FEMA Commits $384M to Rebuild Educational Facilities on St. Croix and St. Thomas

A commitment of $384.8 million to demolish and replace three elementary schools on St. Croix, one on St. Thomas, and repair a school lunch warehouse on St. Thomas marks the latest milestones in FEMA’s collaboration with the territory to rebuild school infrastructure across the U.S. Virgin Islands, which was damaged during hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, the agency announced Tuesday.

The prudent replacement of Lew Muckle Elementary School is made possible under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, which clears a path for the demolition and rebuilding of seven of the 11 buildings located on a 3.94-acre parcel in Sion Farm, according to the press release.

Eulalie Rivera Elementary School in Grove Place is also receiving prudent replacement costs to repair damages to school grounds and replace 12 structures, including bleachers, an athletic field bathroom, and classrooms, the press release stated.

FEMA has also obligated funds to repair the grounds and replace 10 buildings at the Juanita Gardine Elementary School in Estate Richmond. The buildings to be replaced include classrooms, offices, the auditorium, and an auxiliary building, the release stated.