COMMITTEE HEARS WASTE MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS UPDATES

Members of the Committee on Disaster Recovery and Infrastructure led by Senator Janelle K. Sarauw convened in a meeting at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Chambers to receive updates from the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and the Department of Public Works on all infrastructure related projects to include disaster related projects, anticipated and underway in the United States Virgin Islands.

In Block 1, testimony was received from Roger Merritt, Jr., the Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority. Director Merritt testified that the Authority’s infrastructure was greatly damaged by the Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. The hurricanes generated 825,000 cubic yards of debris, which was almost three times as much waste as the territory would typically generate in a year. Bin sites in the territory were overwhelmed and created several hazards to public health and the environment. The Authority has been successful in obligating 15 FEMA Category A and B solid waste project to dates. These projects have totaled $16,095,847.05 and consists of 5 projects that have been fully reimbursed and 5 that have been partially reimbursed. Total reimbursement to the Authority has totaled $11,837,888.10 so far. Director Merritt spoke about the construction of convenience centers in the territory, which would be intended to organize waste in an appropriate manner. These sites would have numerous areas that would be able to segregate different types of waste, so that the authority would be able to implement a recycling program. There are currently 9 of these sites located throughout the territory.