The V.I. Water and Power Authority broke ground Tuesday at Krum Bay on a $16.5 million power-generating project utilizing an aero-derivative Pratt and Whitney gas turbine, the first ordered in the Eastern Caribbean.
The groundbreaking was nearly seven years in the works, as WAPA sought a bond ceiling increase and floated bonds, held public meetings and obtained permits. The unit's commissioning, planned for summer 2001, is intended to bring the authority up to speed with it planning criterion of being able to meet peak demand with the two largest units out of service.
Following the invocation by the Rev. Fernando Christian, Gov. Charles W. Turnbull and Senate President Almando "Rocky" Liburd spoke of their support for the project. Speaking for WAPA were Executive Director Raymond L. George, Director John Christian, and Governing Board Member Luz James Sr.
Contractor Besco Inc. joined in the ceremonial ground-breaking.
