CEKA Roof & Baggage Claim Renovations Begin

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1 A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY Volume 9 Issue Summer/Fall Edition CEKA Roof & Baggage Claim Renovations Begin Major repairs to the roof of the Cyril E. King Airport Terminal will assist with controlling some of the severe leaks experienced at the terminal during heavy rains. The $3.2 million project began on July 22 and is funded by the VI Port Authority. It should be completed by March VIPA hired project contractor J. Benton Construction, LLC to replace the roof s membrane, substructure, and sections of the metal roofing. VIPA also awarded a $4 million contract to Custom Builders to renovate the CEKA Terminal baggage claim area. Expanded restrooms, new terrazzo flooring, relocation of the existing restaurant concession and new lounge or office space in the area are included in the project scope. The contractor will also split one of the exiting baggage claim belts and install a new belt. The project is funded via Passenger Facility Charges. The baggage claim area has not been remodeled since the construction of the terminal in The baggage belts were replaced in 2006 but can only serve one large airline at a time. An additional belt will shorten traveler wait time. The additional restrooms are also a major enhancement of this project. VIPA is expanding from two male and two female stalls to 8 stalls for females and 5 stalls and 4 urinals for males - providing adequate restroom facilities during peak hours. THIS ISSUE Page 2 VIPA to Collect $1 Marine Tax in October Page 3 Land Swap Approved Page 4 Theovald Moorehead Naming Ceremony Page 5 Seaplane Terminal Named in Honor of Charles Blair Page 6 Bourne Field Relocation Plans Move Forward Page 7 VIPA s New CFO and Financial Analyst Page 8 Crown Bay District Visioning Conference Page 9 Port Projects Page 10 VI Peace Crown Bay Center Page 11 Investing in Our Children Page 12 VIPA News Briefs Facebook.com/usviports Twitter.com/usviports

2 VIPA to Receive $1 Marine Terminal Tax The VIPA Portfolio is published by: The Virgin Islands Port Authority P.O. Box St. Thomas, VI Tel: (340) Fax: (340) Web site: Honorable John P. de Jongh Jr. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Honorable Gregory L. Francis Lt. Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands Mr. Robert O Connor Jr. Chairperson of the Board Private Sector Member, St. John The Honorable Beverly Nicholson-Doty Vice Chairperson of the Board Commissioner of Tourism Mr. Allison Petrus Secretary of the Board Private Sector Member, St. Thomas The Honorable Darryl Smalls, P.E. Commissioner of Public Works The Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Chairman, Economic Development Authority Board and Commissioner of Labor The Honorable Vincent Frazer, Esq. Attorney General Dr. Yvonne E. L. Thraen Private Sector Member, St. Thomas Mr. Gordon A. Finch Private Sector Member, St. Croix Mr. Manuel Gutierrez Private Sector Member, St. Croix Mr. Carlton Dowe Executive Director Mr. David W. Mapp Assistant Executive Director Governor John de Jongh Jr. signed Act 7494 on July 19, 2013 allowing the Virgin Islands Port Authority to collect a $1 marine terminal tax formerly collected by the VI Government. The dollar-per-passenger tax is collected from each cruise line and amounts to about $1.7 million annually. VIPA previously received only 30 percent of the tax collected but will now receive the full amount for Fiscal Year 2014, which begins on Oct. 1, VIPA will use the monies collected These are some very from the tax as leverage to present to potential lenders when the Authority challenging economic times. applies for financing to begin a major However, the Port Authority is overhaul of the territory s deteriorating port facilities. The Port Authority is the gateway to the USVI mandated by law to maintain and economy, so it is prudent to develop the airports and seaports in the start our plans for economic territory. growth by improving our port Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe said that upgrades and facilities. expansions that the Authority has planned would ensure that the U.S. Virgin Islands remain a strong competitor with other global destinations. These are some very challenging economic times. However, the Port Authority is the gateway to the USVI economy, so it is prudent to start our plans for economic growth by improving our port facilities, said Dowe. Whether it is tourist related visitors, goods or equipment moving through our ports, an investment in our port facilities will bring a tremendous return on the dollar for the territory, he said. - Carlton Dowe, Executive Director Monifa A. Marrero Editor & Layout Gail L. Chinnery Assistant Editor Julice Harley Assistant Editor Jose Nazario Photography/Content Assistant Established on Feb. 11, 1969, the Virgin Islands Port Authority (VIPA) is a semi-autonomous agency that owns and manages the two airports and the majority of the public seaports in the United States Virgin Islands. We are also charged with controlling the harbors in the territory. VIPA is a critical arm of the USVI economy, and is committed to maintaining and developing the airports and seaports of the territory to accommodate the current Page 2 VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013 and future demands of its users. The Port Authority is self -supporting and receives no tax revenues from the U.S. Virgin Islands government. VIPA Awarded Grant for STX Air Traffic Study The Virgin Islands Port Authority has hired Sixel Consulting Services to provide aviation professional services to seek additional air traffic to St. Croix. VIPA was awarded a Small Community Air Service Grant to fund the hiring of a consultant to outline ways that might increase additional flights and increase passenger traffic to the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport. Air traffic at HERA is significantly lower compared to air traffic to St. Thomas.

