St. Croix was the center of attention during Monday’s weekly press briefing. Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. announced infrastructure updates, including the grand opening of the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavillion — slated for Thursday morning — the repaving of Airport Road and a ribbon-cutting for the Petronella solar farm, owned by VIElectron.
Motta said officials will cut the ribbon for the Petronella solar farm on Tuesday and echoed the words of former Sen. Holland Redfield, stating that “the LEAC represents the largest transfer of wealth out of the Virgin Islands.”
“With the opening of the Petronella solar field on the south shore, we have a real opportunity to change that narrative,” Motta said, adding that the field spans more than 77 acres and holds more than 29,000 solar panels — generating just over 16 megawatts of renewable energy. “Just as the Educational Complex has experienced a significant reduction in its monthly bills, we can expect similar benefits from this project.”
Monday’s briefing took place more or less simultaneously with a regular meeting of the V.I. Public Services Commission, during which WAPA CEO and Executive Director Karl Knight fielded questions about the solar farm.
“While we’re not at full production on Petronella, we have begun taking on power from the Petronella plant,” Knight said in response to questions from Commission Vice Chair David Hughes. Knight said the utility anticipates getting to full power next summer.
“But yes, that plan is online and producing energy as we speak,” he added.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. declared a state of emergency in April amid frequent blackouts to help the utility pay critical vendors, and the Legislature approved a 60-day extension to the emergency in mid-October. Asked about the possibility of yet another extension, Motta told The Source that he did not have any specific updates.
“I know we’re still under the state of emergency, and so when we get to that point, you know, if there is an extension that’s required for whatever reason, we’ll go through the process and we’ll request that approval,” from the 35th Legislature, he said.
Motta announced two developments affecting the island’s frequent flyers: the resumption of JetBlue flights between St. Croix and Puerto Rico and the repaving of the island’s Airport Road, which Motta said will “come to fruition this holiday season.” The repaving work is funded through a more than $1.75 million appropriation from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund.
Motta did not offer a firm deadline by which the work will be finished. Citing the appropriation, Motta said the government does not anticipate delays due to nonpayment to the vendor, Marco St. Croix Inc. — something that has left St. Croix roads languishing in various states of repair in the past.
“Obviously … we all want those projects to be completed in a timely fashion and as quickly as possible, but there are a number of variables that come into play that could, you know, repeat that process,” he said before suggesting the work could take 30-60 days.
Motta initially said the project would be funded through GARVEE bonds on Monday but immediately clarified that the project is being funded through the appropriation passed by the Legislature during their most recent session.
Monday’s briefing included a reminder about upcoming holiday events, including the return of the Governor’s Children’s Christmas parties on all three main islands:
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St. Croix: 6-9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10 at Government House
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St. John: 6-9 p.m. on Monday at the Franklin A. Powell Sr. Park
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St. Thomas: 6-9 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Havensight Mall
Motta reminded government employees that they will have administrative leave from 12-5 p.m. on Dec. 24, and government offices will be closed on Christmas Day and on Dec. 26, otherwise known as Boxing Day. All government offices will also be closed on New Year’s Day.
Government employees on St. Croix are being granted administrative leave from 12-5 p.m. on Jan. 2 for the Crucian Christmas Festival Food, Arts and Crafts Fair, and all nonessential employees territory-wide will be granted leave on Jan. 3 for the Children’s Parade. Government offices will be closed on Jan. 6 for Three King’s Day and on Jan. 20 for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
