U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS (Sept. 25, 2026)—The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority ("WAPA" or "the Authority") is moving from response to rebuilding, continuing the work customers need today while advancing infrastructure projects designed to strengthen the territory’s water and electric systems for the future.
Following Monday’s lifting of the St. Croix Boil Water Advisory, WAPA continues to conduct daily water-quality testing and monitor the distribution system as inventory levels continue to increase.
As part of the continued infrastructure enhancement, WAPA’s Governing Board unanimously approved a $1.59 million Mahogany Road Waterline Improvement Project that will replace and expand approximately 3,578 feet of water main, along with fire hydrants, service connections and a sampling station on the western end of Ethel McIntosh Memorial Drive.
The project will be coordinated with the Department of Public Works’ roadway project, allowing WAPA to complete its work before the road is paved.
“It’s a one-dig approach,” said Shaianne Felicien, Mechanical Engineer II, Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority, during Thursday’s Board meeting.
Strengthening the electric system
CEO Karl Knight reported that WAPA completed repairs to the distribution circuit at Cabrita Point, restoring backup capability for Feeder 7E. This circuit had been unavailable for years following the damage incurred by Hurricane Irma. The work follows the Community Town Hall held in March, where WAPA discussed plans to provide St. John residents with redundancy across the electric system, along with backup generators for St. John.
WAPA is also continuing work on the Great Bay circuit on St. John, which will provide additional backup capability for the entire island.
The Board also advanced several resilience projects, including the Queen Street Underground Project on St. Croix, the FEMA-funded Composite Pole Project on St. John, replacement of 120 downtown streetlights in Christiansted, and continued development of the Fortuna I and Fortuna II solar projects on St. Thomas.
These projects build on WAPA’s broader post-storm recovery work, including completed undergrounding projects and additional projects now underway.
Federal recovery: moving from recovery to execution
This week, WAPA leadership joined the Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery in Washington, D.C., for discussions with FEMA and the White House Office of Management and Budget on the broader recovery of the territory.
Knight said the discussions focused increasingly on construction, project management and project execution, as opposed to concerns over financial management.
WAPA highlighted its immediate progress following Hurricanes with federal recovery investments, including debris removal, replacement of wooden poles and undergrounding. Eight undergrounding projects have been completed, with three more underway: Queen Street on St. Croix, Feeder 9A on St. Thomas and Feeder 9E on St. John.
“We’ve been moving,” Knight told federal officials during the Washington meetings, pointing to WAPA’s progress with disaster recovery and infrastructure investments.
Bringing customer service closer
Rebuilding also means improving how customers experience WAPA.
Beginning Monday, Sept. 28, WAPA’s St. Thomas Customer Service Office will open at Four Winds Plaza, the former Bravo Supermarket location next to Laundry King.
The new location will give customers a more accessible space to conduct WAPA business in person.
“Change the culture and reduce cost,” said WAPA Chief Administrative Officer Anthony Thomas, echoing a broader theme discussed during the Board meeting as WAPA continues looking for ways to improve operations and make better use of its resources.
The work underway—from daily water testing and new water infrastructure to electrical redundancy, undergrounding and customer service improvements—reflects a broader shift in how WAPA is approaching the future.
The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Communications Department is committed to reaching, informing and connecting with the youngest members of the community to the eldest, through meaningful, transparent and effective communication.