3 Legislature Approves VIPA and VI Government Land Swap Property Exchange Makes Existing Properties Owned by VIPA More Marketable VIPA exchanged property at Signal Hill on Hassel Island, and a piece of land located adjacent to the old L 'Escargot building for three parcels of land behind the existing marina in Crown Bay that were owned by the VI Government. VIPA plans to expand the marina property in Crown Bay. The 30th Legislature of the Virgin Islands approved a VI government inter-agency land swap on Aug. 7, 2013 that will help the VI Port Authority, the Department of Property and Procurement and the Department of Planning and Natural Resources be able to better market and manage properties owned in Crown Bay, St. Thomas and Signal Hill on Water Island. The land swap allows for: VIPA to Property & Procurement: An amendment to a lease agreement between the Government of the U.S. Virgin Islands (through the Department of Planning and Natural Resources) and the Virgin Islands Port Authority to release Parcel 12A Subbase. Parcel 12A is filled land, and all filled lands in the USVI are under the control of DPNR. The Department of Property and Procurement owns Parcel 12 Subbase where the former L 'Escargot Restaurant was located. Parcel 12-A is adjacent to the lot and was formerly leased to VIPA. Property and Procurement will now control Parcels 12 and 12A. Property & Procurement to VIPA: A quitclaim deed whereby the Government of the Virgin Islands (through the Department of Property and Procurement) will convey to the Port Authority Parcels 16, 17 and 18 in Subbase, Crown Bay, St. Thomas. This land is currently vacant, located between the Pinocchio s building and Mr. Turnbull, The Coconut Man. The transfer of Parcels 16, 17 and 18 from Property and Procurement to the Port Authority will allow the Authority to expand its adjacent property developed by Crown Bay Marina. VIPA to DPNR: A quitclaim deed that transfers the property at Cowell s Battery (Signal Hill) at Parcel No. 5 Estate Orkanshullet on Hassel Island from the Port Authority to the Government of the Virgin Islands for control by the Department of Planning and Natural Resources. This transfer will facilitate the restoration of the ruins at the site for historic preservation. The transfer of the property at Cowell s Battery from VIPA to DPNR will help to ensure that a significant historical site in the territory is properly preserved. VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013 Page 3

4 Theovald E. Moorehead Theovald Eric Moorehead Dock and Marine Facility Naming Ceremony The new administrative building at Enighed Pond, St. John was opened and the entire port facility was officially named in honor of the late St. Johnian senator and former Port Authority board chairman, Theovald Eric Moorehead. A naming ceremony was held at the facility on June 10, His daughter, Theodora Moorehead, represented the Moorehead family and accepted a plaque from VIPA, as government officials, relatives and members of the community came out to pay homage to the man credited with having the vision to develop a commercial port facility at Enighed Pond. While the final project was a comprehensive effort of several government agencies, Moorehead paid for the first set of plans to build the port using his own money. The VI Legislature named the facility in his honor via Act 6936, sponsored by Senator Shawn-Michael Malone and former senator Celestino A. White Sr. Construction of this port began in The pond was developed into a cargo facility to accommodate the increase in cargo traffic at the St. John Cargo Dock, which previously handled cargo and foreign vessels in a limited space in Cruz Bay, St. John. It was officially opened in April The new administrative building completes the marine facility, and was funded using the remainder of GARVEE Bonds issued for the construction of the port. The new building will house the VIPA dockmasters offices, a lounge area for users of the facility and public restrooms. Theodora Moorehead accepts a plaque from VIPA Board Chairman, Robert O Connor Jr. Theovald Moorehead s daughter, Gov. John dejongh Jr. and other government officials cut the ribbon to open the new building. Page 4 VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013

