U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (“WAPA” or “Authority”) Governing Board of Directors met on October 30, 2023 in an Emergency Board meeting and voted to increase CEO/Executive Director Andrew Smith’s financial delegation of authority (DOA) to address the ongoing water quality emergency on St. Croix. The DOA will increase from $750,000 to $5 million and will automatically expire on March 31st, 2024. This DOA is specific to expenditures related to the Water Quality Emergency currently occurring on St. Croix and can only be used for this purpose. A weekly expenditure report from CEO/Executive Director Smith to the Board is also a requirement of the increase. The Governing Board reserves the right to modify the length of time and scope of the Emergency DOA at any time.
Below is an overview of the comprehensive list of items and categories that will fall within the $5,000,000 delegation bucket:
- Infrastructure Repair and Replacement
- Personnel and Labor Costs
- Water Quality Testing and Analysis
- Emergency Communications and Public Awareness Campaigns
- Logistics and Transportation
- Emergency Procurement of Supplies
- Environmental Impact Mitigation
- Legal and Regulatory Compliance
“The Board recognizes the financial expediency and nimbleness required to address this emergency. We want to make sure there aren’t any hindrances to WAPA’s Leadership team's ability to make critical decisions in a timely manner,” noted Kyle Fleming, Governing Board Chairman. “We have communicated to WAPA’s Leadership that it is imperative that funds expended under this specific DOA continue to be managed prudently and transparently, with a focus on delivering effective solutions to the water quality emergency. It is also a continued requirement that all expenses within this delegation are thoroughly documented and reported to the Board for oversight and accountability.”
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communication’s department is committed to reaching, informing, and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.
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