DPNR Updates Progress of Fish and Wildlife Hurricane Disaster Relief

DPNR Commissioner Jean-Pierre Oriol testifies before the Senate. (Photo by Barry Leerdam, V.I. Legislature)

Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources has announced that the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Hurricane Disaster Relief Assistance Program has dispersed more than $655,000 to over 130 fishers and helpers. This completes the first phase of base payments to all fishers and helpers who applied through Sept. 5.

Phase 2 of the program, which applies to applicants who have applied for assistance over $5,000, is currently underway.  All Phase 2 applicants are advised that in addition to all documentation for losses as a result of the 2017 storms Irma and Marina, a notarized self-certification form will also need to be completed to show proof that neither insurance nor other grants were received to cover those losses.

The Division of Fish and Wildlife will offer in-person assistance from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays, at the Red Hook, St. Thomas and Mars Hill, St. Croix locations.

For more information, contact DPNR at 773-1082 or visit its website at https://dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife/fish/hurricane-disaster-relief-assistance/.