5 Seaplane Terminal in St. Thomas Named in Honor of Charles F. Blair Jr. The seaplane terminal in Charlotte Amalie St. Thomas was named in honor of renowned aviator Charles F. Blair Jr. The VI Legislature named the facility in his honor via Act 7172, sponsored by Senator-at-Large Craig Barshinger. While Blair was known internationally as an accomplished airman, the naming ceremony held on August 27 honored Blair posthumously for his significant contributions to the aviation and travel industry in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Blair and his wife, actress Maureen O Hara, were the owners of Antilles Air Boats which was the largest seaplane airline at the time. They began operation of the airline in St. Croix in the late 1960 s. The company s seaplanes, commonly referred to as The Goose, connected travelers between the U.S. Virgin Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Charles F. Blair Jr. Blair flew for the airline until his untimely passing in 1978 when a seaplane he was flying from St. Croix to St. Thomas experienced engine failure and crashed as it struck the water. Blair and three other passengers died, but seven passengers survived. His wife continued to operate the airline after his death, becoming the first female owner of an airline. She eventually sold the company in 1980, ending an era of commuter culture in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls, Senator Craig Barshinger, Ezio Marsh and Seaborne Airlines President Gary Foss unveil the new sign. VI Seaplane Shuttle began seaplane service shortly after, but its seaplanes were destroyed during Hurricane Hugo in It wasn t until 1992 that Seaborne Airlines reestablished seaplane service in the territory. Seaborne Airline s chief executive officer and president Gary Foss said at the ceremony that his company now stands on the shoulders of the vision turned into a reality by the late Charles Blair Jr. Left to right: Attorney General Vincent Frazer, VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe, Senator Terrance Nelson, former Antilles Air Boats employee Ezio Marsh, VIPA Board Member Dr. Yvonne Thraen, Senator Craig Barshinger, Senator Diane Capehart and Public Works Commissioner Darryl Smalls commemorate the naming of the Charles Blair Seaplane Terminal. VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013 Page 5

6 Bourne Field Housing Relocation Plans Move Forward Plans to relocate residents of the Bourne Field Housing Community on St. Thomas are still progressing, according to the Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe. Dowe said that the homes in Bourne Field are unsafe and past their useful life. VIPA also wants to relocate the Authority s maintenance building and other airport related activities to the Bourne Field property, which is located adjacent to the Cyril E. King Airport. Dowe said that when the maintenance building is moved, VIPA plans to expand the general aviation area at CEKA. VIPA has placed an advertisement seeking a real estate developer to build a new housing community to relocate 39 families residing in the Bourne Field Housing Community. According to the ad, the developer must secure funding for a phased master development plan for Parcel 68, Estate Lindbergh Bay on St. Thomas. The new housing community will include provisions for mixed-income families, considering the needs of the current residents of Bourne Field and the community. The developer will also create a relocation plan and, at its sole cost, be responsible for coordinating the relocation of all Bourne Field residents. In July and August, VIPA demolished four vacant and uninhabitable units in Bourne Field and also removed five slabs from previously demolished buildings. The Port Authority will not displace any of the existing residents and continues to maintain the occupied units. VIPA plans to relocate the residents of Bourne Field to a brand-new housing community that will be built on Parcel 68 Lindbergh Bay which sits on a hill behind the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Thomas. New Service & Facility Fees Rental cars companies at the Cyril E. King Airport will now be charged a new fee in order to fund much needed repairs at VIPA facilities. VIPA s governing board approved a $2- per-day customer facility charge for rental cars only at CEKA effective August 1st. The fees will be used to renovate the CEKA Terminal office and tickets spaces and should generate about $500,000 annually. In fiscal year 2014, we anticipate receipt of an additional $1.8 million in revenues from: The collection of the $1-perpassenger Marine Terminal Tax The implementation of a new $5-per-passenger water tour operator fee that will be c o l l e c t e d f r o m t o u r s originating at our Crown Bay facility, and A $5 marine maintenance fee to be charged at the Charlotte Amalie and Red Hook ferry terminals for trips between St. Thomas and the British Virgin Islands. Page 6 VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013

