FEMA is obligating $5.8 million to five public libraries in the U.S. Virgin Islands for hurricane repairs. Library repairs will include $669,400 in hazard mitigation measures to infrastructure damaged by the 2017 storms.
Parks and public libraries serve communities throughout the U.S. Virgin Islands by providing a source for recreation, community, education, and historical and cultural environments. An interruption in operations at these facilities can disrupt many routines, and the closure of public libraries can limit and often prevent students’ ability to perform their schoolwork without a dedicated, structured environment.
FEMA’s whole-community approach to recovery includes collaborating with the territory on projects for parks and public libraries to recover from the damage caused by hurricanes Irma and Maria in Sept. 2017. Parks, recreational facilities, and libraries play important roles in a community’s well-being, providing an opportunity to stay active. Also, libraries encourage learning and exposure to arts and crafts, open them to the world through books, and are historical and cultural landmarks across the territory.
FEMA has committed $26.4 million to repair 56 sports, parks, and recreational facilities territory-wide.
“The Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation is grateful to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for providing the funds that allow us to repair and, in some cases, reconstruct the territory’s recreational facilities. The grants awarded by FEMA’s Public Assistance Program support our efforts to provide high-quality recreational spaces and activities to our community,” said Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Calvert White.
Projects on St. Croix include repairs to Pedro Cruz Ballpark in Kingshill, Isaac Boynes Ballpark in Frederiksted, and Cramer’s Park Pavilion.
Other repair and restoration projects are planned for St. John and St. Thomas. For example, on St. John, the Winston Wells Ballpark, the Orville Brown basketball court, and the Cruz Bay tennis court will undergo improvements. The Emile Griffith Ballpark, Lionel Roberts Stadium, and completed Joseph Aubain Ballpark on St. Thomas will also benefit from restoration efforts.
While revitalizing the territory’s parks and recreational facilities can benefit the entire community, so can the restoration of libraries.
“Libraries create a conducive environment to learning and lay the groundwork toward the development of strong communities,” said FEMA U.S. Virgin Islands Recovery Director Kristen A. Hodge. “Working with the V.I. Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation and the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources to rebuild these important community institutions will leave a legacy for future generations,” said Recovery Director Hodge.
FEMA’s $1.8 million obligation to the Florence A. Williams and Athalie M. Petersen libraries’ repairs on St. Croix includes $608,200 in hazard mitigation measures, such as installing ceramic flooring to replace carpet and vinyl flooring and door dams to stop further flooding at the Williams site.
The Charles W. Turnbull Regional Public Library on St. Thomas will receive $2.9 million toward renovations.
The restoration of Charlotte Amalie’s Enid M. Baa Library and Archives highlights the importance of historic preservation in disaster recovery. Enid Baa, born in 1911 on St. Thomas, was a librarian, educator, and historian. She was a leading advocate for establishing and administrating libraries in the territory.
After repairing the site, VI DPNR intends to use the Baa Library building as a community gathering space and visitor welcome center. In addition, FEMA has obligated $706,000 for Baa Library repairs. Stainless steel doors, wire caging to protect air conditioners from flying debris, and strengthening windows with hardware to withstand storm-force winds are among the library’s $61,100 approved hazard mitigation measures.
FEMA obligated $271,200 for hurricane repairs to the Elaine I. Sprauve Library and Museum in Cruz Bay on St. John. This project will include the American Disability Act-compliant push buttons on the exterior and interior doors.
FEMA will continue collaborating with the territorial departments of Sports, Parks and Recreation, and Planning and Natural Resources to ensure FEMA Public Assistance projects to repair recreational facilities and public libraries will equitably benefit the entire community.
