Christmas has come early on the island but not in the good way.
As some of you may know, the winds kick up every year right around the Christmas holiday. These winds, dubbed the Christmas Winds, kick up the north shore beaches and cause quite the stir. Well, they’ve come early this year – more than a month early to be exact.
A VI Alert was issued last Thursday for unusually high surf. It was expected to end by Sunday morning, but the winds have yet to die down. This is affecting most of the north shore beaches as the waves have been unusually high and the visibility has pretty poor. Even the calmer beaches like Maho Bay have been affected. See for yourself here:
And here’s another video we took Sunday at Honeymoon Beach:
According to St. John’s weather guru, Captain John Brandi of Palm Tree Charters (ok, well he’s our weather guru), the north shore swells are due to an unusual northern wind. The swells started from the northwest but have shifted to the northeast. The winds went from east to almost north Monday, compounding the swell on the north waters. These northern winds are very unusual for this time of year and typically hold off until Christmas time. That being said, he thinks they will start to diminish tomorrow. Thank goodness.
So as we mentioned, John Brandi is the island’s weather guru in our opinion. He posts a daily weather report on his Facebook page. You can check that out here.
In the meantime, you can head down to the south shore beaches to avoid the north shore swells. Salt Pond is always a great north shore alternative. Hansen Bay is great too, and it’s a News of St. John favorite.
Ever notice those signs around the island that read:
SECURITY NOTICE
This facility is currently operating at MARSEC Level 1. (Hopefully that’s what it said)
Entering this facility is deemed valid consent to screening or inspection. All vehicles are subject to inspection.
Failure to consent or submit to screening or inspection will result in denial or revocation of authorization to board or enter.
There’s one over on the ferry dock near the Visitor’s Center and a few more over at Caneel Bay. So we were curious – what exactly is a MARSEC Level and what does it mean?
Well, it turns out that the MARSEC Level relates to Homeland Security, so the fact that we here at News of St. John have only seen a MARSEC Level 1 posted around the island is good thing. Here’s what we found on the U.S. Coast Guard’s website:
The Coast Guard employs a three-tiered system of Maritime Security (MARSEC) Levels designed to easily communicate to the Coast Guard and our maritime industry partners pre-planned scalable responses for credible threats. If the Secretary of Homeland Security issues an NTAS Alert, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard will adjust MARSEC Level, if appropriate, based on the commensurate risk, any maritime nexus, and/or Commandant consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security.
So here’s a quick breakdown of the three levels, according to the Coast Guard:
Level 1: The level for which minimum appropriate security measures shall be maintained at all times.
Level 2: The level for which appropriate additional protective security measures shall be maintained for a period of time as a result of heightened risk of a transportation security incident.
Level 3: The level for which further specific protective security measures shall be maintained for a limited period of time when a transportation security incident is probable, imminent, or has occurred, although it may not be possible to identify the specific target.
Level 1: The threat of an unlawful act against a terminal or vessel is, though possible, not likely.
Level 2: An unlawful act against a vessel or terminal is possible, and intelligence indicates that terrorists are likely to be active within a specific area, or against a type of vessel or terminal.
Level 3: An unlawful act against a vessel or terminal is probable or imminent and intelligence indicates that terrorists have chosen specific targets.
Here are a couple more images from around the island:
This week’s Sights and Sounds brings us over to a spectacular villa in Catherineberg. Island Stones is a 6,000 square-foot villa with six-bedrooms and eight baths. It’s a great home for large families or small groups. The best part, however, is its beautifully-designed outdoor spaces and stunning North Shore views. See for yourself:
Click here to learn more about Island Stones and to see Villa Vacations’ other rentals.
Did anyone happen to catch a glimpse of the waterspout that formed off of the island yesterday? It’s pretty small in the picture above, but it’s definitely there in the upper righthand corner. See it? Linda and Homer Hickam did, and we thank them for passing along a few pics.
Linda Hickam said the waterspout touched down about three times during a five-minute period Wednesday morning. She and Homer were able to see it from their home, Skyridge, which is located in Upper Carolina.
Here’s a closeup pic:
Image courtesy of Linda and Homer Hickam
So what exactly is a waterspout and how does it form? Well, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it’s a “whirling column of air and water mist.” Here’s a little more detail from NOAA:
Waterspouts fall into two categories: fair weather waterspouts and tornadic waterspouts.
Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water, or move from land to water. They have the same characteristics as a land tornado. They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
Fair weather waterspouts usually form along the dark flat base of a line of developing cumulus clouds. This type of waterspout is generally not associated with thunderstorms. While tornadic waterspouts develop downward in a thunderstorm, a fair weather waterspout develops on the surface of the water and works its way upward. By the time the funnel is visible, a fair weather waterspout is near maturity. Fair weather waterspouts form in light wind conditions so they normally move very little.
If a waterspout moves onshore, the National Weather Service issues a tornado warning, as some of them can cause significant damage and injuries to people. Typically, fair weather waterspouts dissipate rapidly when they make landfall, and rarely penetrate far inland.
Wednesday wasn’t this first time waterspouts have been seen around the island. Bob Schlesinger, of Tropical Focus Photography, reportedly saw four waterspouts in one day back in January 2011. Here’s Bob’s image that captured two of those waterspouts:
And here’s a short video from July 2012 that captured a waterspout as if formed over the waters north of Tortola:
A seven-night stay at On a Clear Day is this year’s top auction item.
The Friends of Virgin Islands National Park’s fifth annual auction kicks off this Saturday with almost 50 items up for bid. Last year’s auction raised nearly $43,000. Hopefully this year’s will surpass that number.
As always, the auction features items of varying values. The least expensive item this year is a sterling silver pendant with earrings valued at $75 but with an opening bid of only $25, while the most expensive item is a seven-night stay for eight people at On a Clear Day, a premium villa overlooking Francis Bay. That item is valued at $12,250 but has an opening bid of $4,000.
The auction begins Saturday, November 16 at 9 a.m. EST. It ends on Sunday, December 8 at 9 p.m. EST.
Here is a list of auction items as of 11/12/13:
Sterling silver pendant with earrings featuring the beautiful beach at Trunk Bay. I am a “Captured Moment” by Paradise Pendants.
$100 gift certificate to Banana Deck
$100 gift certificate to Island Cork
$100 gift certificate to Fabric Mill
Lovely detailed sterling silver turtle necklace with a hand-selected Larimar Stone inlaid on its back. Larimar is the gem stone of the Caribbean and this pendant is custom made for Caravan Gallery by Bali Craftman.
Two Sea Turtle Encounter swims at Coral World
Aluminum pull tab purse: This unique purse is approximately 9″ x 11″. It was hand crocheted by Escama Studio, a fair trade artist cooperative located in Brazil. All Escama Products are handmade with 100% post-consumer recycled aluminum pull tabs.
Sunset sail for two on Island Spirit: Welcome aboard “Island Spirit”, a 60-foot U.S. Coast Guard inspected catamaran. Experience a Caribbean sunset and celebrate one of nature’s wonders of color under full sail.
Two hour hypnosis session to relieve stress or be taught self-hypnosis.
Pearl and leather necklace: 15″ leather necklace with two strands of six and seven pearls craftfully positioned throughout.
Recycled license plate purse: US Virgin Islands “LADY 50” License Plate purse. Little Earth Certificate of Authenticity. Green Accessories that put fun in the world.
Two Sea Lion Encounter Swims at Coral World
Chiropractor Evaluation and Adjustments: “Dr. Bob” DeBonis is well known on St. John for healing and support of healthy backs at his office in Coral Bay. This package includes initial exam, analysis, case history and adjustment, plus one follow up adjustment. Valid for one year.
Guided Paddleboard Adventure for Two: Paddleboards are a great way to explore this unique tropical world where land and sea meet. Glide out on an early morning or late afternoon paddle to pristine bays, beaches and cays. Use the sea as a looking glass 20 feet down.
Full day for two aboard Calypso in US waters or to Jost van Dyke, BVI
25 Zumba Classes: Cardio-based group exercise classes given by Michelle Pappas.
Champagne Sunday Brunch for six at Garden by the Sea
$250 gift certificate to Asolare
“Seaview” is an orignal linocut by local artist Janet Rutnik. Edition of 15 – image size is 7.5 x 12″, with paper backing, approx. 10×16″
Two night stay at the St. John Inn: Experience the magnificent sunset views while you enjoy our complimentary morning breakfast and nightly happy hour. Right in the heart of Cruz Bay.