7 VIPA Welcomes Two New Members to its Financial Team: Valdamier O. Collens and Ava Penn Valdamier Collens joined the Virgin Islands Port Authority in June as the agency s new Chief Financial Officer. Collens oversees VIPA s administration & finance department, the accounting, information technology (IT) and purchasing offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix as well as the Cyril E. King Airport s parking lot and Lindbergh Bay family park operations. Collens was the former executive assistant commissioner of the VI Department of Finance. Ava Penn also joined VIPA in June as the agency s new financial analyst. She works closely with the chief financial officer to provide business modeling, forecasting, statistical reports, analysis and financial performance measurement. Penn also monitors the Authority s investments, revenue trends and expenses. She also assists with the preparation and monitoring of the agency s budget and prepares documents for bond financing Employee Appreciation Boat Ride VIPA employees from both districts celebrated its employee appreciation weekend onboard the Kon Tiki with St. Thomas Carnival road march champions, Spectrum Band, on Sept. 7. The event was sponsored by the VIPA Governing Board for its employees to reward them for their continued commitment to excellence. VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013 Page 7

8 Real Estate Professionals Join VIPA Officials for Crown Bay District Visioning Conference A group of real estate and planning professionals met in August to develop a vision for the historical Crown Bay District on St. Thomas. The area was the former site of U.S. Navy marine operations when the U.S. Virgin Islands were purchased for military strategic purposes during World War II. The military operated in Crown Bay until the 1930 s. The site is now a commercial cruise port, surrounded by other light and heavy industrial businesses. The two-day visioning conference began with a presentation by the former director of operations of the Granville Island shopping center in Vancouver, Canada. Granville Island was once an industrial site that incorporated the buildings of the village and used history to build a popular attraction. The group also toured Yacht Haven Grand, Tutu Park Mall, the Main Street District, Crown Bay Center and the Subbase area. The agenda included a historical presentation on the history of the Subbase and Crown Bay district, followed by presentations and brainstorming discussions among the invitees. The session also included a segment on various ways the Port Authority can include the private sector in the planning stages of this venture. VIPA and WAPA Working Together The dimly lit main road and parking lot at the airport on St. Thomas is now illuminated by new and brighter street lights! VIPA collaborated with the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) to replace some of the solar light fixtures on the busy road that leads to the Cyril E. King Airport and the public parking areas surrounding the terminal. WAPA personnel switched out every other solar unit and replacing them with electrically powered, high pressure sodium bulbs. A VIPA contractor installed the solar-powered lights last year, but the solar bulbs were not bright enough to provide adequate lighting for the airport at night. Installation of the lights took 10 days and was completed on July 18. WAPA will continue to work with the Port Authority to improve the entire public road and parking area lighting system at the King Airport. Page 8 VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013

9 HERA Terminal Gets New Hurricane Shutters The Virgin Islands Port Authority completed the installation of new hurricane shutters at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal. The new shutters will help protect the terminal to ensure that the airport will reopen quickly after a storm passes. The shutters will provide protection for most of the major windows of the St. Croix airport s terminal and storefronts. VIPA hired project contractor GEC, LLC of St. Croix to install the shutters. The work began in April 2013 and was completed in July at a cost of $236,000. It was funded by a 2008 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Major Port Projects & Plans The Maguire Group, VIPA s marine engineering consultant, was awarded at $183,557 contract for the design, permitting and construction management services to replace the south tender landing used for excursions at the at the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility. The project is funded by VIPA. The renovations to the TSA Building at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix is nearing completion. VIPA and GSA split the costs to renovate the building that will be used as office space for TSA employees at the airport on St. Croix. URS Caribe, LLP will design, bid and perform construction services to replace the entire security fence at the King Airport. The project costs $46,240 and will be funded via a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. Island Roads was hired to perform the work via a $890,000 contract also funded by an AIP grant from the FAA. Island Roads was hired via a $5million contract funded by the FAA to rehabilitate the CEKA general aviation apron. This is the first major rehabilitation of the apron since its construction in VIPA awarded a contract to CDR Maguire to prepare designs, permits and plans to remove an underground fuel storage tank at the Svend Ovesen Seaplane Terminal on St. Croix. This project is funded by VIPA. VIPA hired CDR Maguire to prepare a study for the restoration of the cathodic protection system at this busy transshipment port on St. Croix. CDR Maguire will also identify alternative lighting designs and plans to replace the high mast area lights serving the cargo apron adjacent to the gantry crane at the facility. The Coastal Zone Management Commission approved VIPA s application to perform major dredging in the Charlotte Amalie harbor in August. VIPA is proposing to dredge Crown Bay at the north side of the Crown Bay cruise ship berth. VIPA is now awaiting approval of the project from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013 Page 9

