Now this is interesting – it seems like the territory is one step closer to reviving ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix. I’ve never been to St. Croix, so this news is particularly exciting to me. Here are the details courtesy of the Virgin Islands Consortium:
The territory’s residents were filled with excitement after learning that the 31st Legislature had passed a measure, sponsored by Sen. Neville James, that would revive ferry travel between this island and St. Croix.
The measure sought to reestablish affordable ferry travel between St. Croix and St. Thomas, which came to a halt several years ago.
The bill saw universal support from senators, some of whom asked that their names be added to the measure. They also highlighted the many benefits a revival of ferry service between the islands would bring to the territory.
According to then-Acting Commissioner of the Department of Public Works (DPW), Gustav James, who was summoned to give testimony on the measure, the government has already secured $7.5 million to purchase three vessels costing between $8-$10 million each. However, Commissioner James said the process of searching for the first vessel had already commenced since they intend to purchase the ferryboats as funding becomes available.
But Governor Kenneth Mapp vetoed bill No. 31-0137 — an act establishing the Virgin Islands Ferryboat Fund as a separate and distinct fund in the Treasury of the Virgin Islands, calling the measure “fatally flawed.”
Funds for the service, according to the bill, would be provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration Ferryboats and Terminal, and monies provided from “time-to-time” by the Legislature would remain in the fund until expended. The bill also charges the commissioner of finance to submit quarterly reports of the fund’s disbursements and its “unobligated balance.”
Mapp contended that the measure was flawed because a section within the legislation that says “all funds,” represents a broad reference that includes federal grants — the latter of which cannot be appropriated by the Legislature “for deposits into named funds of the Government of the Virgin Islands.”
But the 31st Legislature’s unanimous override of Mapp’s veto at the Earl B. Ottley Legislative Hall on Tuesday makes the measure law.
So what do you all think? If the territory revived ferry service between St. Thomas and St. Croix, would you use it?
This is great news! We now split our winter months between St. John (2-3 weeks) and St Croix (2 months). It’s an affordability thing. We look forward to a less expensive (than flying) opportunity to get back to STJ for a day or two during our long stay in St Croix.
Bob & Jean
Ctr. Hbr., NH
I’d rather see WEEKEND Vitran Bus Service!
The current Vitran service only needs a few tweaks and it would be able to include the weekends AND run in the black.
If they are truly interested in suggestions, I’m available.
This is wonderful news!! I have many loved ones who live on St Croix and it will be great to see the ferry up and running, so we can visit between the islands more often. I also agree with Judith Kane that weekend Vitran Bus service is needed, but personally I am very happy to hear about the ferry!! YAY!!!!!!!!
This has been done before. Most people ride it once because it sounds like fun and may save a little money, but typically the seas can be quite rough on this 42 mile,open water trip which may take 2+ hours. You may not ride a second time unless you like lots of bouncing and watching people (or yourself) get sick. The seaplane is a nice 20 minute ride and takes you right into Christiansted!