The Public Works Department is starting work on a Transportation Master Plan and wants to know what you think about the transportation situation across the Virgin Islands.
To find out, the department will hold meetings next week on all three islands.
"Bring your ideas," Deputy Public Works Commissioner Karole Ovesen-McGregor said.
The meetings kick off Tuesday on St. John at the Legislature building. It’s St. Thomas’ turn on Wednesday with the meeting scheduled for the Curriculum Center in Anna’s Retreat. The St. Croix meeting is planned for Thursday at the Curriculum Center in Kingshill. All will run from 6 to 9 p.m., with a presentation by the department scheduled for 6:30 p.m.
"This is the opportunity for the community to have input," Ovesen-McGregor said.
The Transportation Master Plan will cover all aspects of transportation in the territory. Ovesen-McGregor said that includes personal vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transportation, safaris, taxis, and ferries. It also covers things like sidewalks and parking.
While there are transportation challenges across the territory, Ovesen-McGregor said that St. John faces additional issues because residents must take the ferry to St. Thomas for things like medical appointments, shopping and more.
The plan will provide a blueprint for transportation needs across the territory until 2030. It is funded to the tune of $1.1 million by the Federal Highway Administration, Ovesen-McGregor said.
The department hired the Florida-based firm P.B. Americas Inc. as a consultant, Ovesen-McGregor said.
Public Works has put together an advisory board that consists of local and federal government departments and agencies, transportation companies and Innovative Telephone. Ovesen-McGregor said that plans are under consideration to appoint people outside of government and those companies to the board.
According to the Transportation Master Plan’s website, its goals are economic development, safety, security, operation and maintenance, environmental sustainability and land use, management of congestion to optimize mobility and accessibility, to provide a seamless and integrated transportation network, to provide agency and public outreach in transportation planning and programming, and financial accountability.
People with questions that need answers before the meetings can contact Public Works Strategic Planner Keith Richards at 776-4844. He’s also the point person for people who are disabled and need special accommodations at the meetings.
Visit www.usvitransporationplan.com.
