Progress is Underway for VIPA Construction Projects

The Virgin Islands Port Authority is making progress as it undergoes several projects throughout the territory, most notably, the renovation at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal.

The executive board met on Wednesday at the HERA Terminal to provide their end-of-the-year reports. Currently, the Rohlsen airport is undergoing renovation. The first of the four-phase project is now complete and consists of the renovation of the pre-clearance terminal. Now, VIPA will incorporate additional concessions in the area.

The VIPA property committee gained authorization to proceed with issuing a request for a proposal for three concessions in the pre-clearance area of the HERA Terminal in order to service traveling locals and visitors.

The recommended concessions include a walk-up restaurant and bar, two vending machines, and a retail gift and liquor shop. The restaurant and bar will be a 1,200 square foot area and include sit-in dining, a full-service bar, a grab-and-go counter, high-top table seating, and will accommodate breakfast, lunch, and dinner patrons. In addition, the gift store will provide duty-free, locally made rum, magazines, clothing, books, toiletries, non-alcoholic drinks, snacks, and locally produced gifts, while the vending machines will provide non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages and a variety of snacks.

The project’s next phases include the construction of jet bridges and the build-out of the second floor of the terminal. During the board meeting, American Infrastructure Development, Inc. was approved to provide the design, bidding, and permitting services related to the construction of the second floor. The design for the terminal can include up to four passenger boarding bridges.

According to VIPA, the project was funded via a $7 million grant from the United States Economic Development Administration, with a $1.6 million local match provided via an appropriation from the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The entire project is estimated to cost about $140 million.