Jan. 30, 2008 — With all due respect, Darryl Smalls, commissioner of public works, is full of LIIP — specifically the kind that might help diminish the recurrence of those Jacuzzi-sized craters that inhale passing cars.
Smalls' LIIP stands for Local Infrastructure and Improvement Plan. His hope is that the legislature will fund his LIIP, which is dedicated major infrastructure repair and improvement projects that are identified and priced. By establishing an annual revolving pool of funds for the LIIP, Smalls would be able to tackle vital projects expeditiously. Currently, funding for extensive repairs is handled through a cumbersome case-by-case appropriation from the General Fund.
"Historically those (repair projects) have come through because a senator has brought it to the floor and the majority votes and you do an appropriation," Smalls said. "I'm hoping with us developing the LIIP and establishing our priorities … then I could plan on an annual basis what we could embark upon for the particular year."
But it's all dependent on money — money that exceeds the department's current $28.4 million from the territory's General Fund, and some $20 million in annual dedicated federal highway administration funding.
A pool of funds exists called the transportation trust fund, which derives from gasoline and other taxes, Smalls said. But years ago, he said, those revenues were dedicated to cover salary increases. If they can be redirected to their original purpose, "We could actually plan repairs," Smalls said, adding that the Senate and the governor support his proposal.
Clearly, it's a case of robbing Peter to pay Paul. Or more like grand theft than robbery. Smalls said his list of needed repairs, which is not yet complete, stands at $40 million plus. Time will tell.
Smalls, who assumed the helm of the Department of Public Works (DPW) in April 2007, talked with the Source earlier this week about his department's plans, accomplishments and the problems it faces. The discussion was part of a day-long series of media interviews lined up for Smalls by the deJongh administration as it attempts to heighten governmental transparency.
Setting Priorities
Sitting in an office lined with 1970s fake wood paneling, old low-slung chairs around a tall table and half-smeared paint on the trim around his door, Smalls confessed — when asked about the dreary aesthetics — that the setting isn't inspiring. But, he gestured to the paperwork on his table, acknowledging that his department faces greater priorities than office decor.
Priorities such as eliminating the "deep backlog of work" Gov. John deJongh Jr. referenced in his Jan. 22 State of the Territory address. Roads are the biggest culprit, and the LIIP, according to Smalls, would be the first step in resolving that backlog.
Another priority, according to the governor, is ensuring the department is capable of tackling significant capital-works projects efficiently and honestly — no more "cronyism," deJongh says. Smalls is using old-fashioned team building to accomplish his department's goals.
"I've tried to empower my staff to keep them informed, to develop teamwork, and I'm getting ready to roll out a model: one team, one goal, one mission," Smalls said.
That's in keeping with the style deJongh says he's forging to ensure there's funding for capital projects. He's preparing to launch a multi-year, $700-million plan that "integrates all areas of funding available," enabling the territory to address solid waste, wastewater, education and transportation infrastructure needs. Some of those funds would create new jobs in DPW.
"That is the other division being created under my helm," Smalls said, "a capital-improvement program where I'll have a director and a team of engineers and project managers to develop, oversee and ensure timely completion of various projects."
The lid is still on the $700 million program, so Smalls couldn't offer details. But in the meantime, he has plenty to keep him busy, including building relationships with the federal government in hopes of getting a greater piece of its pie.
Last year the feds rejected the territory's application to the ferry boat discretionary fund to finance the purchase of new ferries for the St. Thomas-St. John corridor. The application competed with the likes of ferry operations in New York, Alaska and New Jersey.
"You're talking about going up against powerhouses," Smalls explained, but he's still hopeful. "We were encouraged by the federal government to resubmit."
Next on the agenda is gaining the St. Thomas-St. Croix water corridor the same status under the federal highway system that St. Thomas-St. John enjoys. "It would provide an opportunity for other franchises to be established," said Smalls, who hopes for a response within the year.
And speaking of boats, Smalls said the advent of water taxis is around the corner. "That's something that's inevitable, but I prefer to use the words, 'water transportation,'" he said. Smalls is a member of the Charlotte Amalie Downtown Revitalization committee, a public- and private-sector collaboration convened by the governor last year and apparently set to issue a report in the near future. No indication just yet as to what plans the committee will propose.
Plans in the Works
A consultant will look at several plans, as well as all forms of surface travel, public transportation and road infrastructure. PB America, which has worked with DPW in the past, is being asked to undertake a so-called multi-modul examination using federal funding, as the territory works to make sense of clogged and inferior roadways. The plans on St. Thomas include:
— the Long Bay Road Project, an expansion project currently underway, extending from Lovers Lane to Mandala Circle south to the entrance of West Indian Corp. and north on Hospital Line to Kmart;
— Plan 8, an expansion and re-routing project on the books for years, intended to re-route traffic around the Legislature by filling in a portion of the bay;
— Veterans Drive safety improvements, roadway expansion and bulkhead repairs along the downtown waterfront; and
— The East-West Corridor, an improvement and expansion project extending from the airport to Red Hook and encompassing all of the above.
As he anticipates tackling not just major projects, but undoubtedly major concerns, given the sensitivity of anything that impacts the Charlotte Amalie historic district, Smalls has some credits under his belt.
On St. Croix, drainage problems in Williams Delight are being addressed, and Smalls says construction on Midland Road, long neglected, is nearing completion.
On St. Thomas, work on a bypass on Leonard Trotman Drive in Tutu is underway, taking travelers behind the mall and to the site of the new public library. Groundbreaking is slated for approximately June 2008. Also, much-needed improvements are underway on the Red Hook Road and work will commence at the Coki Point beach entrance. Work is also planned at the Nadir-Bovoni intersection, as well as the roadway through Lima, and finally at Drake's Seat. In the West End, road work near Fortuna is on the drawing board.
St. John will soon see some improvements on the Bordeaux Mountain Road.
"I truly believe there's light at the end of the tunnel," said Smalls, who gives himself a "C" grade so far. "I always like to improve. It helps me grow."
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