Roberto Cintron of St. Croix Confirmed to VIPA Board

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A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY Volume 10 Issue 2 www.viport.com 2014 Spring/Summer Edition Roberto Cintron of St. Croix Confirmed to VIPA Board Roberto C.

He fills a vacancy left by Gordon Finch who retired from the VIPA Board in February. Cintron, a native of St. Croix, is the Roberto C.

He has performed private engineering consulting, land development and surveying while also serving on the Board of Land Use Appeals. He worked in Orlando for five years as an engineering consultant.

1 A PUBLICATION OF THE VIRGIN ISLANDS PORT AUTHORITY Volume 10 Issue Spring/Summer Edition Roberto Cintron of St. Croix Confirmed to VIPA Board Roberto C. Cintron was confirmed by the Virgin Islands Legislature to the Virgin Islands Port Authority Governing Board of Directors on April 28. He fills a vacancy left by Gordon Finch who retired from the VIPA Board in February. Cintron, a native of St. Croix, is the Roberto C. Cintron president of his family s land development VIPA Board Member business, Jay-Ro-Mar Inc. and a co-owner of New Wave Development. He has performed private engineering consulting, land development and surveying while also serving on the Board of Land Use Appeals. He worked in Orlando for five years as an engineering consultant. Upon receiving his engineering license in 2005 he returned to St. Croix and began working at the VI Department of Public Works, becoming assistant commissioner in Cintron graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering in Airline Incentive Targets STX The Virgin Islands Port Authority has implemented a new incentive to attract new air service to St. Croix. Airlines that offer new service or existing airlines that increase service to St. Croix will receive a waiver of landing fees and a 50 percent reduction in passenger fees for one year. Airlines that increase or add service from Nov through Nov are eligible for the one-year waiver. VIPA is working with the VI Department of Tourism to market this incentive to prospective airlines with an interest in adding St. Croix to their routes. The incentive also applies to airlines that offer non-peak-hour-service to the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. VIPA hopes to attract air service to St. Thomas before noon and after 5 pm. Benedict Field was the name of the first airport on St. Croix. Learn more about this historic military base as we continue the celebration of the Virgin Islands Port Authority s 45th Anniversary by documenting the fascinating history of the ports of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Benedict Field (Back Page) In This Issue From the Board Room.2 Employee of the Year CEKA Renovations....4 Dredging Projects Personnel News & Updates Seatrade Cruise Convention Enighed Pond Ops Plan Amended...8 Facebook.com/usviports Twitter.com/usviports

2 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 Darryl Smalls, P.E. Vice Chairperson of the Board Commissioner of Public Works The Honorable Albert Bryan Jr. Secretary of the Board Chairman, Economic Development Authority Board and Commissioner of Labor Mr. Allison Petrus Private Sector Member, St. Thomas The Honorable Beverly Nicholson-Doty Commissioner of Tourism The Honorable Vincent Frazer, Esq. Attorney General Dr. Yvonne E. L. Thraen Private Sector Member, St. Thomas Mr. Roberto C. Cintron 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 Monifa A. Marrero Editor & Layout Assistant Editors Damali Rogers; Julice Harley and Gail L. Chinnery Photography Don Hebert, Jose Nazario, Melville Holder, and Monifa Marrero From the Board Room VIPA Transfers Land in Cruz Bay to DPNR The Virgin Islands Port Authority s Governing Board approved the transfer of Parcel 302 Cruz Bay to the Department of Planning and Natural Resources for the construction of a fish market. The parcel of land is located along the channel that leads to the Theovald Moorehead Dock and Marine Terminal at Enighed Pond, St. John. The Board directed VIPA s engineering staff to be involved in the construction of the new fisherman s market to ensure that any docks built in that area do not obstruct the entrance and exit out of the channel. VIPA Selects New Insurance Broker and Investment Banker The Virgin Islands Port Authority s Governing Board held a special meeting on May 9 to select an insurance broker and an investment banker and underwriter for the Authority. AON Risk Solutions of Puerto Rico, Inc. was selected as the insurance broker for the Port Authority for a fee of $250,000 for one year. The company has two one-year options to renew the contract. AON Risk will provide both liability and property insurance coverage. VIPA previously held two separate insurance coverage contracts with two different companies. Combining coverage under one company will save the Authority about $500,000 in brokerage fees, said VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe. Jefferies, LLC was selected as the Authority s investment banker/ underwriter to assist with the upcoming marine bond transaction. VIPA plans to finance several of its major marine capital projects using bonds. Jefferies will be paid a fee of $5.50 per $1,000 bond. Dowe said that there are not many federal grants available for marine projects, so VIPA is seeking alternative methods to fund critically needed repairs and developments to its seaports in the territory. AMENDED VIPA MARINE TARIFF EFFECTIVE APRIL 23 Ship Dues Inbound Wharfage Outbound Wharfage $2 per passenger $3 per passenger $3 per passenger Cruise ships and all vessels traveling between the USVI are exempt from the increase. 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 and future demands of its users. The Port Authority is self -supporting and receives no tax revenues from the U.S. Page 2 VIPA Portfolio Spring/Summer 2014 Virgin Islands government.

