The Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority welcomed U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Adrianna Todman to its St. Croix Business Office Thursday for a comprehensive review of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded projects.
During her visit, WAPA provided updates on several vital initiatives designed to enhance the reliability and resilience of the territory’s utility infrastructure. Key projects discussed included the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at the Richmond Power Plant, tank stabilization efforts, and the development of renewable energy sources. Todman emphasized the importance of federal partnerships in addressing infrastructure challenges and supporting disaster recovery, according to the press release.
WAPA has achieved considerable progress in improving energy reliability and affordability, particularly through acquiring the Vitol propane terminal via the CDBG-Mitigation program. This acquisition enables WAPA to gain better control over its propane supply, reduce dependence on external operators, and ensure long-term fuel cost stability and reliability by 2025, the press release stated.
The authority is also advancing grid stabilization projects, which include the BESS at the Richmond Power Plant to enhance voltage regulation and outage recovery, as well as the Tank Stabilization Project, pending HUD approval for geotechnical studies and design, the release stated.
WAPA CEO and Executive Director Karl Knight highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “Today’s visit by Secretary Todman showcases the vital role that federal and local partnerships play in driving the success of infrastructure projects. We are proud to present our progress and are committed to leveraging these collaborations to provide reliable, sustainable services to the Virgin Islands community.”
Todman praised the leadership and expertise of WAPA’s team members, noting the role of the CDBG program in funding key projects such as renovations at the Richmond Power Plant and the Phase II Wärtsilä project in St. Thomas. WAPA continues to collaborate with HUD, the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority and other stakeholders to ensure the effective use of disaster recovery funds and the timely delivery of critical projects, the release stated.
In closing, Knight remarked, “It’s important to recognize the substantial progress the authority has made with federal and local support. The acquisition of the propane terminals—essential for the territory—has enabled us to access more efficient, lower-cost fuel and develop infrastructure under our control. For the first time, we will purchase LPG on the open market, providing greater flexibility and reliability for our customers. We are thankful for the opportunities this accomplishment brings to the territory.”
