As of Saturday night, FEMA officials confirmed they are evaluating the U.S. Virgin Islands’ request for an emergency disaster declaration, filed Friday after Tropical Storm Ernesto swept through the territory.
“We are standing by ready to assist the U.S. Virgin Islands government and VITEMA as they continue to assess the damage and determine the next phase of response,” FEMA said in an email to the Source.
Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. emphasized the urgent need for federal assistance. “We need support for WAPA to clear lines and cover the costs of additional manpower. There are also numerous boats across all three islands that need to be removed,” Bryan said in an email.
Speaking Saturday, WAPA CEO Karl Knight estimated the utility’s storm-related expenses at around $5 million, noting that the emergency declaration could unlock funding for ongoing resiliency efforts, including the installation of more composite poles.
Richard Motta, communications director at Government House, underscored the importance of meeting these requirements, stating that precise damage evaluations are key to securing the necessary aid. Motta also pointed out that under the federal Stafford Act, the territory must meet specific damage thresholds to qualify for federal assistance, making accurate assessments critical.
