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Charlotte Amalie
Thursday, March 28, 2024
HomeNewsArchivesWAPA–SOUTHERN DEAL TO GO TO SENATE AUG. 11

WAPA–SOUTHERN DEAL TO GO TO SENATE AUG. 11

The fate of the proposed sale of the Water and Power Authority to Southern Energy Inc. is to be put to a vote in a full session of the Senate starting at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, immediately following three days of public hearings on the three main islands.
The proposed purchase by Southern of 80 percent of WAPA has been the subject of endless debate on countless talk shows, in public forums and at demonstrations throughout the territory for months.
Gov. Charles W. Turnbull has approved the sale and forwarded the legislation requesting the mandatory Senate approval.
Lt. Gov. Gerard Luz James 11 has veered sharply in the other direction, publicly condemning the sale, as have many unionized WAPA employees and some senators.
The Senate is awaiting an analysis of Southern's proposal by the consulting firm Arthur D. Little that is expected "shortly," according to Sandra Brunet, office manager for Senate president Vargrave Richards. She said it is hoped that the study will be available to the Senate and to the public before the hearings next week — set for Tuesday, Aug. 8, on St. Thomas; Wednesday, Aug. 9, on St. Croix; and Thursday, Aug. 10, on St. John.
For further information on the public hearings, all set to begin at 10 a.m., go to the Local Government section of the Source.

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