FRANCISCO PARRILLA Maintenance Supervisor St. Croix VINCENT ARTHURTON CEKA Custodian St.

King Airport on St. Thomas. Parrilla will be honored at the VI Government s Annual Employee of the Year Ceremony hosted by the VI Division of Personnel on St. Croix on June 5.

VIPA Leases Land to Assist VIWAPA With Construction of Petroleum Storage Plant The Virgin Islands Port Authority has leased land to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to facilitate the

3 FRANCISCO PARRILLA Maintenance Supervisor St. Croix VINCENT ARTHURTON CEKA Custodian St. Thomas We congratulate the Virgin Islands Port Authority s 2014 Employees of the Year: Francisco Parrilla, a maintenance supervisor on St. Croix, and Vincent Arthurton, a custodian at the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. Parrilla will be honored at the VI Government s Annual Employee of the Year Ceremony hosted by the VI Division of Personnel on St. Croix on June 5. Arthurton will be honored at the ceremony held on St. Thomas on June 6. VIPA Leases Land to Assist VIWAPA With Construction of Petroleum Storage Plant The Virgin Islands Port Authority has leased land to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority to facilitate the construction of the VIWAPA's VITOL Liquefied Petroleum Gas Conversion Project. VIWAPA will lease a 42,000 square-foot area at Parcel No. 4 Lindbergh Bay at the foot of Sarah Hill, adjacent to the Cyril E. King Airport on St. Thomas. The land will be used as a temporary off-site storage area for rock spoil for six weeks. After the stone is removed, VIWAPA will use the area for another six to eight months to store civil, structural, piping, mechanical and electrical equipment for the VIWAPA VITOL LPG Project. The rock storage area will be set back far enough from the main road to allow the community to continue to park in that area while they use the airport road to exercise. Earlier this year, VIPA also leased two Port Authority plots in Subbase to VIWAPA. Parcels 161-E and 16-A were leased to assist VIWAPA with the relocation of its Line Department to prepare for the construction of the propane power generation plant. "This project is vital to the entire territory as it will help reduce the utility costs that affect businesses and residents. The Port Authority is willing to assist VIWAPA in any way possible including allowing the use of our available resources - to bring this project to fruition," VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe said. VIPA Portfolio Spring/Summer 2014 Page 3

Cyril E. King Airport Undergoing Major Renovations The 25-year-old Cyril E. King Airport Terminal on St. Thomas is receiving some much needed renovations and enhancements.

A new baggage belt is being installed and the existing belt is being split into two to provide three belts to serve arriving passengers.

Renovations should be completed by the fall of 2014. Security Fencing: The entire perimeter security fencing is being replaced for the first time since the Cyril E. King Airport was constructed.

4 Cyril E. King Airport Undergoing Major Renovations The 25-year-old Cyril E. King Airport Terminal on St. Thomas is receiving some much needed renovations and enhancements. Baggage Claim Upgrade: Renovations to the baggage claim area began in Dec Improvements include new restrooms, a new restaurant area and terrazzo tile flooring. A new baggage belt is being installed and the existing belt is being split into two to provide three belts to serve arriving passengers. VIPA is also adding automated signage, new concessions spaces and a new tourism welcome booth. The $4 million project, being performed by Custom Builders, is funded via Passenger Facility Charges. Renovations should be completed by the fall of Security Fencing: The entire perimeter security fencing is being replaced for the first time since the Cyril E. King Airport was constructed. The existing sixfoot security fence that surrounds the airport will be removed and replaced with a new eight-foot, black vinyl -coated chain link fence that will extend around the entire secured operations area of the King Airport. Project contractor Island Roads Corporation began the work on April 21 and should be completed by August. The taller fence was requested by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to enhance security. The new fencing will also improve the aesthetics of the airport and the new vinyl-type material is expected to last longer and resist rusting. The $1 million fencing project is funded via an entitlement grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA will pay 90 percent of the total cost and VIPA will pay the remaining 10 percent. General Aviation Ramp Rehabilitation: VIPA was issued an Airport Improvement Program Grant in Sept to rehabilitate the deteriorating eastern general aviation ramp at the King Airport. The apron is used for private jet parking and was constructed in The thickness of the entire ramp is being upgraded from six to eight inches of plain cement concrete. VIPA hired Island Roads Corporation to perform the work which should be completed by October. The FAA awarded VIPA the multi-year AIP grant to fund the repairs with $2.5 million issued in fiscal year 2013 and the remaining $3.3 million appropriated in CEKA Baggage Claim Area Renovations CEKA Perimeter Fencing Project CEKA General Aviation Ramp Page 4 VIPA Portfolio Spring/Summer 2014

