:t Acceptin,g aud Authorizin1 National Park Sei·vice Partic:ipation in the BuildinJ ar.d Mainta.tnin3 Public: Ro::.ds in St. John. Virtin Islands. ----0---- WHEREAS the lack oI decent roadways ha11 be~n and continues to be one o! tha major deterrents to the economic growth and devclo;,ment of the isl&nd or Sc. John; and WHEREAS the Natior.&l Park Service MG inCorme~ tht·Go,·err.or or the Virgin-Islands, by letter dated Octo~or 26, J.9~1, thl.t it will imp::-ove ;1.nd rnaint•I"' tll• ,~,,~.••!~; :,\~1='~!~ :-=:t: !~ S~. !~~:-.: (:) t1.'- :~w.&·t1, :::,..,,•c; Road from the park boundary at Cruz Bay to the intersection of said road with the Center Llr.e Road at King Hill; (2) the spur roa.d to A:\.."'laberg and Ma.ry Poir.t; (3) the Borduux Road~ (4) tho Le.meahur Road from Park bou~-ia.ry to Lamc1hur; and (5) the £&st End Road from P~rk bounclary at Cor1.l Ba.y eastward to the ~ut boundary of the Park and to coop~:-ate folly t.o the end th&: all prh·ate proj)e:ties have passa'ble road 2.cceas, wherever ~ece uary, to the a!oi-e said p•Jbli: reads; and WHEREAS the underaki:\g b)' the Na.ti anal !'ark Service to lmp:-ove tl:i~ mai_~tain. ;he _ro_asl:-'!'~s_specil~.ls~reby recog:1i z.ed-as a -substantial !ina.ncial beneCit. to the goverr.n,ent o! the Virgin lsla.nd1: Now, therefore DE JT ENACTE.O by the Leai 1b.h::e o! the Virgin bland1: SECTIOt-: 1. The Leglsla.ture o( the Virgin lsland9 hereby accepts th~ o!fct \!( the National Pa.r~ Sen•ice to i:r.;,rovc :,.nd ma.inti.in the (ollowir.g r.a:neC: ?:.ii>hc roAds in St. John: the North Shore, Annnberg a.nd M.ary Point, B•n·dea.ux, Lam~s'h\:r and Eu;t End Roz.ds and the u.id Natior.al Park Service is he rcby .authori~c::d to proceed to m11.kc impro,,.cmente to cald roads in I"°'\ accordance with the f'ollowin; conditlono: December 2009 - 2. - A. f,11 road imp::-ovcmcr.t pl~r.s initiated by the National Pad, Service sh'-11 be lir!.t s•Jbrnittcd to the Commitsioner o{ the Department of Pubi!c Wor;.s {or ap?:-oval before the p::.rlicular ·road improvc1n~nt project is com:-:,r.nced. B. .~11 road imp1·0·.1ement plans for the l\:'orLh Shore and East End noad.11 sl!!.U.!...~ re the to O" ra h of the terrain e rrnits, meet the mini- mum contitruc\ion 1pecUications i\S to materials, width o roa , ep: o roadbed, curbs, d.-ains a.nd culverts as set by the Department o! Public Works or any applicable law e~l,ting at the commencement o! any roa.d improvement project. SECTION 2, Ncilhing c:ontaintd ir. this Act shall be constr~ed as con\·e;•in1 title o:- any othe:r proprietary interest in and to the aforesdd road...,•ay1 to the National Park Service nor as trans!e1•rjng control and ju:l ■dictlon to the Na.tional Park Service. The roada involved herein shall retain tbeir chc.u.cter as public roads, The Covernmer.t of the Virgin 1slanas retains title to saia roacis as well II ih u1ual rights with respect to public thorouih!a res, :nibject only to the righa herein conferred upon the National Park Service. SECTION 3. The Commissioner of the Department o1 Pu-.,lic Works le hereb)• autho1•lz.ed. when called upon, to cooperate Cully with the Nati.ani\l Park Ser\•;cc in rGad duifr, and planning a.nd ir. stJch other way• a.s r.'\a.y be lo&sible, ln ordu to facilitate any public road improvement project under• talcen by the National P,uk Service p•.irsua.nt to the authorit)• contained ho rein. SECTIO'l 4, Should any provision of this Act be in con.met with any prov.£1ion of •ny 1.1thc r .preunt~y _o;i~tiJ"l__g l_;:.'!!:. ~he_ P-,r9,:isions o! this .~ct __ ehall take p:cccdcnce du?'in,:. but o:-aly during. s~ch time as ,r,.a.y be requi:-cd lor the impro"ement o! the ro~ds or parts of roads rcleTrcd to in Section J ol this Act. . ... Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan - 3 - SECTION 5. Tlih Act shlll become e:Ucctiva upo.l t.pprovt.1 of the GQ'\ 0trnor o! the VirJl~ lsanda. Thu• paucd by tho Legislz.t\Jre or the Vir1in bfa:ads on J1.nuary 10, 1962. Witne11 our Ha.nd1 and the Sea.l ot the Legislature ol the Vi2-g!n __ _ lct~ndu thU IO~h D.iy ot 1.:nU,uy. x. D., 19&2. December 2009 fa~/. ·/2¾~ JOHN J.,. M.ADT.f'R.f.\ Leshlatlvo Sec~etary CN unw aan.a wo· L14(r._.,-ut•i.) ,::.>Ju N?lllDrancJ.uu United States Department of the Interior NATIONAL PARK Sl!llVJCB SOUTHllASr UOIONAL oma ,SJPiabi&ln;Gl.S.V. ~OaorlP- ta: SuperiBtendeot, Virgin loloodo Fror.1: •►0"t:'110cicto llegional Director, Operationo, Southoaot Rea ion Suoject, iloadvay Ovn0renip P.oc looed lG a i:opy of tile J:.egional 8o Ucitor'a opinion on tbe ovnerahip of cor:tAin roada vitiain Vir~in la ltulua Motional Park. Tho dato of tlle orir;ui.al requeot tor tbe ophlion 11as Docedler 29, 1982. As for queatioo a\Ullber l, part icu ler 17 tbe last ho IICJllte1H:eG of the ret1ly 011 p11311 3, va vere adviaed ~1 attoniey/advwor JobA 114ttinJt01l that he will reviov for ler;al &ufiicioncy any evida11ca of ntit leueat that you quostiou or eo deoiro to have revieued, Rncloauro Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan United States Department of the Interior 01-'t-KE m 1 m· SOI l('lfOlt IS RE.Pl Y R(rFR 10 JHH1kk NPS.SE.0202 84-12-2362 LG-13-2 HEMa\ANDUM To: Fronu Subject, ~II 1111 A~ I Rll,111"-'I UI tl<I Richard R