A $2 million appropriation for a parking facility for Cruz Bay was dropped from a spending bill before the VI Senate. The legislation was initiated by Gov. Charles Turnbull after he discovered $60 million in unexpected revenues.
Published reports hinted that Senators would have the option to identify $2 million in spending. However, when the bill came up for a vote, Sen. Craig Barshinger’s project, and at least that of other Senator, was not in the bill. It is not clear whether Barshinger’s appropriation request was meant to help fund the plan to build a parking garage and vendor’s plaza across from the barge dock, or whether it was another facility.
Sen. Lorraine Berry said she regretted giving up "her" $2 million but said pay raises for government employees and buying gasoline for government vehicles "are important things." The plan passed easily, as all Senators present – except for Barshinger – voted in favor.