On Wednesday, the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Governing Board approved several key contracts to advance infrastructure projects in both the St. Thomas-St. John and St. Croix districts.
For St. Thomas, the board authorized funding for the final design of a new Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) station at Cyril E. King Airport. This approval allows the project to move forward to detailed design and engineering so construction can proceed.
The board approved a contract for professional services to complete an environmental assessment and prepare a design-build package for shoreline stabilization at Cyril E. King Airport. This step is needed to secure federal grants and protect airport facilities from erosion and storm damage.
A contract was also approved for additional rubber removal and edge line cleaning at Cyril E. King’s main runway and taxiways. This maintenance work will improve runway safety and comply with federal aviation regulations.
On St. Croix, the board gave the go-ahead for similar airfield maintenance, removing rubber buildup and refreshing runway markings at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, to ensure continued safe operations.
Each approval represents a concrete step in moving these important aviation and infrastructure projects from planning to action, supporting both safety and future service improvements for the territory’s airports, board members said.
As the board approved the new contracts, project leaders detailed the scope and significance of ongoing work across the districts. Preston Beyer, director of engineering, reported on the capital commitments for the region.
“The total cost the Engineering Department in the St. Thomas–St. John District has obligated under active construction projects is $96,473,727.97,” Beyer told the board. He continued, “The total cost the Engineering Department in the St. Croix District has obligated under active construction projects is $44,595,111.01.”
Providing further context, Beyer explained, “Of the seven projects, five of these projects are in the closeout phase. There are also numerous projects in the scope, development, planning and design phases that the team continues to work on.”
Discussing the status and next steps at Cyril E. King Airport, Meyer added: “The Cyril E. King Airport runway rehabilitation has reached substantial completion. We have a number of outstanding punch-list items. We’re working with the contractor to get those punch-list items resolved.”
Board members also reviewed the authority’s financial standing and year-to-date operational results. According to the financial report, the Aviation Division posted a favorable revenue variance of $1.4 million, or 4 percent, while the Marine Division — including Crown Bay — reported a similar positive variance of $1.7 million, also 4%.
Overall revenues were ahead of expectations. “Operating revenues collected year to date through September 30, 2025, totaled $80.8 million, or 104% of the $77.5 million projected for FY 2025 year to date,” the financial report stated.
Cruise and ferry activity also reflected broader industry trends. “At the end of September FY 2025, there was a total of 1,971,470 cruise ship passengers, an increase of 270,227, or 16% above last year for the same period,” according to the financial report.
Executive Director Carlton Dowe wrote in his executive report that VIPA continues “advancing administrative functions, capital projects, and community initiatives under the guidance of the Governing Board.” He noted the authority “continues to meet with Tropical Shipping” to strengthen maritime reliability and reported that staff and leadership “appeared before the 36th Legislature … regarding legislation to appropriate excess debt service reserve funds for designated capital projects across the territory.”
Tourism infrastructure remains a key focus. VIPA is in ongoing discussions with Royal Caribbean and CTI on expansions at Crown Bay. “This partnership aims to leverage the strengths of both entities to deliver a world-class facility that will elevate the visitor experience and strengthen the local economy,” Dowe said.
Aviation improvements are also underway. Regarding Seaborne Airlines, Dowe reported that “an introductory meeting was held with the new operator… marking the beginning of a collaborative relationship to support air service operations and strengthen connectivity for the Virgin Islands.”
“These efforts reflect our commitment to strengthening the Virgin Islands’ infrastructure, supporting economic growth, and ensuring that VIPA remains a driver of progress for the community,” he added.
