Plaskett Celebrates FIA Funding Waiver

St. Croix Times Staff

For the past two years, Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and her team have actively worked with the St. Croix Farmers In Action (FIA) group to assist with the acquisition of funding for a sustainable water source for local Farmers. During the FY24 appropriations process, FIA submitted a Community Project Funding (CPF) request to rehabilitate water infrastructure on Estate Bethlehem and were subsequently approved for $1 million in community project funding, of which FIA would have to provide a non-federal match of $250,000. 

“I am tremendously pleased that FIA has received a waiver of the match that USDA-Rural Development (USDA-RD) originally required to access the funding provided to rehabilitate the existing cistern structure to support the Farmers of St. Croix,” said Congresswoman Plaskett. “I commend FIA and the Board members, led by Tahemah Edwards and his nephew, Kareem Edwards, for their diligence and perseverance in pursuit of agricultural development and advocacy for St. Croix Farmers. I would also like to thank Senator Angel Bolques and his team for their advocacy and presence on FIA’s behalf.

“USDA-RD’s decision to waive the match, particularly during this political climate speaks well of our ability to galvanize our efforts in order to get things done for our Territory,” the Congresswoman concluded.

Kareem Edwards, FIA Board member shared, “FIA extends heartfelt gratitude for congresswoman Plaskett’s unwavering advocacy and support of  our organization and the broader agricultural community in the Virgin Islands. Thanks to Congresswoman Plaskett and her team’s dedicated efforts, we were able to secure the necessary USDA waiver to rehabilitate the million-gallon cistern on the island - a vital step toward strengthening our water infrastructure and enhancing the resilience of our farming operations. The Congresswoman’s commitment to championing the needs of St. Croix’s Farmers continues to make a meaningful and lasting impact.”

Another FIA Board member, Tahemah Edwards shared the following, “St. Croix Farmers in Action thanks the Honorable Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett and her staff for their vision, dedication, and collaboration in making the Bethlehem Sugar Factory Restoration site a reality. I would also like to thank Kareem Edwards, Tralice Bracey, and the St. Croix Farmers in Action Board of Directors for their lobbying efforts.”