The Commissioner of Public Works said he's in the market for $5 million dollars worth of new ferries for the Red Hook-Cruz Bay run.
In an appearance before a Virgin islands Senate committee, Darryl Smalls said the government raised the money "from various federal sources," the Virgin Islands Daily News reported. Smalls said he is now soliciting bids for the purchases and hopes the ferries will arrive before New Year's.
Smalls also said $23 million worth of Public Works projects are underway on the island, such as repairs and improvements to Gifft Hill.
The Commissioner said projects on St. John, as well as St. Croix and St. Thomas, are moving more slowly than he'd like. Part of the problem is the availability of concrete. Cost is an issue, too. Concrete costs $183 a yard on St. Thomas. St. John concrete goes for $205 a yard. In Puerto Rico, you can fill up a hole for $110 a cubic yard.
The Daily News quoted Smalls also saying there are only two paving contractors in the Territory. Because they realize the federal stimulus-funded work is a one-time thing, contractors are not eager to hire additional people or purchase equipment which could speed up the work.
Read the full Daily News story at http://www.virginislandsdailynews.com/index.pl/article_home?id=17643453
This is most welcome news!
May the new ferries be much quieter than the current ones. Here’s to fast, clean and ultra-quiet.
Many people are concerned about the adverse effect of noise from the ferries on fish and the habitat.
Here’s a link from the July 2009 DoT press release, where it looks like $3 million is granted to construct new ferry boats for St. Thomas / St. John.
Transportation Secretary Announces Economic Recovery Funds
Virgin Islands – Construct new ferry boats to expand service $3,000,000
“The Daily News quoted Smalls also saying there are only two paving contractors in the Territory. Because they realize the federal stimulus-funded work is a one-time thing, contractors are not eager to hire additional people or purchase equipment which could speed up the work.
Exactly why the federal “stimulus” package is a huge waste of taxpayers money…. money we don’t have, and shouldn’t spend.
$205? Try $260 up the mountain in Coral Bay, not to mention the pumping truck.