10 Port Authority Promotes Peace The Crown Bay Center Mall on St. Thomas was the place to be on Saturday, August 31. Pressure Buss Pipe Productions along with several other local promoters and VIPA special assistant Damali Rogers coordinated the territory s first free peace concert promoting positivity and unity amongst the community. The concert offered free entry to hear some of the Caribbean s top musical performers including Pressure himself, poetry readings and an opportunity to VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe speaks to the crowd at the Free Peace Concert held at the Crown Bay Center Mall on Aug. 31. purchase crafts made by local artisans as well as cultural dishes from some of the island s best cooks. A bouncy-rides play area was set up for children, making the event family friendly. VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said that the Port Authority donated the use of its mall in Crown Bay and provided staff and materials to assist the coordinators of the concert. I was pleased to see such a positive effort coming from our young musicians and artists who are using their talents to better our community. Dowe said the concert was a success and well attended. The message of peace was delivered by our upcoming young leaders, but reached generations of all ages, he said. Page 10 VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013

11 VIPA Partners with OBAP to Encourage USVI Students to Pursue Aviation Careers VIPA officials assisted the Organization of Black Aerospace Professional Academy s Aerospace Academy and made presentations to 29 junior high and high-school-aged students of the 2013 Project Aerospace Summer Program. Port Authority and other airport officials made several presentations to inspire children from St. Thomas and St. Croix to pursue a career in avionics. The one-week program ran from July 14th through July 19th. The students received a tour of the Cyril E. King Airport, followed by presentations from VIPA s airport manager, chief of port security, and the Port Authority s executive director. Representatives from U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Administration spoke to the students to educate them on the federal government s involvement with airports in the United States. Pilots from JetBlue, United and Cape Air spoke to the students about operating an airline. OBAP students also participated in a discovery flight session with a licensed instructor at Ace Flight Center located at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. For more information about the program, visit VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe spoke to OBAP students about the many exciting careers available in the aviation, marine and tourism industry in the USVI. VIPA Provided Summer Jobs for 77 Students The Virgin Islands Port Authority employed 77 Virgin Islands high school and college interns with an interest in airport and seaport management. The six-week, territory-wide summer program began July 1 st and included on-the-job training, facility tours, on-site inspection of port projects, and a financial seminar conducted by VIPA s Chief Financial Officer, Valdamier Collens. Students also attended VIPA board meetings to gain insight on the management and decision-making processes that occur behind the scenes of the Port Authority. Our goal was not only to provide summer jobs for students, but to spark an interest in the dynamics of the port and tourism industry in the Virgin Islands, said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe. We have inspired the students we employed to become engineers, marine pilots, tradesmen or port executives; therefore, I consider the summer employment program a success, he said. VIPA Portfolio Summer/Fall 2013 Page 11

12 Admin Building Roof Repairs The roof for of the VI Port Authority s main office is being completely resurfaced for the first time since The agency s headquarters had been plagued with severe roof leaks during heavy rains for several years. VIPA hired Raddison Construction Inc. to reconstruct parapet walls and seal and coat the metal roof of the building. Work began in July and should be completed by the end of this year. The VI Port Authority s Human Resources staff will dedicate two days per month to meet exclusively with our employees on St. Croix. H.R. staff will be located in the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal s 2nd floor executive office from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dates will be announced via to all employees. Supervisors are reminded to inform employees that do not have e- mail. For more information please call the human resources office at or rjennings@viport.com. Social Activities Friday, November 15th at 5:30 p.m. An employee social will be held at the Lindbergh Bay Family Park on St. Thomas. Please contact the Human Resources or Public Relations offices to sign up to volunteer to assist. Friday, December 6th at 7 p.m. The Virgin Islands Port Authority s Annual Red, Black and Silver Employees Appreciation Christmas Party will be held at the Cruise Lounge of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport on St. Croix. All employees from both districts are invited to attend!