The Virgin Islands Port Authority board voted to increase the director’s spending limit, authorized agreements with investment firms, and ratified numerous poll votes on Wednesday during their monthly meeting on St. Thomas.
The board approved the executive director’s spending limit increase from $75,000 to $250,000.
According to Khadila Joseph, procurement and contracting manager, “Increasing the spending threshold will enable the authority to efficiently manage new and ongoing projects and readily address critical needs that have the potential to adversely affect its daily operations.”
She added that the increase compares to other commissioner budgets in government that range between $150,000 to $250,000, and that the funding will mainly go towards assisting emergency repairs in both the aviation and marine sectors, in addition to other operational needs.
“These needs include but are not limited to the bulk purchase of janitorial and office supplies, emergency repair, purchase, and/or installation of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning,” said Joseph.
The board unanimously approved the increase with the exception of Kevin Rodriguez, who abstained.
In other financial news, on an accrual basis, the Port Authority incurred a $5 million operating profit. Additionally, the board unanimously authorized the Port Authority to enter into an agreement with up to three investment firms — Jefferies, LLC, J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, and Samuel A Ramirez & Company — which will serve as underwriters for the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s 2026 Marine Bond transactions.
Relating to projects, the board awarded an additional $79,312 for insurance coverage regarding its contractual agreement with Island Roads Corporation. Island Roads will commence construction and redevelopment services at the Crown Bay Cargo Port. The contract cost will now total $22,719,507.38.
The Port Authority currently has eight active projects in the St. Thomas-St. John district totaling $98,717,340.75 and seven projects in the St. Croix district totaling $4,237,811.01. During the meeting, Executive Director Carlton Dowe highlighted the need to redevelop the territory’s airports.
“Look outside,” he told meeting attendees. “It continues to be a J’ouvert morning situation, especially at the King Airport. You go inside the waiting area there are people on top of people,” said Dowe, emphasizing the need to improve operations.
In other news, the board also unanimously approved poll vote ratifications for several items:
– Ratified a Dec. 19 poll vote seeking authorization to issue Amendment No. 01 to the existing contract between VIPA and William R. Nash, V.I., Inc. for the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal Air Conditioning and Air Conditioning Duct Repairs project in the not-to-exceed amount of $40,334 for costs associated with additional work. Funding Source: VIPA Operations Budget
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to renew the lease agreement for continued use of approximately 53,040 square feet of land space at the Gordon A. Finch Molasses Pier, St. Croix, for the stockpiling/staging of aggregates and construction materials for a three-year term with a three-year option to renew.
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Amendment No. 01 to American Infrastructure Development’s Task Order #24, to provide professional services related to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron 6,7,2 project in the not-to-exceed amount of $157,350. Funding Source: FAA Grant
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Change Order No. 2 for an extension to the period of performance of the existing contract between VIPA and Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for the rehabilitation of the aircraft aprons at Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. The proposed extension accounts for 215 days and would extend the period of performance to end on Jan. 10, 2027. This extension is solely time-related and does not include any monetary compensation. Funding Source: FAA Grant
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Change Order No. 3 to the existing contract between VIPA and Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron Rehabilitation in the not-to-exceed amount of $104,360.20 for costs associated with unforeseen subgrade conditions.
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to issue Change Order No. 4 to the existing contract between VIPA and Virgin Islands Paving, Inc. for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Apron Rehabilitation in the not-to-exceed amount of $328,105.00 for costs associated with unforeseen subgrade conditions. Funding Source: FAA Grant
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to enter into a contract with Energy Efficient Builders, LLC to 1) demolish the “old” Cargo Warehouse; 2) provide cosmetic and concrete repairs to the office building; 3) improve lighting and relocate security cameras; and 4) remove and install perimeter fencing at the Gallows Bay Marine Facility located on St. Croix at a cost of $194,050. Funding Source: VIPA Operating Budget – Marine STX
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to accept the bid proposed from Continental Construction and Engineering LLC for the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Air Traffic Control Tower — Water Leak Repairs in the amount of $140,362.80. Funding Source: VIPA
– Ratified a Jan. 26 poll vote to consider an amendment to the Virgin Islands Port Authority’s Airline Service Incentive Program, accepted Feb. 25, 2025 for a period of March 1, 2026, through Dec. 31, 2026.
Board members Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Kevin Rodriguez, Gordon Rhea, Jennifer Matarangas King, and Celestino White Sr. were present.
