Port Authority Expected to Break Ground on Airport Modernization Project in 2024

The V.I. Port Authority is making arrangements to enter into a public-private partnership, called P3, that will allow it to modernize the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix and the Cyril E. King on St Thomas.

Both airports have maxed out their capacity to facilitate visitors as the territory’s tourism product becomes more attractive to travelers.

“As we speak today, we are seeing upwards of 800,000 people go through the same footprint that was designed to accommodate 300,000 people,” said Carlton Dowe, VIPA’s executive director.

After almost three decades, both airports are scheduled to receive well-needed upgrades that is expected to rival similar facilities on the United States mainland. In the P3, the private sector partner will fund the modernization of the airports and manage the facility with the aim of providing first-rate services while retrieving its investment along with profits over a 30-year period. VIPA will also receive a share of the profits.

“Our economy is based on tourism. The experience from arrival to departure is critical. That determines whether folks come back or don’t come back, or don’t tell their family and friends to come back. Doing nothing is not an option for the Port Authority,” Mr. Dowe stressed.