Ru,,.rll l'rdcral building 7.5 Sprint Stri:.:t, S. \\'. Al'anla. Gcor1i11 lll.lOJ March 8, 198S Reglonal Director, Southeast Region, NPS Regional Solicitor, Southeast Region Virgin Islands National Park~ St. John Island Road The Superlntendent, Virgin Islands ~atlonal Park, has posod a number of questions relating to the status of roads, trails, and ways on St. John Island. Prior to answering the Superintendent's questions lt would be helpful to set forth some basic principles rolatlno to ro4ds. The Vir9ln Islands recognizes two different ways ln whlch public roads can be created. First, the government may acquire by pur- chase, gift, dedication, or condemnation fee and easoinent interests ln land. See v.1. ANN. Tit. 20 s 3. Second, long public usaoe of landfor road purposes may ripen lnto a prescrip- tive ••,•ment, thereby cro~tino a public road. ~ 3 V.I. Op. A. G. 209.Y Private roads may be created ln a similar fashion through convey- ance or reservation of an easement by a landowner. Llkewlse, a person may obtain a prlvate rloht to use another's land by the preecrlptlve easement mothod, By law, all public roads must bo displayed on a ~ap maintained by the COllllllssioner of Public Works. V.I. Code ANN, Tlt. 20 S 2. The COCEnissioner la the public official who determines the types of usage to which a public road is open and the vldth of the road. Id. The Commissioner's discretion is limited in naking these c!itermlnatlons. The width of a publlc road may not exceed the p;;-;;;;~il;h-;-;;;scrlptlve easement, usage of another's land for road purposes must be adverse, uninterrupted, exclusive, continuous, and under a claim of right for 15 yeare. See v.1. Cede ANN. Tit. 28 5 11, 3 V,l. Op. A.G. 229. - December 2009 • - 2 - width of the easement acquired by the government. In the case of public roads created by prescription, under the common law, the Commissioner may not authorize uses that are vastly different from the original uses of the prescriptive easement, See Restatement, Property, ss 478, 479 (1944).Y In order to determine whether new uses are permissible a comparison must be made between the nev and original uses with respect to the character of auch uaos, the purpose of such uses, and the burden of such usea on the eervlent estate. ld. s 478. Also, the normal evolution of uso~ must be considerecf:- Id. s 479. In the context of road Improvement and vehicular tra'l"llc, each caso must be •nalyzed on lts own particular set of facts. In Glenn v. Poole, 423 N,E. 2d 1030 (App. Ct. Naas. 1981>, the court etateda The progression from horae or ox teams to tractors and trucks la a normal development vhlch, ln the lanouao• of the Restatement •.• accords wlth co1111110n experlenco. 423 H.t. 2d at 1032 The Court also noted hcfevor, that lf the uae of a road or path during the creation of tho prescriptive easement was infrequent, lt may not be improved to acco1n111odate constant traffic which seriously lmplngea on tho aorvlent estate. Keeping these general prlnciplos ln mind, I will now endeavor to answer the Suporlntendent'e specific questions. 1. Can the ownare of tracts 05-101, 103, 104, 105, 106, and 108 uso an exletino trail to gain accea& to their property? Tho Official Public Road Hap of St. John Island depicts a private road passing through or near all of those tracts except 05•108. Undor tho law of the Virgin Islands, a private dedicated road may be accopted by the government in which case lt becomes a public road. See Op. Att'Y Gen. 1956-31, 3 v.1. Op, A.G. 209 (1956). I cannot determine from an examination of the Official Map whether the private road ser~lng these tracts has been dedicated and accepted by the Virgin Islands government. Howover, ln the absence of evidence that the road has boon abandoned, you should allow tho affected tract owners to c:ontlnuo ualng it. Tract 0S-108 is a different matter. Nolther the Offlclal Map ftor your trail brochure identlflea any road or trail providing access to this tract. Thia does not necessarily moan that the owner of that tract hes no Yv.I. Code ANN. Tit. 1, S 4 provides that in the absence of local laws to the contrary, the rules of common law shall be those exproasad by tho Amorlcan Law Institute in the restatement• of the law. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan lavful access. The lend should be examined to detennlne whether an access route e•lsts. If it doea, the owner of tract 05-108 should be requested to provide evidence of his right. lf such evidence cannot be produced, the &uparinten• dent may exercise hls sound discretion in the matter of Special Use Permit issuance. 2. Does the Virgin Iala~ds govern~•nt have the ri9ht to reopen an old way from Lameahur throuoh Reef Bay to Fish Bay~ The Official Hap depl~ts no public or private road ln this area. Hence, it la ny opinion that the Virgin Islands Govorn• ment has no right to open a road ln thle location. Dees the Virgin Islands government have the right to improve an existing trail ln thd su,annaberg vicinity, connectlno with the North Shore Road? 