Governor Bryan Takes Action on Bills Passed During 36th Legislature’s Latest Session

Governor Bryan Takes Action on Bills Passed During 36th  Legislature’s Latest Session 

Governor approves 15 measures addressing healthcare, infrastructure, public  safety and economic development; vetoes legislation redirecting WAPA funding 

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has approved 15 bills passed by the  36th Legislature, including measures providing $2.5 million for behavioral health services,  $1.8 million for improvements to the St. Thomas abattoir and $500,000 for road repairs on St.  John. The Governor also vetoed legislation that would redirect funding currently supporting  the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA), citing concerns about its potential  impact on utility operations, financial stability of the authority, and ratepayers. 

In an October 8 letter to Senate President Milton A. Potter, Governor Bryan outlined his  actions on 16 measures passed during the Legislature's September 25 session, addressing  priorities ranging from healthcare and infrastructure to senior protection, public safety and  economic development. 

Among the measures signed into law is Bill No. 36-0393, which provides $2.5 million for  behavioral health services through the Virgin Islands Department of Health. The Governor  also approved Bill No. 36-0394, appropriating $1.8 million for repairs and improvements to  the St. Thomas abattoir, supporting local agriculture and food production. 

Other approved measures include legislation strengthening protections for seniors against  financial exploitation, updating child passenger safety requirements for rental vehicles,  prohibiting incarcerated individuals from possessing or using electronic communication  devices, and establishing a uniform process for naming government-owned parks and  recreational facilities. 

Governor Bryan also approved $500,000 for resurfacing Rudolph A. Thomas Jr. Road and  Contant Point Road on St. John, along with funding for pedestrian safety improvements near  the former Addelita Cancryn Junior High School on St. Thomas.

While supporting the pedestrian safety measure, the Governor expressed concern about a  provision requiring the Department of Public Works to submit an implementation plan to a  legislative committee before proceeding with the authorized work. In his transmittal letter, he  emphasized that while legislative oversight is essential, responsibility for administering and  implementing enacted laws rests with the Executive Branch. 

The Governor also signed legislation establishing the Virgin Islands Contractor Bonds Cost  Revolving Loan Fund, while recommending additional legislative action to clarify its funding  source, establish the associated loan program and identify the agency responsible for its  administration. 

Governor Bryan vetoed Bill No. 36-0391, which would redirect a portion of fuel-tax revenues  currently supporting WAPA to help offset utility expenses at the Territory's hospitals. 

While reaffirming his Administration's commitment to supporting the hospitals, the Governor  cautioned that redirecting an established revenue source without providing replacement  funding could weaken WAPA's financial position, complicate its ability to secure financing,  and potentially place additional burdens on ratepayers. 

According to the Governor's transmittal letter, the proposed hospital credits would cover less  than half of the hospitals' reported annual energy costs at current revenue collection levels  and would not resolve their outstanding utility balances. 

“Our hospitals need reliable electricity and the financial resources to provide the care our  people depend on. But we cannot solve one financial challenge by creating another that could  ultimately affect every household and business in the Virgin Islands,” Governor Bryan said.  “We have to find a solution that supports our hospitals while protecting the stability of WAPA  and the residents who depend on it. I am prepared to work with the Legislature and all  stakeholders to get that done.” 

The Governor urged lawmakers to work with the Administration, the hospitals, and WAPA on  an alternative approach that provides meaningful, sustainable assistance to the hospitals while  protecting the Territory's essential utility services. 

Among his other actions, Governor Bryan approved several government lease agreements  supporting recreational activities and business development on St. Thomas, including  agreements involving the St. Thomas Cricket Association, L.J. Auto Repairs, LLC, Paradise  Paws VI, LLC, and Eight One Subbase, LLC which plans to develop a food court at  Submarine Base. 

He also approved a zoning variance allowing the construction and operation of a beauty salon  at Estate Concordia on St. Croix and acknowledged the Legislature's favorable action on  nominations to the Virgin Islands Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation  Board and the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System Board of Directors. 

Governor Bryan thanked members of the 36th Legislature for their work on behalf of the  people of the Virgin Islands and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in  advancing the Territory's priorities. 

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