The Port Authority, through its governing board, took steps this week to ensure and improve its cargo port operations. The board, meeting Wednesday on St. Croix, renewed a long-term lease with Tropical Shipping for its St. Thomas container port.
Board members also took remedial action that they hope will clear the way for opening the Gordon Finch Molasses Pier on the big island. The action is intended to repair damage caused by the faulty installation of a WAPA transformer.
An amount not to exceed $55,626.20 was allocated to AD Construction to carry out the repairs, pending reimbursement from the public power company. “This is an issue that’s been holding us up from opening up the Molasses Port Cargo Building,” said Board Chairman Willard John.
Votes approving leases and repairs to cargo facilities on St. Thomas and St. Croix were among the lease renewals taken up in VIPA’s December board meeting. The Tropical Shipping renewal is expected to supply $438,364 in rent over the life of the lease. An additional $54,969,72 is expected through renewal of a secondary lease for use of a Gantry crane at the St. Thomas facility.
An additional $200,000 is anticipated from a small group of sub-tenants also doing business at the Tropical Shipping site.
Board members also approved a lease renewal for a vendor at the Cyril E. King Airport doing business under the name Sandals for You, LLC. A five percent rent increase brings the tenant’s monthly payment to $650 per month, plus ten percent in gross receipt taxes.
On the aviation side, the board approved a change in the terms of its aviation tariff policy. The policy drew controversy when a local users clause was included, raising objections from users based off-island.
“It’s the terminology that had to change because it did not comply with (Federal Aviation Administration) policies,” said Port Authority spokeswoman Monife Marrero.
Issues involving cyber security also came up for a vote. Board members authorized quarterly payments totaling $60,750 to renew its liability coverage for cyber insurance against possible data breaches.
