Gallows Bay Dredging, Water Gut Seaward Construction To Boost St. Croix Economy, Mapp Urges Senate To Act

ST. CROIX — Governor Kenneth Mapp on Wednesday wrote an urgent letter to the President of the 31st Legislature, Neville James, concerning two Coastal Zone Management (CZM) permits that the governor submitted to the senate on April 21, that would see the Schooner Bay channel in Gallows Bay, Christiansted being dredged approximately 38,800 cubic yards from within the existing channel.

The other permit would allow repairs to move forward on an existing concrete apron, construction of a new sheet pile wall, and for the removal of 20 cubic yards of contaminated soil at the seaward Plot No. 10 in Water Gut, Christiansted.

Swift action on the permits by the legislature would do much good for St. Croix’s tourism product, Mapp wrote, adding that promises made to cruise line executives at the annual Sea Trade Cruise Global conference in Miami, Florida, must be followed through so executives could make the necessary decisions to increase visits to St. Croix.

From one Crucian to another, your prompt and favorable attention is an important part of our strategy to rebuild the Territory’s economy. Any help you may render would be greatly appreciated. — Governor Kenneth Mapp.

“Positive action by the Legislature on these CZM permits are vital to moving forward with re-establishing cruise visits to Christiansted, St. Croix and doing much needed repairs to the bulk head at the seaplane terminal facility. The Port Authority cannot proceed with these projects absent action by the Senate. In short, we are now waiting on you,” wrote the governor.

Senate President Neville James

“I have met with the Executive Director about the status of these projects and his timetable on moving forward. After our discussion, we agreed to bring this matter to your attention to seek speedy action to advance the ball. As you may know, once the Senate acts, then and only then can the US Army Corps of Engineer issue its permit; the final leg in the permitting process,” he added.

The governor wrote the urgent letter to James because he expected action to be taken on the permits on Wednesday, however, other sessions ran longer than expected.

“We all made great strides at this year’s Seatrade meetings and now we must follow through on our commitment to the cruise line executives to make the necessary improvements to St. Croix’s infrastructure to accept more cruise ship calls. I know that you agree that shop owners, taxi drivers, and residents of St. Croix deserve swift action on these permits so that any opportunity to improve the island’s economy can be achieved,” Mapp continued.

“From one Crucian to another, your prompt and favorable attention is an important part of our strategy to rebuild the Territory’s economy. Any help you may render would be greatly appreciated,” he concluded.