Governor Albert Bryan Announces Partnership for 200 New Recreational Moorings in V.I.
Governor Albert Bryan announced on Thursday a groundbreaking public-private partnership between the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources and the V.I. Professional Charter Association for the installation of 200 recreational moorings across the territory.
2023-09-15 13:46:01 - VI News Staff
The governor stated that the collaboration has already produced exceptional results, marking a significant milestone in promoting responsible tourism and protecting the region's coral reefs.
The project was funded by a $562,000 grant from the U.S. Economic Development Authority. In addition to the grant, DPNR provided essential in-kind support and regulatory guidance. After securing the required permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and V.I. Coastal Zone Management, a range of sites for the moorings were meticulously selected. Mr. Bryan reported that over half of the moorings have already been installed.
This initiative aims to welcome a diverse range of vessels, including monohulls, multihulls, and mega yachts, to the territory's bays. The installation of these moorings offers a safer and more convenient alternative to anchoring, which has the potential to damage coral reefs, the governor said. Both residents and visitors are expected to benefit from this development.