Honeymoon Beach All-Inclusive Full day Fun Pass for six people: No need to carry anything with you, because you will be provided with a complete set of snorkel gear with a life jacket, a locker and a beach chair. You will also have full use of single, double and Peekaboo kayaks, beach floats and hammocks.
Kayak and hike Cas Cay Mangrove Lagoon on St. Thomas on this three-hour tour for 4 people. Kayak among the many small islands in the mangroves, explore tidal pools with a geologic blow hole and snorkel in a clear lagoon with knowledgeable eco-guides along the way. Located near Red Hook, 5 minutes from ferry dock.
$300 gift certificate to Caravan Auto Services
$300 Gift Certificate to East West Catering
Join Cruz Bay Watersports aboard the 60-foot express cruiser “Island Time” for a comfortable tour for two of the British Virgin Islands to the most famous destination in the Caribbean. Beat the crowds and explore “The Baths” of Virgin Gorda & “Caves” of Norman Island.
Two night Stay at Cruz Bay Boutique Hotel: The hotel is conveniently located in the heart of Cruz Bay town’s best restaurants, bars and shopping. This lively location is the perfect spot for accessing all of St. John’s beaches and attractions.
Lifestyle Beach Portrait Session with Savannah Loftus: 90-minute session (sunrise or sunset), 30 professionally edited digital photographs. Online gallery to download digital, share and print.
“Ophelia” is a unique Geo-Kinetic sculpture created by local artist Larry Lipsky. This tropical fish piece is made from copper and spun recycled glass for the eye. Dynamic movement that catches the eye and creates wonderful shadows.
Hand-crafted Sterling Silver Blue Topaz and fresh water pearl link bracelet.
Join Captain Arthur Jones aboard his 18-foot Edgewater for a half day or full day of fly fishing and/or light-tackle, inshore fishing. Arthur has over 15 years of fly fishing experience in St. John and in the Virgin Islands.
Join us aboard our 60-foot cataraman “Island Spirit” for a full day trip to Jost Van Dyke for four people! Check in at the Westin dock at 7:45 a.m. for a fun-filled and relaxing trip to the most popular destination in the British Virgin Islands.
Historic Hassel Island – Kayak, Hike and Snorkel, VI National Park, (3 hours, 8 people): This tour leaves from Virgin Islands Ecotours’ Frenchtown Marina location in St Thomas’ busy scenic Charlotte Amalie’s Harbor.
Sterling Silver pendant with adjustable necklace featuring the Trunk Bay overlook view. All pieces are hand made in the USA, from original sketch drawings to final quality control. Made of tarnish-resistant fine silver (999) and argentium silver.
Sadie Sea Snorkel Cruise for up to 30 People: Come join us on one of St. John’s most recognizable boats for an experience that is second to none. Allow Captain Tom & First Mate Loretta to guide you around the waters surrounding St. John and come see why it is called the “Jewel of the Caribbean.”
Five night stay for up to five people in an Eco-Tent at Concordia Eco-Resort, St. John, USVI
Five night stay for two in an Eco-Studio at Concordia Eco-Resort, St. John, USVI
Livy Hitchcock is known for her intimate portraits and dramatic landscape paintings in both pastels and oils. Her fresh use of color captures the scenes of St. John in a memorable way. If you have a favorite photo that you would like replicated as a portrait, Livy will make it come to life for you.
Private Full-Day Sail for six with Snorkel, Lunch, Open Bar on Spitfire: True to the meaning of her name, Spitfire is a high-spirited lady and fast yacht. She has appeared on the cover and inside of the December 2007 issue of Travel & Leisure magazine, as well in photo-shoots for macys.com (bathing suits) and a Target 2008 catalog.
Two nights, two breakfasts & use of our water sports at Buccaneer Hotel on St. Croix.
Seven Night Stay at VIERS, Near Tranquil Lameshur Bay on St. John: Stay in one of only 11 cabins at the Virgin Islands Environmental Resource Station (VIERS) in Lameshur Bay.
“Windswept Beach” was painted on the beautiful north shore of St. John within Virgin Islands National Park by well-known local artist, Kimberly Boulon. The picture overlooks Trunk Bay Cay and out towards the Durlows. This original oil is 9″x12″ and framed in a classic black frame. It can be viewed at Kimberly Boulon Art Gallery in The Marketplace, 3rd floor, in Cruz Bay prior to the auction closing.