Dredging Projects Pending US Army Corps Approval The Virgin Islands Port Authority has three major dredging projects before the US Army Corps of Engineers for approval: Gallows Bay Schooner Channel

Crown Bay Gregorie East Dredging A permit has been submitted to allow VIPA to dredge the Gregorie East Channel at the cruise ship pier in Crown Bay.

Crown Bay Marina Dredging VIPA also applied for a permit to perform maintenance dredging at Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas.

5 Dredging Projects Pending US Army Corps Approval The Virgin Islands Port Authority has three major dredging projects before the US Army Corps of Engineers for approval: Gallows Bay Schooner Channel Dredging VIPA has applied for a permit to dredge the Schooner Channel to allow small cruise ships and luxury vessels to berth in Christiansted, St. Croix. Crown Bay Gregorie East Dredging A permit has been submitted to allow VIPA to dredge the Gregorie East Channel at the cruise ship pier in Crown Bay. The channel will be dredged to safely accommodate the oasis-class vessels that berth in Crown Bay, St. Thomas. Crown Bay Marina Dredging VIPA also applied for a permit to perform maintenance dredging at Crown Bay Marina, St. Thomas. VIPA will dredge the Schooner Bay Channel to allow smaller cruise ships to berth in Christiansted on St. Croix. Crown Bay Pier Expansion The cruise ship dock at the Austin Babe Monsanto Marine Terminal on St. Thomas will be extended in the near future. The VI Port Authority hired CDR Maguire to provide support services with the construction project to fill in the notch at the end of the pier. VIPA plans to used dredged spoils from pending Gregory East Channel Dredging Project to fill the space. Filling in the notch will add additional usable pier space which is needed to accommodate the larger ships that berth in Crown Bay. CEKA s Concessions International Baggage Claim Restaurant Temporary Closure The Concessions International Baggage Claim Snack Bar in the Cyril E. King Airport will be temporarily closed for renovations. The baggage claim location will be closed from June 8 throughout the duration of the baggage claim renovations, which is expected to be completed by November. During its closure, the restaurant will operate a mobile drink stand in the Baggage Claim area and the Papaya Cove Snack Bar located in Gate 10 of the terminal. The Hibiscus Restaurant in the domestic waiting area of the terminal will also remain open. VIPA Portfolio Spring/Summer 2014 Page 5

All female employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority were treated to a special Mother s Day Luncheon on May 9.

ladies a delicious home-cooked meal, desserts and libations.

Thomas was held at The Mill in the Crown Bay Center mall. On St. Croix, the luncheon was held in the VIPA Conference Room of the Henry E.

Employee Health Risk Assessment Deadline Employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority are reminded to complete their annual Health Risk

14, 2014 will be subjected to additional biweekly insurance charges of $20.83 for one year. The test takes about 30 minutes to complete.

6 All female employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority were treated to a special Mother s Day Luncheon on May 9. VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe along with several other male employees took a pause from running the busy agency to serve the ladies a delicious home-cooked meal, desserts and libations. In addition to lunch, all the females received a customized Mother s Day tea cup and a packet of hot cocoa. The luncheon on St. Thomas was held at The Mill in the Crown Bay Center mall. On St. Croix, the luncheon was held in the VIPA Conference Room of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal. Employee Health Risk Assessment Deadline Employees of the Virgin Islands Port Authority are reminded to complete their annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA) on CIGNA s website at Employees who do not complete the HRA by Sept. 14, 2014 will be subjected to additional biweekly insurance charges of $20.83 for one year. The test takes about 30 minutes to complete. Please contact Human Resources at (340) to set an appointment time if you need assistance completing the health assessment test. Congratulations to Dale Gregory, VIPA s Director of Engineering, who received an award from the Virgin Islands National Guard for his continued support of employees who are members of the VI National Guard and Reserve. Page 6 VIPA Portfolio Spring/Summer 2014

SEATRADE 2014 The Virgin Islands Port Authority partnered with the VI Department of Tourism and the West Indian Company,

The convention was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida from March 16-19.

