The Port Authority Board of Governors’ goal at its August monthly meeting, held on St. John, was to maintain momentum on a list of air and seaport projects. Organizers, concerned about having enough voting members on hand to approve action items, moved those matters to the top of the agenda.
An expenditure not to exceed $354,360 was approved to install camera systems as part of a new construction phase for the Dale Gregory Parking and Transportation Center. The board also voted to extend liability insurance for the parking garage.
Construction on Phase One of the three-level parking facility at Cyril E. King Airport was opened to the public in April. In remarks made during the Executive Director’s Report, VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said public use of the parking facility is producing a revenue stream that’s expected to increase. “The monies being collected are steadily increasing,” he said.
Funds were also approved for demolition of a derelict building on VIPA property in Lindbergh Bay, the Island Beachcomber Hotel. DCM Corporation submitted the winning bid at a cost of $357,850.
Board Chairman Willard John questioned the bidder chosen for the demolition project. “My concern is that coming down the road they don’t come up with a bunch of change orders,” he said.
Two labor contracts and several vendor lease agreements won board approval. An allocation of $202,550 was approved for preliminary actions needed to create a new facility for VIPA firefighters.
More than $820,000 won approval to help with a marine terminal improvement project on St. Croix. The money is slated to cover design services for the Wilfred Bomba Allick Terminal.
Two approved measures allocated funds for runway improvements at the Cyril King Airport. An amount not to exceed $150,000 was approved for Michael Baker International to cover planning and other professional services. The board also authorized funding for ongoing work at the Loredon Boynes Marine Terminal on St. John.
The VIPA management team also asked the board to approve some administrative measures: an increase in the Public Officials Insurance Policy needed to be renewed, and funds were needed to cover the increase in the premium. An internal audit in the Aviation Division showed some outstanding payments owed to a contractor providing security support services required by the federal government. The board voted to cover the missing payments.
The VIPA permit use policy, which often applies to food trucks, other vendors, and special events, was also discussed.