Spend 3 nights on the white sugar-sand beaches and turquoise waters that create the sublime tropical retreat that is Westin St. John.
Get some Tranquility back in your life while supporting the National Park with a seven-night stay at this lovely villa with pool and short walk to a secluded beach, yet only 10 minutes from Cruz Bay. One bedroom, one bath house plus convertible bed, for two or three people.
Seven Night Stay at Bombalassy: Enjoy spectacular ocean and harbor views from this luxury villa in Great Cruz Bay. This two bedroom, 2.5 bath villa has its own pool and is close to Cruz Bay and the Westin. Villa Bombalassy is one of two “sister homes” that neighbor each other in this exclusive area of St. John.
Beauty and class don’t begin to describe this stunning emerald and diamond pendant, earrings and chain are valued at $3,290. The emerald in the pendant is 0.18ct surrounded by .48ctw of diamonds. The earrings are 0.35ctw emerald and 0.24ctw diamonds, all set in 18k gold. Made on St. John by R&I PATTON goldsmithing at Mongoose Junction, where you can view the jewelry up until it is sold to some lucky bidder on December 8th.
Sunset sail on Kekoa for up to 40 people: Come unwind and experience the perfect ending to your perfect day in the Caribbean and set the mood for a great evening. Feast your eyes on the sun as it sets on a horizon of mountainous islands, watch as the sky is painted with tropical colors, feel the ocean breeze and relax.
Seven-night stay at Sirenusa, three-bedroom, luxury villa resort: Bring your family or friends for a fantastic vacation in this new luxury villa resort. Your three bedroom villa sleeps six and has resort ameneties.
Seven-night Stay at On a Clear Day: This villa lies nestled deep within the confines of the Virgin Island National Park on the North Shore of St. John. This brand new villa (construction completed 2012) is perched 170 feet above sea level and offers the best of all worlds spanning the peacefulness and privacy of the Park’s surroundings to a “to die for” view of Francis Bay to easy beach access.
Click here to visit the auction site and to bid on one of these amazing offers. Check the auction site regularly as new items may be added prior to the auction’s start time.
How many of you miss that view? Well if you’re lucky enough to be on island right now, you won’t have to wait much longer.
Gallows Point Resort announced Monday that its long-awaited restaurant – Ocean 362 – will open its doors to the public tomorrow night. (The restaurant previously announced it would open this Friday.) The sunset lounge will open at 5 p.m. Wednesday and dinner service will begin at 5:30 p.m. Ocean 362 will be open nightly November through April. It plans to close on Sundays May through October. The restaurant’s dress will be resort casual.
Ocean 362 will be headed by Ramesh Pillai, an internationally-recognized chef known for his creative and innovative cuisine. Ramesh, who will serve as both chef and an owner/partner, will serve contemporary American fare that will feature gourmet-style, health-oriented dishes.
Seaborne Airlines also made a big announcement this week. The St. Croix-based airline has signed an interline agreement with JetBlue. This is what the airline had to say:
Seaborne Airlines today announced that an interline agreement facilitating connections at Luis Munoz Marin Airport in San Juan, PR (SJU) to and from all JetBlue Airways flights at SJU has launched. With the agreement, baggage can be checked at either JetBlue or Seaborne and bags will be transferred without having to be rechecked. Additionally, Seaborne Airlines tickets will be sold on jetblue.com and both JetBlue and Seaborne will be able to issue each othersboarding passes in the coming weeks.
Prior to the agreement, JetBlue only permitted connections with Cape Air.
Last summer, we printed a couple of stories with tips on how to find the best airfare. Click here and here to read those stories.
Sirenusa, the luxury condominium resort located high above Cruz Bay, has finally hit both the rental market and the MLS.
A bit of background: Sirenusa (pronounced “seer-a-NU-sa”) has been in the news on and off over the years, as many residents strongly voiced their opinions for and against its development years back. The property subsequently fell into bankruptcy and was purchased by Puerto Rico-based Banco Popular. Catalus Capital, a Connecticut-based investment firm, stepped in earlier this year and officially acquired 14 units early last month.
