The governing board of the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority today approved funding for repaving of the Long Reef Road on St. Croix following the completion of a major waterline project, and against the backdrop of worsening road conditions. VI Paving submitted the lowest of four quotes totaling $223,300.

            The board, at a special meeting today, was told that the Pressure Management Phase 2B project, a waterline installation undertaking, included asphalt resurfacing of the trenched areas in its scope of work, but an excavation permit issued by the central government mandated WAPA’s resurfacing of the entire stretch of roadway upon completion. While the project was underway, the road condition worsened, and has become a source of major complaints by residents who cite vehicular damage from driving on the roadway.

            WAPA continues to be criticized for the road condition as the utility was the last entity working along the roadway, despite its being in a general state of disrepair prior to the waterline installation project. The Authority decided to move forward in the repaving of the roadway which extends approximately one-half mile. WAPA has been given assurances by the Department of Public Works commissioner that the department will reimburse the utility for the road repair and repaving.

            Under terms of the arrangement with VI Paving, low areas of the road will be spot-fixed, and the entire road surface will be overlaid with asphalt. The work is expected to be completed by the end of August.

            Board members in attendance included Chairman Anthony D. Thomas, Vice Chairman Noel Loftus, Secretary Juanita Young, Hubert Turnbull, and Elizabeth Armstrong, Cheryl Boynes Jackson, Director Kyle Fleming, and Jed JohnHope. Director Joel Lee was excused.

# # #

About WAPA: The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority is an autonomous agency of the Virgin Islands Government which produces and distributes electricity and drinking water to residential and commercial customers in the territory. WAPA was created by the Fifth Legislature of the Virgin Islands in 1964 through Act No. 1248. Today, WAPA generates electrical power at production plants on St. Thomas and St. Croix and distributes electrical service through smart grids to customers on St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John, Hassel Island, and Water Island. Potable water is distributed to almost 13,000 customers through water lines and standpipes. WAPA also has the responsibility of installing and maintaining streetlights.