USVI to Receive $384 Million from FEMA for School Rebuilding

The U.S. Virgin Islands is set to receive a substantial $384.8 million investment from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to demolish and rebuild hurricane-damaged schools, marking a significant advancement in the territory's recovery efforts from hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

The funding initiative includes the complete replacement of three elementary schools on St. Croix and one on St. Thomas, as well as repairs to a school lunch warehouse on St. Thomas. This effort is part of FEMA's ongoing collaboration with the Virgin Islands government and its Department of Education to ensure safe and modern educational facilities for the community.

Kristen A. Hodge, the director for FEMA’s Recovery Office in the U.S. Virgin Islands, emphasized the agency's commitment, stating, “I am pleased to approve these latest obligations that help bring the Virgin Islands closer to post-hurricane recovery. Our commitment to help the future leaders of the Virgin Islands by providing them safe facilities in which to receive their education remains strong.”