Of those 14 units, two are being offered for sale; two are currently being offered as rental units; four are being furnished and will hit the rental market later this month; and six are being held back for investment purposes and may become long-term rentals down the road.
Let’s start with the units listed for sale:
For starters, they are pretty spectacular looking. The first unit is a three bedroom, 3.5 bath upper unit, which is listed for It’s listed for $1,190,000. It’s 2,188 square feet and located in the J Building, which is in the front of the resort. (Click here to see the listing.)
The J Building
The second is a two-bedroom, 2.5 bath unit listed for $950,000. The 1,854 square foot unit is located on the lower floor of the H Building, which is also located in front of the resort. (Click here to see that listing.)
The H Building
Now on to the rentals:
The two units currently offered as vacation rentals are called Milan and Sienna. Milan is a two bedroom, 2.5 bath condo. It is currently renting between $475 and $625 a night. Sienna is larger with three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. That unit currently ranges between $550 and $750 a night depending on the season. They are currently running a special, however, and are offering 25 percent off until February, excluding holiday weeks. You can check out the units by clicking here and typing Sirenusa into the search bar.
Now let’s get back to the controversy:
Sirenusa was originally slated to be a 47-unit development; however it’s since been scaled back to a 22-villa resort. (The remaining eight properties are independently owned.) As we mentioned, people were pretty passionate against its construction, and many were stunned and angered when the Legislature overrode the governor’s veto to give Sirenusa a variance to change the zoning from R-2, residential, low density, to R-3 residential, medium density.
So we asked Marek Olszewski, Managing Partner at Catalus Capital, how he planned to sway the public’s potentially negative opinion about Sirenusa. This is what he had to say:
“I’m definitely very sensitive and aware to the controversy surrounding the property being built, especially in the planning stages,” Marek said. “I’d like to emphasize how it’s been scaled back significantly than what was proposed by the developer. It is much more modest in terms of size and density. I also know that there was a concern locally because of the steel structure that was in the lower part of the site. That since has been taken down and there will be no construction of any sort on that part of the property.”
In the short time Catalus Capital has been involved with Sirenusa, Marek said they have been “good local participants” and that they plan to continue supporting the community through various efforts. They recently made a donation to Woody’s Save Second Base event, and they have hired all local contractors, inspectors, landscapers and more in an effort to assist the local economy.
Sirenusa is holding its grand opening party on November 22. The event will feature a charity auction, and all proceeds will be donated to the Animal Care Center. Marek said Catalus Capital also plans to make a cash donation to the ACC at that time.
Image courtesy of Kristin Demong, owner of Great Expectations villa
The airport security line: As necessary as it is, we all loathe it. No one really wants to remove their shoes in an airport, nor do we want to deal with the hassle of removing our laptop from its bag, taking out our liquids that are crammed into a small quart-sized bag, etc. Well we have good news for local travelers looking to breeze through security at Cyril E. King Airport in St. Thomas, it now offers TSA Pre Check.
According to TSA.gov, TSA Pre✓™ allows select frequent flyers of participating airlines and members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler programs who are flying on participating airlines, to receive expedited screening benefits. Eligible participants use dedicated screening lanes for screening benefits which include leaving on shoes, light outerwear and belts, as well as leaving laptops and 3-1-1 compliant liquids in carry-on bags.
This new process allows travelers who have gone through a screening process to pass through a security quicker and with less hassle. Sounds good to us!
So as we mentioned, this is now an option at Cyril E. King, although it is not yet being offered by all airline. We do know, thanks to our friend Kristin over at Great Expectations villa, that American Airlines is participating in the new, quicker security process.
So how exactly does it work? Here are some FAQs courtesy of www.tsa.gov:
Q.How can someone sign up to participate? A. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and US Airways will invite some of their frequent flyers, based on TSA criteria, to opt-in through the airline’s system. Participating airlines have contacted eligible frequent travelers with an invitation to opt-in. Once the passenger opts in, the airline identifies the individual as a participant when submitting the passenger reservation information to TSA’s Secure Flight system. Later this year, Hawaiian Airlines and Virgin America plan to invite eligible frequent fliers to opt-in to TSA Pre✓™, therefore, at this time Hawaiian and Virgin America passengers who are enrolled in a CBP Trusted Traveler program or have a Known Traveler Number are eligible to participate.
