Governor Meets With FEMA Regarding St. Croix Stadium And More

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. met with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Deanne Criswell on Friday. They discussed the status of the reconstruction of Paul E. Joseph Stadium, concerns regarding the territory's hospitals, reconstruction of schools, upgrading wastewater and drinking water systems, and how the territory is preparing for the 2021 hurricane season. They also discussed waiving the territory’s 10% match for federal funds.

Chriswell is relatively new to FEMA. She was nominated by President Biden and sworn in on April 26. Previously, she was commissioner of the New York City Emergency Management department

A topline agenda item was the construction of the Paul E. Joseph Stadium, which is still undergoing FEMA’s floodplain review. The Government has already spent $16 million on the sports complex, located near Frederiksted. But construction has been delayed as FEMA reviews the building plans given the building site's tendency to flood.

According to a statement released by the Governor's office, "the administrator said she is aware of the importance of the project and the critical role the stadium plays in the future economy of St. Croix."

With regard to hurricane preparedness, the Governor and the FEMA Administrator discussed strategic plans for operating shelters given COVD-19 pre-cautions.

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