Port Authority Advances P3 Airport Project and Marine Upgrades, But Abramson Pier Delays Extend Timeline by 500+ Days
With the Ann E. Abramson Facility delayed by 508 days and extra costs added, VIPA also extended Frasca’s P3 airport contract to late 2025 and approved marine structural designs, as Frederiksted’s redevelopment proposal raised stakeholder concerns.
2025-06-30 18:29:39 - VI News Staff
The Governing Board of the V.I. Port Authority approved several new contracts and extensions during Thursday's meeting in an effort to facilitate progress on the authority's various projects across the territory.
A professional services contract for Frasca & Associates was the first to be discussed. The firm and its subcontractors are providing support during the transition period of the P3 airport project. “There have been several unforeseen issues that have required the P3 partner to undertake much greater investigation, requiring more than expected time,” said VIPA Senior Staff Attorney Vincent Frazer. The changeover in the leadership of the federal government earlier this year has also led to “governmental review and approval delays,” Mr. Frazer said. The contract extension would run from April through December 2025, and would bring the total compensation to $2,885,250.
Another change order was approved for the contract with 11 Construction LLC for repairs to the tender landing at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility. Delays and extra unforeseen work required the extension, which will cost VIPA an additional $95,690.00. The extension also added 508 days to the project completion timeline.
Next up was a proposal for a six-month cooperative service agreement between VIPA and Michael Baker International to provide quality control management for the agency's Aviation Division. Normally, this function would be performed by the airport operations manager. However, according to VIPA Territorial Airport Manager, Jerome Sheridan, “recent recruitment for an individual to fill this position has proven to be difficult with the current P3 venture in which VIPA is currently engaged.” Therefore, the agency sought assistance from aviation consultant firms to identify suitable candidates, and received two proposals. The preferred submission was from Michael Baker, which would cost VIPA $163,751.74.