FEMA Announces Billions for Island-Wide Road Repaving on St. Croix, Territory-Wide Meter Replacement, Major Wastewater Upgrades and More

FEMA's $3.2 billion commitment to the USVI includes infrastructure overhaul: island-wide road improvements on St. Croix, territory-wide electric meter replacement, upgrades to potable water and wastewater systems, and educational facility repairs

FEMA has announced a significant $3.2 billion investment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with one of the most substantial projects being the island-wide road paving initiative in St. Croix. The project, which has received $1.75 billion in funding, aims to repair over 481 miles of roads, including the addition of ADA-compliant ramps, curbs, and culverts where required.

The work will commence once critical upgrades to the potable water, wastewater, and electric undergrounding systems are completed, ensuring a cohesive and efficient restoration of infrastructure. This means the island-wide road paving project is still years away, as the undergrounding of electric systems and upgrades to wastewater and potable water infrastructure are lengthy and complex tasks, often subject to delays and disruptions from change orders.

FEMA said $1.25 billion has been allocated to overhaul St. Croix’s potable water distribution system. This project will see the replacement of pump stations, water tanks, pipes, and fire hydrants in Christiansted and Frederiksted, modernizing the island's water supply to meet current industry standards.