Federal Technical Assistance, Emergency Funding for Meals on Wheels Among Several New Bills Introduced During Marathon Legislative Session

Session results in passage of key bills addressing WAPA's grid issues, funding for Meals on Wheels, forensic exams for assault victims, track course completion, and honors for Kenneth Mapp and Willard John, along with several lease agreements

In a regular session that started Monday during the day and went on well past midnight, lawmakers voted on a series of resolutions, leases, and bills that had already been vetted in relevant committees of jurisdiction. Lawmakers also took the opportunity to special-order new bills and amendments.‌

They included Bill 35-0312, introduced by Sen. Donna Frett- Gregory as a means to correct some of the troubles facing Virgin Islanders at the hands of the Water and Power Authority. Last week, legislators met with U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm where challenges with WAPA were discussed.

‌According to Senator Frett-Gregory, Senate President Novelle Francis capitalized on the opportunity and “made a pitch for the possibilities of the Virgin Islands receiving technical assistance.” The USVI is currently in a state of emergency triggered by WAPA’s financial shortcomings. Customers continue to face rolling blackouts despite expensive efforts to keep the utility provider afloat.‌