Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett released the following statement announcing a $32 million grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to the Virgin Islands Department of Education:
“I am very pleased to announce that FEMA has awarded a grant totaling $32,049,717.28 to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for damages to five buildings and the grounds of the Joseph Sibilly Elementary School because of hurricanes Irma and Maria. This award will allow our community to continue our path towards preparedness and resiliency against natural disasters as we build back to 21st century standards.
“FEMA can make repairs and replace infrastructure in the Virgin Islands to incorporate resilient design and features regardless of pre-disaster condition (the standard that otherwise applies) for the duration of the recovery from hurricanes Irma and Maria because of provisions I secured in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018. As a result, we can rebuild our critical infrastructure, including schools, to the latest industry standards notwithstanding the condition of the damaged facility prior to the storms.
“There is still more work to be done, but this project marks another important step in our rebuilding. I am proud of the work being done in the Virgin Islands and look forward to working with the Office of Disaster Recovery and the Virgin Islands Department of Education to ensure the funds are fully utilized.”
