The V.I. Port Authority’s governing board met Tuesday on St. John and voted on several items including the execution of an airport improvement program, lease credits, and project agreements.
During the meeting, the board authorized Executive Director Carlton Dowe’s execution of the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Improvement Program FY2023 Community Projects Supplemental Grant Program. It will allow for the Cyril E. King Airport to improve airfield stormwater drainage. According to the board, the FAA will cover 90% of the costs, with a maximum obligation of $3,423,820.
The board also approved a consolidated lease agreement for five years with Priority RoRo to lease 36,000 square feet and an additional 37,500-square-foot space of land for the staging of containers and loose cargo. Further, the board approved a four-year lease agreement with Crowley Caribbean Services LLC for 72,000 square feet of land in the Wilfred “Bomba” Allick Port and Transshipment Center area.
Moreso, the board authorized the use of rent credits to reimburse Tropical Shipping and Construction LLC for modification work made to their leased premises. The modification is for the roof spouting system and hardening the floor slabs inside the bays due to water issues caused by flooding.
“The downspout issue, is that a design or a construction flaw,” asked board Chair Willard John.
“It’s my understanding it was designed that way,” responded Vincent Frazer, legal counsel for the Port Authority. “Not in house, it was designed by consultants.”
“So, how do we deal with our consultants with that flaw?” questioned John.
“When it was designed, it was designed that the water would come off the roof, not go into a cistern,” said Dowe. “What the design was for the building, was met.”
“It was approved, VIPA approved, the design, with this shortcoming, I call it. And then after it was built then I think, different staff now realize that we probably should have accommodated for proper disposal of that water,” said Frazer.
Tropical will be reimbursed $9,166.41 per month for 24 months via credits.
Regarding projects, the board authorized up to $118,218 to Moffat and Nichol to provide master planning services for the Frederiksted waterfront and up to $117,082 to Moffatt and Nichol to provide design services related to the Enighed Pond community park project on St. John. Both projects are funded by legislative appropriation.
Lastly, the board accepted a bid for the Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Yacht Haven Grande Dredging Package on St. Thomas. The bid, placed by Custom Builders, is $2,527,504. The proposal includes the abatement of hazardous materials and the demolition of the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School to create space for the storage of dredge material.
Board members Willard John, Derek Gabriel, Gordon Rhea, Kevin Rodriguez, Leona Smith, and Celestino White were present.
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