Plaskett Announces $2.3 Million In Federal Funding For Construction At St. Croix’s Airport

ST. CROIX — Delegate to Congress Stacey Plaskett announced on Wednesday that the Virgin Islands Port Authority will receive $2.3 million in federal funding that will be used to construct an aircraft rescue and firefighting building at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport (HERA) on St. Croix.

Plaskett, expressing her delight, said the aircraft rescue and firefighting building will help VIPA better respond to emergencies.

“I am pleased to announce that this grant that has been awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation. This funding will, no doubt, augment the fire and rescue operations of the Virgin Islands Port Authority at Henry Rohlsen Airport and allow them to better respond to any potential emergencies on or around the airfield,” Plaskett said. “I am certain this is a welcomed resource to the men and women of the VIPA Airport Fire Division.”

VIPA Director of Engineering Bill Gregory conveyed enthusiasm for the grant and said the authority is looking forward to moving ahead with construction.

“This is only a portion of what we asked for but we are elated to be moving forward with constructing the new facility,” Gregory said.

The grant follows monies already awarded to VIPA by the US Department of Transportation to upgrade the airport’s terminal commuter and jet parking apron.

In April, Damian Cartwright, senior engineer for VIPA, told The Consortium that the new pavement was needed to support heavy aircraft as well as commercial planes that park on the apron.

Feature Image: Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix

Credit: Henry E. Rohlsen Wikipedia