Sen. Gittens Calls for Review of Airport Expansion

   Sen. Gittens Calls for 

Review of Airport Expansion

M.A. Dworkin

     USVI - Senator Kenneth Gittens of the 36th Legislature issued the following statement in regards to the proposed VIPA airport expansion:

     “In my capacity as Acting Senate President I am calling for careful review of the proposed public-private partnership between the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) and SkyCity following a meeting Tuesday between members of the Legislature, airline representatives, and the Airline Liaison Office (ALO) representative for the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

     “The meeting was coordinated by Senate Majority Leader Kurt Vialet, who brought the parties together to discuss concerns regarding the proposed agreement, including potential increases in passenger fees and the possible impact on airline service and airlift to the Territory.

     “Airline representatives and the ALO advised my colleague and I that they have developed an alternative proposal they believe could work for all parties. They indicated their willingness to address the $40 million-plus cancellation obligation associated with the SkyCity agreement and invest approximately $390 million at the airports in two phases. The representatives agreed to submit the proposal in writing, which we expect to receive soon.

     “As a body, we are requesting that VIPA delay any final decision regarding the SkyCity P3 agreement until the end of the month, giving the Port Authority an opportunity to receive and evaluate the airline industry’s written proposal. Our concerns were outlined in a letter sent to the VIPA Board earlier this week.

     “The Legislature does not make this decision for VIPA, but we have a responsibility to look closely at anything that could significantly affect the people and economy of the Virgin Islands. 

     “I am particularly concerned about the potential impact on St. Croix, especially with the Department of Tourism’s continued efforts to increase airlift to the island.

     “The Department of Tourism has worked feverishly to increase airlift into St. Croix, and those efforts must be protected. St. Croix already has limited air service, and we cannot afford to make a decision that could unintentionally jeopardize existing flights or discourage additional service. Every flight and every seat matters to St. Croix.

     “Senator Vialet said our objective is to ensure that all viable options are considered. He said this is about doing our due diligence and making sure the best possible option for the Virgin islands is on the table.

     “Senator Vialet also stated that the Legislature is not attempting to make VIPA’s decision for the Board. We are asking that the Board take time to review this alternative proposal before making a decision that could have long-term consequences for our Territory.

     “He has also apprised Governor Albert Bryan Jr. of the meeting and the concerns raised by our colleagues as we continue to closely monitor the matter.

     “Our responsibility is to the people of the Virgin Islands. We need modern and properly funded airports, but we also need reliable and affordable airlift. We cannot address one need in a way that creates another problem. We will continue to advocate for what we believe in in the best interest of the entire Territory.”