'nle Official Map depicts no public or private road in the Susannabero area. Honce, the Viroln Islanda government haa no right to open the existing trail and improve lt for ueo as a public thorouohfare. If long, continuous uee of the trall depleted in the trail brochure resulted ln a prescriptive right in the public to use the trail, prlor to acquisltlon ot land by the Part Service, this would not enable the Qovernunt to declare lt a publlc road and improve lt for constant vehicular traffic. Purther lnqulrlea regardino thls matter may John ff. Harrington of this office a FTS 24 December 2009 to :5 @. ::, <n" CJ ::, a. V, z ~ o· ::, II.I " ~ ,... > ~ :, "' ~ < ID ~ 1l> ::, V, "O 8 " "' "' =- all 0 ,. ::, .... " .:,. CJ UJ ::, !I iliij f'i!iii1fj Jilli!! I~ &! 11'i1 ~ft:!fr!if iflfit i r ~ I; !·,llr [,iJiiii 1r 1i:1 i g I f ~ ~ f4 ~ ff~o ~ J ~ tl I~'!{ l:~!liil~ 1111~ ! f 1~ fl ~ ·u ,,'1lUr· fhi9 I ~ A t! i·rt ti;111jt1 t,IJ{ ! I i l-t rl11 J~i!'tfji riJli ~ t ~- l~Hr 1~ifla;!l tlr ~ 1 a I< I sla~ ~ I rff I. ; ~l;i Ji r' ;i ,l'I ~ r ~~ -•~- r~ tr ~ P'Ui .. w!; !~ c:: a-a. 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J flJ11tii Is ; 8rl1t~1 I,J,1 ·1 ,~1 11 ' "i" e. f ;: I. • l ) ~ APPENDIX F: TAXI RATES Island of St John Official Minimum/Maximum Rates Motor Vehicles for Hire FROM CRUZ BAY TO: I PER. 2PER. 3+EACH Adrian Housing $S.00 $7.00 $3.50 Annaberg $11.00 $18.00 $7.00 Bethany Moravian Church $3.00 $5.00 $2.50 Bordeaux Mt. $14.00 $23.00 $9.00 Beth Cruz $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Caneel Bay Plantation $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Catherineburg $5.00 $7.00 $3.50 Chateau De Bordeaux $7.00 $12.00 $5.S0 Chocolate Hole $5.00 $8.00 $3.50 Cinnamon Bay $7.00 $11.00 $4.50 Contant $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Coral Bay $11.00 $18.00 $7.00 Dennis Bay $5.50 $9.00 $4.00 Desoto Bock House (East End) $18.00 $30.00 $] 1.00 Fish Bay $9.00 $14.00 $6.00 Francis Bay $11.00 $18.00 $7.00 Frank Bay $3.00 $5.00 $2.50 Gallows Point $3.00 $5.00 $2.50 Gift Hill $5.00 $7.00 $3.50 Goat Path/Maho Bay Beach $8.00 $14.00 $5.00 Great Cruz Bay $4.50 $7.00 $3.50 Grunwald $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Hawksnest $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Hurricane Hole $15.00 $24.00 $10.00 John's Head $6.00 $8.00 $4.00 Jumbie Beach $5.50 $9.00 $4.00 Lamishur $18.00 $30.00 $11.00 Leinster Bay $11.00 $18.00 $7.00 Little Maho Bay Campground $11.00 $18.00 $7.00 r"', Mandahl $15.00 $24.00 $10.00 Pine Piece $3.00 $5.00 $2.50 Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ~ Power Boyd Plantation $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Rendezvous Bay (Cline Bay) $5.50 $9.00 $4.00 Reef Bay Trail $7.00 $12.00 $5.00 Rosenberg (Center Bay Trail Centerline Rd.) $6.00 $8.00 $4.00 Salt Pond $15.00 $24.00 $10.00 Sunset Ridge $5.00 $8.00 $3.00 Susannaberg (Clinic) $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Susannabcrg (Laundry) $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Trunk Bay $5.50 $9.00 $4.00 Vie's (East End) $17.00 $28.00 $11.00 Westin $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Zootenvaal $14.00 $23.00 $9.00 FROM CORAL BAY TO: Adrian Housing $7.00 $12.00 $5.00 Annaberg $6.00 $10.00 $4.00 Bloomingdale (Freeman Ground) $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 Calabash Boom $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 ~ Cancel Bay (Via Northshore) $11.00 $)8.00 $7.00 Cinnamon Bay $7.00 $11.00 $4.00 Desoto Bock House (East End) $7.00 $11.00 $4.00 Hurricane Hole $5.00 $7.00 $3.00 John's Folly School $4.00 $7.00 $3.00 Lamishur $7.00 $11.00 $4.00 Little Maho Bay $7.00 $11.00 $4.00 Mandahl $5.00 $7.00 $3.00 Public Works $8.00 $14.00 $5.00 Salt Pond $5.00 $8.00 $4.00 Susannaberg (Clinic) $8.00 $14.00 $5.00 Trunk Bay (Via Centerline Rd.) $17.00 $28.00 $11.00 Trunk Bay (Via North Shore) $7.00 $11.00 $4.00 Vic'S (East End) $5.50 $9.00 $3.50 Zootenvaal $4.00 $6.00 $3.00 FROM CANEEL BAY TO: Chatcau Bordeaux $10.00 $16.00 $6.00 Cinnamon Bay $7.00 $11.00 $4.00 Coral Bay (Via Centerline) $14.00 $22.00 $9.00 Gallows Point $5.00 $8.00 $3.00 December 2009 r-,.,_ ~ Goat Path/Maho Bay Beach $8.00 $14.00 $S.00 Maho Bay Campground $11.00 $18.00 $7.00 Truk Bay $S.50 $9.00 $3.50 Westin $6.00 $11.00 $5.00 FROM WESTIN TO: Annaberg $13.00 $23.00 $9.00 Chateau Bordeaux $9.00 $17.00 $7.50 Cinnamon Bay $9.00 $16.00 $6.50 Coral Bay $13.00 $23.00 $9.00 Dennis Bay $7.50 $14.00 $6.00 Goat Path/Maho Bay Beacl $10.00 $19.00 $7.00 Hawksnest $6.00 $11.00 $5.00 Maho Bay Campground $13.00 $23.00 $9.00 Trunk Bay $7.50 $14.00 $6.00 FROM GALLOWS POINT TO: Annaberg $12.00 $20.00 $8.00 Caneel Bay $5.00 $8.00 $3.SO Cinnamon Bay $8.00 $14.00 $5.00 Goat Path/Maho Bay Beach $9.00 $16.00 $6.00 Hawksnest $5.00 $8.00 $3.50 Maho Bay Campground $12.00 $20.00 $8.00 Trunk Bay $6.50 $11.00 $4.50 FROM CHATEAU BORDFAUX TO: Trunk Bay $6.00 $10.00 $4.50 Cinnamon Bay $5.00 $8.00 $3.SO ADDITIONAL CI IARGES AND SPECIAL PROVISIONS FROM ANY TERMINAL POINT A. This tariff must be posted in all public vehicles used as a taxi. B. The charges not listed on this tarifTshall be arrived at by using the nearest tariffed place crossed and the next tariffed place ahead, based on the one nearest to the passenger's destination. C. Taxi drivers must adhere to Rules and Regulations Governing Taxi Operators while on duty (259-52 R. & Regs.). These rules include: "A Taxi Operator, while on duty, shall not refuse a passenger unless the passenger is intoxicated and disorderly or in possession of a pet or animal ( other than a seeing-eye dog) that is not properly and adequately secured in a kennel case or other suitable container. There shall be no charge for the seeing-eye dog." Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan D. Round-trip fares: double the one way fare plus waiting charges. E. Waiting charges: $0.25 per minute after first ten minutes. F. Radio call: one-third plus the basic fare. G. Between midnight and 6:00 a.m., there shall be an additional charge of$2.00 per trip for out-of-town fares; there shall be an additional charge of$ 1.50 per trip for in-town fares. H. Within town limits: $3.00 minimum. l. Any person requesting taxi exclusively for himself must pay for a total of six seats, using the price from the three or more persons each column. (e.g. From Cruz Bay to Trunk Bay two persons must pay for four additional seats - two persons will pay $9 .00 p !us $16.00 for the four additional seats, three persons must pay for three additional seats). J. For boxes, suitcases, grips, and liquor boxes, the charges shall be $1.00 each, after the first one. For excessively heavy or oversize pieces, a price shall be agreed upon between the taxi operator and the passenger. K. All taxis must have ON-DUTY/OFF DUTY signs posted. When on duty, taxis must pick up passengers going in the same direction, unless as stipulated in provisions "I & C" of this section, or, unless a contract or franchise has been awarded to a specific group of persons. L. All children six (6) years of age and under will pay half price. M. RATE FOR SIGHTSEEING TOURS: TOURI TOUR2 ONE OR TWO PASSENGERS $45.00 THREE OR MORE PASSENGERS $16.00 Each LIMITED TIME OF TOUR Two Hours ONE OR TWO PASSENGERS $55.00 THREE OR MORE PASSENGERS $22.50 Each LIMITED TIME OF TOUR Three Hours N. HOURLY RATE: WOULD BE DECIDED UPON BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND THE PASSENGER(S). Fare subject to change made by the VJ. Taxicab Division. Please contact the Executive Director's Office at (340) 776-8294, ifthcrc are any questions. Above rates effective December 1, 2000. December 2009 APPENDIX G: BIKE PATH SPECIFICATIONS References American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities. Vermont Agency of Transportation, Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Planning and Design Manual, Chapter S uShared Use Paths." Cross Section Line ot overhttU ob11,uct1bn See Cliap1e1 II Tralllc Ccnllol Devices._. Protecllon rrom (: ,,us See 5.3.6 Dimension A-Path Width Dimension B-Shoulders Dimension C-Recovery Area SIO!!! 1:40' nau11 1:3 1:2 Steeper than 1:2 Dimension D-Lateral Clearance F Soni1,1oon hem ro,c11,., !i~S-6. Shared use Path. iyptcal 'Mdths and Clearances. Paved: 8' minimum; 10'•14' is preferred Un aved: 8' minimum; 8'-10' is preferred 2' wide with max slope of 1:6 Width depends on slope Tallle 5-2 Recovwy Area Widths ~M!dSllface Aned Sllface Mlnlnun A'eferred Mlnmum Preferred 0 0.611(211) 0 0.9 DI (3 fl) 0.6m(211) 0.9m(311) 0.9 m (3111 1.2m(4 II) 0.9m(3ft) 1.5 m (S II) 1.2 m (4 fl) 1.5m(5 ft) 1.5 m(Sfl) >1.5m(511) 1.Smt§II) >1.Sm(Sl'I) BarrterRecommendatlons Generaly no ban!er necessary If vem:al drop 1.5 m tsro or greater. consider use of ban1« lllless prefened recx,v~area ~ded If YeJ1lcal dlllp 1.2 m (411) or greater. consider use of banler lll1less preferred recove,yarea E!'!!ded lfnmlmum reaM!fJnl not provt!ad. barrier Is necessary Measured from edge of path: 2' minimum; 3' is preferred Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Dimension E-Vertical Clearance 8' minimum, 10' is preferred 5' minimum, preferred Is to maximize separation Dimension F-Separation from Roadway Physical barrier recommended for sections with less than 5' of separation. Dimension G-Side Slopes As flat as possible, but without excessive project footprint. Grades • Grades steeper than 3 percent may not be practical for shared 5-6% for up to 240 m (800 ft) use paths with crushed stone or other unpaved surfaces for both handling and drainage erosion reasons. 7% for up to 120 m (400 ft) • The total running grade that exceeds 8.33 percent should be less than 30 percent of the total path length. 8% for up to 90 m (300 ft) • If path must exceed 5%, try to do so only for short sections 9% for up to 60 m (200 ft) (see right). • ADA-where grades exceed 5%, Include level "staging areas" 10% for up to 30 m (100 ft) for wheelchair accessibility at regular intervals. 