DPNR to Purchase Williams Delight Land for Offices

M.A. Dworkin

St. Croix - Notification is hereby given to the public the intent of the Department of Homeland Security-Federal Emergency Management Agency (DHS-FEMA) to provide federal funding to the V.I. Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR) to purchase properties 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 946, 159-D in Estate Williams Delight, which is within a designated flood zone. 

DPNR’s proposed action is to purchase the William’s Delight parcels (approximately 3.5 acres) for the option to relocate permanent offices from their current location. A 25,000 square foot single-story warehouse presently exists on the site. After purchase, the warehouse building will be renovated into a permanent office space for DPNR. There are an additional 2 acres of space located behind the Williams Delight building, where DPNR may choose to expand in the future. The previous facility for the DPNR offices, the old Brugal Rum Distillery in La Grange (La Grange offices) received significant damage from Hurricanes Irma and Maria, and are also located within a dedicated flood zone. 

FEMA has determined the proposed purchase is the most practical alternative to ensure continuous operation of DPNR staff and programs.