US Virgin Islands Hotel & Tourism Association
The USVI Hotel and Tourism Association held its bi-monthly General Membership Meeting on Nov. 20 at Windward Passage Hotel. About 40 members gathered to hear a presentation from Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe entitled “An Overview of Our Plans and Projects Scheduled for Fiscal Year 2016 and Beyond.”
As the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority, Dowe is responsible for the overall leadership of the authority and its staff. He works closely with all directors, managers, chiefs, supervisors and employees to ensure the authority operates in the most efficient and effective manner.
Dowe discussed the fiscal year 2016 budget, noting that VIPA has allotted $43.5 million for operating expenses, $5.7 million for debt service and $33.2 million for capital projects and expenditures. Plans for 2016 include work on both airports and in many of the seaports.
Plans for Henry E. Rohlsen Airport include a new aircraft rescue and firefighting facility, terminal apron rehabilitation project completion and generator containment slab. Plans for Cyril E. King airport are much more extensive, including upgrades to the terminal’s fire alarm and sprinkler system as well as the generator electrical room, installation of a public address system, demolition of derelict units at Bournefield, relocation of VIPA’s maintenance building and much more.
Plans for the seaports on St. Thomas include Crown Bay receiving a dock expansion and installation of an elevator to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act at E. Blyden Terminal/Waterfront. St. John will see parking upgrades. Additionally, plans for St. Croix include a major renovation of the dual-purpose arrival facility at Gallows Bay, installation of a 100-ton bollard on the south pier and a new perimeter security fence as well as structural repairs to the pier of Wilfred Allick Port and Transshipment Center, and upgrades and replacements scheduled for Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility.
The Virgin Islands Port Authority is one of the few port authorities that manages both air and seaports. They own and manage the Cyril E. King Airport and the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. VIPA also owns and manages the majority of public seaports on St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix, which includes cruise, cargo and ferry ports. The VI Port Authority was created as a semi-autonomous, self-sustaining agency. They do not receive funds from the local government.
To read Dowe’s complete presentation and learn about all of the upcoming projects at VIPA, click here or visit www.viport.com.