11+% for up to 15 m (50 ft) Options to mitigate excessive grades: • When using a longer grade, an additional 2-4 ft of width to permit slower speed bicyclists to dismount and walk may be considered. • Provide signing that alerts bicyclists to the maximum percent of grade (MUTCD) . • Provide recommended descent speed signing . • Exceed minimum stopping sight distance . • Exceed minimum horizontal clearances, recovery area and/or protective bike rails . • Increase lateral clearances and recovery area dimensions . • Provide a series of short switchbacks or level landing areas to contain the speed of descending bicyclists. • Install a yellow centerline to better delineate travel lanes. Cross Slope • Max cross slope: 0 2%(paved) 0 5% {unpaved), although less is preferred • Slope path in one direction as opposed to crowning • Include ditches on uphill side of path • Max superelevation: 2% with 25' of transition distance Horizontal Curvature R = Minimum radius of curvature (ft) Minimum curve radius: V = Design Speed (mph) R= 0.067V2 A= Lean angle from the vertical (degrees) tan A Assuming V = 20mph and A= 20•, R = 74' Where project constraints such as right-of-way, topographical or environmental resources require that smaller curve radii be used, standard curve warning signs and supplemental pavement markings, such as centerline stripes should be installed In the vicinity of the curve. Widening the path through the area of the curve can further mitigate the negative effects of sharp curves. December 2009 Design Speed • Minimum design speed: 20 mph (paved) • Where a downgrade of >4% exists, design speed: 30 mph • Unpaved sections: 15 mph Surface Materials Table 5-3. Suitability of Surface Materials l<I' Shared Use Paths. Surface Material Firmness stability Slip Resistance (dry conditions) Asphalt firm stable sue resistart Concrete firm stable sne resistant" Soil with Stabilizer firm stable Slip resistant Soil with High organic content soft unstable Not slip resistant Crushed rock (3/4" frm Stable Slip resistant minus) with stabilizer Crushed Rock fi'm stable Not slip resistant w/o Stab~izer Wood Planks firm stable Slie resistant Engineered wood Moderately firm Moderately stable Not slip resistant Fibers - that comply withASTM F1951 Grass or Vegetative Ground cover Moderately firm Moderately stable Not slip resistant Engineered Wood Fibers -that do not soft unstable Not slip resistant comel~ with ASTM F1951 Wood Chips (bark, cedar. Moderately firm to Moderately stable Not slip resistant generic) soft to unstable Pea Stone or 1-1/2" soft unstable Not slip reslstant minus Aggregate Sand soft unstable Not slie resistant source: Adapted from Federal Highway Administration Des~ing Sidewalks and Trails tor Access, Part II, Best Practices Design Guide. Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transpo"atlon Plan ) ) APPENDIX H: NPS TRANSPORTATION FUNDING SUMMARY Name All'Pl/Transit in the Parks National Scenic Byways (NSBI Program Reaeational Trails Pro.zram Surface Transportation Program Transpottation Enhanaiments ITTI Publlc lands Highway Program Dlscrttlonary Funds (PLHD) Transpottatlon Fees Caotdlnated Technology lmnlemtn"•"- Prmram ICTIPI Tedlnology Deployment and Initiatives Partnershln ,,.,.,ram Private sources December 2009 Admin• lstered by FTA/D01 FHWA FHWA FHWA FHWA FHWA NPS FHWA FHWA Private Eligibility/Project Type Primary source Of funds ro, transit. trail, and bike/ptd tae11ities lmplemen!3!ion.'C3piU! alt. trans. pro;ects an-:! l)lannina ~ not SUl)IIOtt program development and administration, system 1-i plannl"6, vnfo:e;~c.:ible ,.,;, chJr6es. aftd-...:..1111•- National Scenic Byway (NS8)-one of 6 intnni1ic qualities: archaeological, cultural, historic, natural, recre1th)nal, scenic All-American Road (AAR}-must contain multiple Intrinsic quallties that are nationally 5ianifitant and contain one-of-Hind fe1tures tlm do not exist elsewhere: road must be considered a 'destination unto l!Self' Oeveloo. conslnla. maintain. and rehabilitate traUs and traU faalilies lincludinJt hilci"' blk1- and other uses> Improvements to all rnoda cf transportation micept railroads Bike/ptd facilities; bike/ped safety & educalion activities; aqu;$1ion of scenic or historic easements and sites; scenic or historic hl&hwav programs; landscaping and beautifiation; historic preservltlon; rehab and ~ of historic transportation buildinp; structures or facilities; preservation of abandoned railway corridors; lnvento,y, control and removal of outdoor advertising; archaeological planni111 and research; envrlonmental mlligotion to address water pollution due to highway runoff or aitter crossings; establishment of transportation museums ~•Y iana 01 tra,.,..... ... uon projt!Ct "''6'"'' ror .,...stance unaer 1111e .u, u:, """"• u,at 1s w,.,.n, eaJl<ent to, or ptUYKR> access to" federal lands or facilities Transportation planning. research, enginttrins, and ccnstruttlon of highways, roads and parl<ways. and transit facilldes within the federal public lands. PLHD FUNDS ARE Al.SO AVAllABLE FDR OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF TRANSIT FACIUTIES I.OCATEO ON FEOERAl PUBUC LANDS. Also: adJawnt parltin,: areas. interpretive signs, atqulstlon of scenic eesements and scenic or hlstcrle sites. provision for ......._ __ ........ :... ..... _ • C-..:l:..:-• --1. - • .a.