Press Release
U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.7 Million for Critical Infrastructure Supporting Virgin Islands Transportation Hub
Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
May 23, 2017
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur L. Ross, Jr., today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.7 million grant to the U.S. Virgin Island Port Authority of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to provide shoreline stabilization improvements to the Christiansted Water Gut Seaplane Facility. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to retain 42 jobs and generate $1.9 million in private investment.
“The Trump Administration is committed to not only retaining jobs across the United States and its territories, but also to creating new opportunities through infrastructure investments that benefit local communities,” said Secretary Ross. “Improving the Christiansted Water Gut Seaplane Facility will help facilitate business travel and commerce in the U.S. Virgin Islands.”
The Christiansted Water Gut Seaplane Facility is a major inter-island transportation hub for the Territory. The facility is the preferred option for business travel back and forth between St. Croix and St. Thomas. Improvements to the terminal area and shoreline will increase ridership leading to expansion of various services and job growth throughout the region.
About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.