The Virgin Islands Port Authority announced Wednesday that a second public hearing will not be held on St. John regarding proposed amendments to the marine tariff. However, residents are encouraged to submit written feedback or suggestions via email to info@viport.com, and to attend tonight’s hearing on St. Croix, which will also be available via Zoom with an expanded capacity for 500.
Executive Director Carlton Dowe stated that Monday’s hearing at the Cleone Creque Legislative Hall in Cruz Bay was well attended, and additional residents were accommodated and given the opportunity to speak. St. John residents also participated in the St. Thomas hearing held on Tuesday evening, and VIPA has received feedback via Zoom and email, according to the release.
The St. John meeting was was filled to capacity and locked down 10 minutes before the start of the meeting. A crowd of nearly 60 gathered on the balcony outside the conference room, and some trying to attend the meeting virtually via Zoom reportedly received messages that the online host had reached capacity.
The Port Authority has proposed a slate of fee increases that affect everyone in the territory, including docking fees at V.I. ports, fees for travelers between the BVI and USVI, and pilotage fees (primarily for cargo) for vessels over 100 tons. Dowe’s presentation, which outlines current VIPA projects and provides details of the fees, can be seen here.
The final public hearing will be held tonight at 6 p.m. at the VIPA Conference Room, located on the second floor of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport in St. Croix. Topics include proposed increases to:
- Red Hook Barge Ramp Fees
- BVI International Passenger Ship Dues & Wharfage
- Docking Fees
- Pilotage
- Red Hook Ferry Terminal Parking Rates
New fees under consideration:
- Additional Passenger Fee for Non-Drivers at Red Hook Barge Ramp
- Cargo Overflow Staging Fee
- Paid parking at Victor Sewer Marine Facility in Cruz Bay
Residents may also attend via Zoom by registering at www.viport.com/events (meeting capacity has been expanded to 500 participants). The presentation and current marine tariff are available for download at www.viport.com.
For questions, contact VIPA’s Public Relations Office at 340-774-1629 ext. 6640.
St. Croix Source
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