~•-• --- "for the use of transpcrr.nion HNices provided either by the National Park Seivice or an entity under a service contract with the NPS" Technology deployment and sharing program that provides a forum for Identifying. studyln& documenting. and transferring techno 1~ to •" 6 ,...ft_ottalion comm11nltv Accelerates adoption of Innovative technologies by the transpottatlcn cmnmunlly Donations from individuals. foundations, corporations, assodatlons Frequent partners indude Chambers of Commerce and land trusts Partnership requirements described in NPS Oirettor's Order 1121 ) Notes Patt of WETEA-lU; grant funding on ~arty basis 1ur ..... .,., .. -comrnun,'Y 1m Parl< can submit GMP or MPS Management Porades in neu of Corridor Management Plan; docs must meet the 14 requirements of a corridor mgmt plan 20%matth required; NPS can use appropriated funds. other NPS program funds artd/or Fedetal Lands u,_ ... - e.~-- L--..t- ,;a,......_-1. _.-...J... Requires applying through the state (VI PW Dept?) Appllcation submitted through state DOT (VI PW Oept?) Requires PMIS and approved NPS Fee Implementation Plan If private funds are anticipated to be used on a FHWA• admlnlslered pro)lld, the NPS must be the recipient of the funds. (FHWA can't lqaltv a<<ept private funding) ) ) Admin- Name hstered I Eligibility/Project Type by Federal Lands Highway Program jFHWA jPubllc roads and transit fadlltles setVtng federal and Indian lands; supplements ATPPl funding for projects Parle Roads and Parkways Proc,am I 1M•ln source of fundliigfor improvement of transponatlon Infrastructure Including resurfacing, rehabilitation, and (PRPI NPS/ FHWA reconstn.1tt1on of public roads. brldaes. parking areas and development of and maintenance of NI'S-owned alternative transportation systems. : ·: :-);: c:·~ Rehabllltatlon and reconstrUction Of the primary road system PRP Category Ill •. · ,;,; 2 subcategories: Resurfacing. Restoration and Rehabilitation (3R) Projects and Resutfatins, Restoration, Rehabilitation, and ·, '· ' Reconstrucdon or Realignment (4ft) projects • ·t · •• .:\ Maj.iri:v of CatesOlV l spending is for 3R, not 4R PRP Catf!l!Orv 2k. .. ,IComP!e.llon of congrl!SSlonallv aut11orl1ed parkways PRP ca1esory 3: Transpornition ~•-. . . Development o alternate mOdes of transportation and intee,alion of all modes of travel Managemmt Program (a.t.a. ', ':: ":.' .. : : •. Transportation plannina. capita! ellpenses, GMP Transportation Component Alternative Transportation :,·r, ~ , ; i , Planning: Altematiw Transportation System IAlSI planning studies, transportation partnership studies, environmental PM•ram . • . " • I • I n· R W i n· Ion n In rin & item• Repalr/Rehabllitation Program INPS ___ !Mlncir repaltsto roads and bridges NPS line-Item Construction INPS Program Federal tands Reaeailon Enhan(tmtnt Aa (FLREA) NPS Program (form•rly the Fee-Demo I Pr9JC!!DI Emeraencv Relief ror Federally NPS NPS "Major construction and reconstruction proJects whidl generallv require a three-year schedule for completion. The first 1year funding Is for obtaining surveys and preparing prellminary deslSJI plans.. The second year is for completion of project planning (construction drawings). Actual construction Is generady scheduled In the third yeu. Pro]«U underthis program are usually accomplished by the Denver Service Center. Project estimates are over $500,000." Allows parlc to charge fees for access to spedfu: areas/attractions; park can use portion or funds ror transportation projecU i'rovides funding and engineering services to restore access to public lands after a natural or man-made disaster or ,emerpncy. Rarely used emergency repair P'Oll'Bl'lll federal share Is 80 to 100K "Small new construction or rel\allllitatlon projecu that require little or no professional arcllltectural or englrieerins jseN\ces. Funding permits minor unsc;heduled and emergency construction projects to protect and preserve parlc resources. Notes No match required PRP Is a component of Federal Lands Highway Program [FLHP) le- PIIP PrOJ!tam Handbook 3R projects must extend the service life of an existing road ard/or enhance safety 4R projects alter geometry of the roadway either throush wlder:~ ;Jr ~~o;:_;r,j ~he ~;;ent horizontal and/or vertital alignment; indu•s construction of new roads, parlclng areas. parallel blcyde paths Reserved ror special needs that are not met by ATPPL http;//dassidnside.nps.gov/budset3/fundsource.htm Emergency and Unscheduled NPS Pro)ects provides for safe and unin~rrupted 'llsltor use of facllltles, accommodates unanticipated concessioner fadllty related lhttp;//dauicinside.nps.g011/budget3/fundsource.htm Consresstonal Earmark In Multlyear Transportation INPS IAnthnr!IM!!!llS ISAFETEA-lUI needs, provides necessa,v Infrastructure for approved concessioner expansion projects, and ensures continuity of support l'!HI.,,. ___ ; ____ .;_. Match is usuany 20% Transit. hiaJ!way, bikeway, trail, visitor centers,viewsheds. ferry terminals, etc. (SAFETEA-LU Titles 23 and 49) !Federal Highway Prouam funds can be used as for m""tdl Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan Page 1S5 ) ) Name Annual Operating Funds or Park Base (Recurrinsl Olallenge Cost-Share Concessions Franchise F«:s CUiturai Resources Preservalion Program (CRPPJ Culwral lllndscapes Inventory Environment.ii Quality Division• Envrlonmental Impact Analysis December 2009 Admin- lstered by NPS NPS NPS NPS NPS ) ) Eligibility/Project Type Notes "This is the primary source of operational funding for parks, ~urring funds are used for tlle management, interpretation, visitor sen/Ices, maintenance, and resource