The Virgin Islands Office of Disaster Recovery (O.D.R.) has launched its new website to keep the public informed about the full spectrum of hurricane recovery news and events, Government House announced Monday.
“The site provides updates on various recovery funds available to the territory to include total dollars obligated, allocated and expended,” Richard Motta, Government House communications director, said during the weekly administration press conference.
The site also features information on the FEMA-funded Public Assistance and Hazard Mitigation Programs, the Housing & Urban Development CDBG-DR Program, the Federal Highway -Emergency Relief Program and other federal programs. The site will also provide current information on the status of recovery projects, employment opportunities, recovery-related RFP’s and other solicitations.
“The Territory expects to have over 1300 Recovery projects to address recovery needs in Housing, Transportation, School, Health and Human Services, Utilities, Public Buildings, and Emergency Services. This website plays a vital role towards greater transparency and to engage the community in the recovery process,” said Director Adrienne L. Williams-Octalien. “Transparency is key. Anyone should be able to access the progress of recovery efforts on all islands at any time.”
The O.D.R. was established in February of 2019 to serve as the center of coordination for all Recovery projects. The Government of the Virgin Islands anticipates receiving an excess of $8 billion through various federal programs over the next few years to aid in the recovery from Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The O.D.R. within the Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority will serve as the center of coordination for these funds.