Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. on Friday signed three major measures passed by the 36th Legislature during its Nov. 19 session, clearing the way for utility-scale solar projects on St. Thomas, a $200 million redevelopment of Crown Bay, and a new financing structure that could eventually transfer ownership of Frenchman’s Reef to the people of the Virgin Islands.
All three bills were requested by the administration and moved through the Senate with broad support this week. Senators highlighted the need to stabilize the grid, secure federal clean-energy incentives before they lapse, and strengthen the territory’s competitive position in the tourism industry. Lawmakers also pressed for transparency around expedited approvals under Section 910 of Title 12, a provision the administration says is essential for moving stalled infrastructure projects forward.
Two of the measures approve major Coastal Zone Management permits for large-scale solar and battery energy storage facilities at Estate Bovoni and Estate Fortuna on St. Thomas. The projects are designed as part of a new district microgrid, adding clean megawatts and long-duration storage aimed at reducing blackouts and lowering reliance on imported fuel. The administration said environmental monitoring requirements and coordination with the St. Thomas CZM Committee and DPNR remain in place as construction begins.
“Families and small businesses in the St. Thomas–St. John district are tired of rolling blackouts and high bills,” Bryan said in the release. “Signing these bills ensures we do not leave federal dollars on the table and that our people see real improvements on the ground.”
A second bill authorizes a lease enabling an estimated $200 million public-private redevelopment of the upland areas of the Crown Bay marine facility. The project includes a second cruise berth for the industry’s newest vessels and the conversion of underutilized industrial land into a modern cruise and leisure district featuring an expanded Crown Bay Village and a new day-resort experience. The government will retain ownership of the underlying land while the Virgin Islands Port Authority and its partners invest in new facilities. Lawmakers described the project as an opportunity to create hundreds of construction and permanent jobs and expand opportunities for local small businesses.
“Crown Bay is our front door for millions of visitors,” Bryan said. “With this bill we are turning an underutilized industrial area into a vibrant, walkable waterfront that generates jobs, supports local vendors and keeps St. Thomas competitive as a leading cruise homeport in the Caribbean.”
The third measure amends the Hotel Development Act to create a modern financing structure through a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Finance Authority. The new entity will be able to issue tax-exempt bonds for qualifying hotel projects under specific conditions. The administration says the framework lowers borrowing costs for developers without putting taxpayers at risk. Senators asked pointed questions about safeguards during Monday’s session but ultimately supported the approach, noting the long-term public benefit.
The Frenchman’s Reef resort complex is expected to be the first project to use the new structure. Under the plan, the private owner could refinance its investment through tax-exempt bonds issued by the PFA subsidiary, with all repayment obligations remaining on the private owner. After the expected 30-year bond term and full repayment, ownership of the entire Frenchman’s Reef property — including the Westin Frenchman’s Bay Beach Resort — would transfer to the people of the Virgin Islands.
“This is the model we should pursue across our tourism economy,” Bryan said. “We protect taxpayers from risk and we build in a clear path for long-term ownership by the people of these islands.”
In a formal transmittal letter to Senate President Milton E. Potter, Bryan said he approved Bill Nos. 36-0214, 36-0215, and 36-0216 under his authority in Section 9(d) of the Revised Organic Act. He thanked lawmakers for their “continued dedication and service to the people of the Territory.”
Bryan described the three bills as part of a unified strategy to make the Virgin Islands more resilient, competitive, and equitable. He also committed his administration to swift implementation in coordination with the Port Authority, Public Finance Authority, DPNR, WAPA, and other agencies.
St. Croix Source
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