protection of National Park Service areas. Parks request Increases 10 their park htte:[ldasslcll\Slde.nl!!,e:ovl!:!1!ds~lfundsource.h1m base, throu•h the o-ratlons Formulation Svstem 10~1. • noaram prOV1oes a maximum 01 """' ...,.. • .,,.re 11,.,n, ,u .,..,eu1,e anu .... mp11ne 111u,ua11v .... neuu•• proJ-~ \Nim _..,u,. sources. The purpose is to increase awareness and participation by both neili/lborlng communitles and the public at large in the preservation and improvement of National Park Semce recreational, cultural, and natural resources. Park panne,s (outside resources) include Individuals, groups, companies, corl)Ol'ation, State and local agencies, and other non-Federal entities which will donate funds, equipment, supplies or In-kind labor to complete a park project. Projects are generallv hne!{(E!!fficinside.nm.,rcw/budqt3lfundmt1rst.htm Intended IO be smal~ able to be campleted In one year, and consistent with park planning documents. Projects will fall into one of three categories: 1. Director's Share 2. Region's Share ,. -- _,. .. "All cont=lon contracts contain franchlse fee and other financial obligations diat renect the probable value of the authorlzation consistent with the law. Beginning In FY 1999, as provided far in Section 407 of Public Law 105-391, all franchise fees paid to the United States Pl,lrsuant to concession contracts are deposited to a special Treasurv account. h112•l/dassklm!d!l.nm.govl.!!!!dB!!3lfund~t-hlm Twenty peteent of the funds an, made available, witl\oUt funher appropriation, to support coru:esslon actMtia throughout the National Park System. Elg/lty percent of the funds are made avallable, without further appropriation, to the park In which the funds were collected. Criteria is for fundina expired and eMpiring contracts and ~ated taslcs. If a parlc has no tontractlng projects they must meet criteria prevlouslv set forth and approved by the regions. All projects over $500,000 must come to WASO for aDDraval and be considered bv OA8. • "Projects include conducting the CUiturai Landscape Inventory (CLIJ and entering the existing backlog of data Into the Cultural Landscape Automated Inventory System (aAIMS) to respond to the NPS Strar~lc Plan lone-term goal lbZB. Preferred projects are those that provide information that ls lacking and consequently advctrsely affecting preservation or hne;[lclassicinslde.ne,ml!!mlut3lfunde!!!tt-htm management of the resource or Is required far current or proposed park planning, resource management efforts, cultural ilnd natural resource research projects (Historic Resource study, CUiturai landscape Report, Vegetation Management Plan) or develoDment and construction nMiects (utUitles 111111rade. Fedetal Highways proiectsl." .. -- ,,,. .................... _. ··••r--- _..._..,_ -·- -r-- statements) that qualify as follows: Projects must show: Park spedfic Issues or problems having precedent setting implications. hue;l{dasslcimid1t.npuoy/budget3lfundsgurg.hJm Significant or Ions standing resource Issues that require decisions. Background studies and reasonably foreseeable Information needs are complete. Other funding sources are unavailable. Premration of environmental imoact analvsls is subiect ta a court order.• ) Admln- Name lstered by GIS Projects NPS Incentive A-els NPS lnfonnational Pubik:ations Program NPS Land Acquisitions NPS Natural Resource PrC!servatlon Program (NRPP) Dluurbed Land NPS Restoration Project Plannirig NPS Regular Cydlc Maintenance NPS ) Ellglblllty/Project Type Notes - -·· ·-- - - ___ ., - ···- ··-v---- --- --v--·· _.. • ._. ____ .... _ ·- "" -- .... ~- -- for we Irv Re&tonaJ Technical Support Centeri. Crltetla from each Regional GIS Coordinator determines distribU!lon to parks based on their rqional nffds and api,ropriate aiteriL Project dollars must reqte to the develO#fflent. continuallon or advancement of a GIS System, GPS data colleaion. intqtation of other dat3 inta a geospatlal farmat, c!Mopment of http:./Jdpst1Ci1)11de.nps,goy/budgst3/furulp,rq.htm existing and ~nt metadlltll and posting of data to a ~aringhouse. Project funds may abo be used far data production/acquisition lfld/or GIS application or modeling development via con1ract o: In house including the cost of metlldata oroduction. • "fundlna may be availa~le from rqional offices or WASO. Patts may use base funding to supplement the program.• !!!!2:[lde,!dtl!!de:!!.1i!!·ml!!!!!!~lflll>dsour$S,hlm "Park folders, handbooks, posters, and other publications are prepared trv Harpers Feny Centef' for park areas and funded from thls accounL Funding for folders is frequffltly supplemented by resional offkes. Parks usually pay the shipping costs htto:l/dauicinside.""".1t0Y/bud,,...