Executive Director & Board Member Gordon Finch Jeff Lawlor with the VIPA Engineering Staff Jeff Lawlor has decided to begin

Rohlsen Airport s Cruise Lounge on April 25 to celebrate this milestone with Jeff.

7 SEATRADE 2014 The Virgin Islands Port Authority partnered with the VI Department of Tourism and the West Indian Company, Ltd. to sell the territory as a premier destination to cruise industry leaders and travel agents from across the world. The convention was held at the Miami Beach Convention Center in Miami, Florida from March VIPA s Senior Engineer Jeff Lawlor Retires Jeff Lawlor and VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe Jeff Lawlor and former VIPA Executive Director & Board Member Gordon Finch Jeff Lawlor with the VIPA Engineering Staff Jeff Lawlor has decided to begin his well-deserved retirement after 26 dedicated years of service to the Virgin Islands Port Authority as its senior engineer on St. Croix. VIPA Executive Director Carlton Dowe, former VIPA Board Member Gordon Finch and VIPA employees gathered at the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport s Cruise Lounge on April 25 to celebrate this milestone with Jeff. In addition to his wealth of knowledge as an experienced engineer, Jeff also served as a jack-of-all-trades by assisting the VIPA IT staff with computer and networking repairs. He will definitely be missed on the job but will always remain a member of the VIPA family. VIPA Portfolio Spring/Summer 2014 Page 7

BENEDICT FIELD The History of the Henry E.

It was opened in 1941 and used by the military until 1947.

The airport consisted of a landing field, two runways, roads, storage facilities and a warning station. The US Air Corps also established an area for test bombings.

8 BENEDICT FIELD The History of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Benedict Field was a World War II United States Army Air Corps field and the first official airfield established by the US on the island of St. Croix. It was opened in 1941 and used by the military until The airfield was located along the southern coast of the island, east of Frederiksted and served as an auxiliary field for the US Navy base in Puerto Rico. The airport consisted of a landing field, two runways, roads, storage facilities and a warning station. The US Air Corps also established an area for test bombings. It was named in honor of a young fighter pilot by the name of Benedict who died in a crash landing on the airstrip. The airfield was transferred to the US Navy after the war and renamed the Alexander Hamilton Airport in honor of Hamilton, a founding father of the United States of America who had resided on St. Croix. An airport terminal was built in the late 1940 s. Part of the former military base became the University of the Virgin Islands on St. Croix in The Virgin Islands Port Authority became the owners of the airport on St. Croix upon the creation of the agency by the VI Legislature in February The airport was named in honor of Henry E. Rohlsen in Rohlsen was born on St. John but resided on St. Croix and graduated from Christiansted High School. Rohlsen enlisted in 1943 and served as the first black fighter pilot in the 99th Squadron of the US Air Corps as part of the Tuskegee Airmen. Rohlsen also served two terms as a senator in the VI Legislature from 1951 to 1954 and as an Administrator for the island of St. Croix from 1969 to VIPA completed the $40 million expansion and renovation of the Henry E. Rohlsen Airport Terminal in The two-story terminal is 181,000 square feet and has 10 gates. The airport runway measures 10,004 feet, which allows the Rohlsen Airport to receive the largest jets and cargo planes, as well as direct flights from international airports. Enighed Pond Operation Plan Amended The operating plan that regulates activity at the Theovald Eric Moorehead Dock and Terminal at Enighed Pond, St. John was amended to limit repair activity at the facility. Effective May 1, vessel owners can perform minor repairs to their boats at the dock and these repairs must be completed within 14 days. Work may only be performed between the hours of 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Vessel operators may contact the marine manager s office for more information at info@viport.com or (340) Platinum Associate Member Advisory Council Conference The Buccaneer Hotel St. Croix, US Virgin Islands June 18-21, 2014

Virgin Islands Port Authority Marine Tariff Rate Amendments August 30, 2017 Public Hearing

Virgin Islands Port Authority Marine Tariff Rate Amendments August 30, 2017 Public Hearing V I R G I N I S L A N D S P O R T A U T H O R I T Y S T. C R O I X S T. T H O M A S S T. J O H N U N I T E D S