Current members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Global Entry, SENTRI or NEXUS programs are already eligible to participate in TSA Pre✓™ if they are flying on Alaska, American, Delta, Hawaiian, United, US Airways and Virgin America at a participating airport. Those passengers who want to qualify for TSA Pre✓™ need to enter their PASS ID, not the GOES ID, in the ‘Known Traveler Number’ field while booking their reservation.
Interested passengers who are not eligible for TSA Pre✓™ through their airline and are not already a member of a CBP Trusted Traveler program may still be able to apply for one of the CBP Trusted Traveler programs. To learn more visit: globalentry.gov.
Q. What do participants need to do? A. Members of a CBP Trusted Traveler program are assigned a PASS ID, (Known Traveler number). To participate in TSA Pre✓™, these passengers must place their PASS ID, which can be found in their online GOES account, or on the back of their membership card in the top-left corner, in the ‘Known Traveler’ field while booking their reservation. Trusted Traveler program members should also remember to enter their full name, date of birth, and PASS ID exactly as it appears on their membership card. That number is then passed to TSA’s Secure Flight system and taken into consideration during the prescreening process.
Participating airlines will invite some of their frequent travelers, based on TSA criteria, to opt-in through the airline’s system. Participating airlines have contacted eligible frequent travelers with an invitation to opt-in. Once the passenger opts-in, the airline identifies the individual as a participant when submitting the passenger reservation information to TSA’s Secure Flight system.
Q. Can passengers access TSA Pre✓™ for international travel? A. Yes. TSA Pre✓™ is available for passengers traveling domestically within the United States and internationally from the United States on participating airlines. TSA also allows eligible TSA Pre✓™ participants to qualify for expedited screening benefits when connecting to a domestic flight after arriving to the United States on an international flight.
Q. Where is TSA Pre✓™ available? A. Passengers can view a list of where expedited screening lanes are available on the TSA Pre✓™ Participating Airports page or click on the links below to find out where TSA Pre✓™ is available by airline.
Q. Will this be at every checkpoint in participating airports? A. No. Eligible passengers should use designated TSA Pre✓™ lanes at specific checkpoints at participating airports. Passengers can view a list of where expedited screening lanes are available on the TSA Pre✓™ Participating Airports page.
Q. Will participants know in advance that they have been cleared for expedited screening? A. TSA has approved several methods to notify passengers of their eligibility for TSA Pre✓™. Passengers traveling on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Hawaiian Airlines, United Airlines and US Airways will see a TSA Pre✓™ notification on select boarding passes. Learn more about notification of TSA Pre✓™ eligibility.
As the other TSA Pre✓™ participating airlines begin to offer similar functionality, passengers may see additional airlines implement notifications to eligible passengers. Therefore, if a passenger is traveling on a TSA Pre✓™ eligible itinerary and has opted in through their airline or is eligible through a Trusted Traveler program, they should still proceed to the TSA Pre✓™ lane to determine eligibility.
If the agency determines a passenger is eligible for expedited screening through TSA Pre✓™, information will be embedded in the barcode of the passenger’s boarding pass. TSA will read the barcode at designated checkpoints and the passenger may be referred to an expedited screening lane.
Q. Are travel companions eligible for TSA Pre✓™ as well? A. Passengers 12 and younger are allowed through TSA Pre✓™ lanes with eligible passengers (parent or guardian). Other passengers that do not meet the necessary requirements are not eligible to participate at this time.
Q. What will TSA do as part of the “prescreening” of participants? A. For security reasons, TSA cannot provide specifics about screening procedures. Volunteered participant information is used to make an intelligence-driven risk assessment that could allow some travelers to qualify for expedited screening.
It looks like the long-awaited new passenger ferries have finally arrived on the island.
The two ferries were built at Midship Marine in Harvey, Louisiana. and cost more than $3.5 million each, according to the St. John Source. “Gov. John deJongh Jr.’s administration secured $3 million from the American Recovery and Rehabilitation Act funds, approximately $2.7 million in Ferryboat Discretionary funding the territory has accumulated through the years, and about $2.1 million from the Department of Public Works’ regular funding from the Federal Highway Administration,” the paper reported.
The territory’s two ferry companies will lease the new vessels, which are expected to improve service between Cruz Bay and Red Hook.