~lfund,ource.htm on A>•k br,..... ... - from ~ - Jo·-• "Fundlna for the acquisition of land and Interest in land for inclusion in the National Park System in order to preserve nationally important natural and historic resources. Funds are also provided to coordinate and adminlstef' this acquisition !IUD,la!mi"mldli: !!Ill sl!Ul!11d1!:1~l!!!D!li211t~,l!lm pro,tam, and to administer grant and administrative assistance proSram for state g~ents. • "Projects Involve actions to reestablish natural processes o: to COrTect re.source damage caused Irv human developments that have slgnlflcantly altered the landscape structure and function. Examples of such disturbances include abandoned structures; 1bandoned mlneral lands; abandoned or unauthorized roads; disrupted nzitural stream channels, ffoodplalns, wetlands, or shorellne processes; and other abandoned developments or fadllties (ecdudifli prescribed fire, fire rehabUitation, and grazing). Restoration activities should address the biological and physical components of Impaired hUp://dmidnsJdg nps,goyQputlgeJ3flundsourcr,IJlm natural systems as neceswy to reestablish naturally functioning terrestrial and aquatic habitats and prO(eSSl!S. Site-specific activities may Include mltlptlng impaired soil conditions; reestabllshilll! natural hydrologic patterns, original contours, and native vegetation; and reestabllshll'IR critical habitat elements. Activities connected to site restoration, such as charactetlzatlon, compliance. design etc., are ellglble as long as the primary project purpoSe is the mitigation of natural resource Impacts caused by human development.• 'lhe second phase of the construction process which provides flnal estimates, construction drawings. and contract bidding documents for indivldual constructlon projetts. Generally accomplished by the Denver SeNi0e Center. Comprehensive blll!,ll"aslgolldl:,ll111 BIMl!11d&i1Jlf!!!ldl21![£!:,bSm design prior to a spedfic construction project is programmed under the Une Item Construction ProSram. • 'Funds are used to maintain park roads, trails, buPding. utlllty svstems. and other fac1nt1es on a fixed periodic b1sis as long n the cycle is longe, than one year, but no longer than ten years. Budget submissions for the cyclic maintenance program ore extracted from the park's ten-year cycllc maintenance proSram. The work may require the preparation of simple hJtp;//classigpslde.nm,goyllpucl•gll,'fyD4sourct,htm designs and specillcallons and Is perfarmed by contraa o: day labor. Funding from the cyc6c maintenance program may not be used for the new constnictlon of anv kind unless clearance has been recelved ffOm the fleaional Office and Washington. Permanent employee's salar!es should be base funded and therefore, not charged to cyclic accounts.• Virgin Islands National Park Alternative Transportation Plan ) ) Admin- Name lstered by Sign Replaa!fflent NPS/FHWA Water Resources Divl!ion NPS YOUlh ConseruaticnCorps (VCC) NPS National or State Historic Presen,ation December 2009 Page 1S8 ) Eligibllity/Project Type Notes "Funding for signs eligible under Federal Highway criteria for repladfla signs to meet MUTCt> standards (not cvcllc l!Sll!'lli;!anidn,ld,-,n~scwl!!udget3£funer~.h1!!! r...,.•-ment of dlrnsl. • "Prnje<tS will be accepted In the following three categories: Warer Qualily Mltfgotio11, Ratorotion ond Assmmtnr: Projects support park-based acttvltles. indudlng the design of information management systemS. regulatory assasments, riparlan/slream and water1hed restatatlon and protection projects with water quality goals or other water quallty lmpro,,ement projeaS. May also Include desl;n and implementation of Best Management Practices requlred to Improve water quality to meet state-m~ed polluted runoff http:/ldMSldMide.nps.e£bu!!8eWfu'lderce.htm or nonpoint source pollution control or other park water quality goals and obj«tlves. In add"1tlon, proJaas that encompass one-time assessments er inventories of water quality baseline conditions or contaminants m,v be submitted. Wetlands RISIV,otion, ,.._tory, ond Ptor«110n: Projects include Wl!tland restoration design and implementalion, impatt or comfltlon IISHS1fflents, inventories, functional assessments, applied research, protettion efforts. momtoring. and other wetland projects consistent with NPS polldes, dlredives. and prncedures. Hydrology, WotttsNd Monogemenr and Planning : ProJeas Include groundwater assessment and monitorin;. well and sprl "The parlc will determine the areas under their adminlsUative jurisdictions. which are appropriate for catrylft8 out the pregnm, and select appropriate worlc and envirOnmental awar-s prOjecu.. Worlc project submissions for the Youth Conservation CorPJ program ue submitted to the Washington Vouth Prcarams Division for approval prior to the beglnn,ng of the program. Re<tUitment of enrollees wUI be condutted by local school systems. Employment Security Offius. and/or hosting agendes. Permanent employee's salaries $houlcl be base funded I/Id, therefore, not dtarged to Youth ConSCMltion http;/ldfSPCinsis.nPH9"/budffl3/fundem.tnm Corps aCCOllt\t. Funds are used to maintain trail construction; timber management; pest and exotic weed control; drainage dltch and culvert maintenance; campsite construalon and maintenance; fencing constnaction and maintenam:e; erosion control projects; restoration of historical areas and monument$; landscaplns, beautification and plantlnc; range vegetation control projects; and other conseNatlon work projetts. The Youth Coiuervatlon Cotps Is a 8 • lo-week summer program for youth between the ages of 1S to 18 years old." Grant fu....,A& for--allon/mainten1nce of road features that are cultural resources