VIPA leads USVI into the economic future with airport transformation projects

On March 26, the Virgin Islands Port Authority Board of Directors took a transformational step toward prosperity when they selected VIports Partners as the preferred proposer for the Public-Private Partnership (P3) to lead the modernization of the Cyril E. King and Henry E. Rohlsen airports in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

VIports Partners is a consortium of several international companies with extensive experience in the redevelopment and management of airports and new construction. Key consortium partners include Aecon Group, Inc., Tikehau Star Infra, AVPorts, LLC, Corgan Associates, Inc., Consigli Construction and a local contracting firm, J. Benton Construction.

Through this bold and progressive decision, VIports Partners has taken on the financial and operational responsibility for the redevelopment of the airport’s terminals, as well as the operation and maintenance of these crucial facilities. The culmination of this selection process marks a turning point in the area’s search for new and improved airports in St. Thomas and St. Croix. The selection of VIports Partners concluded 18 months of the P3 procurement process, with two strong proposals submitted in response to VIPA’s P3 Request for Proposals in February this year. After a rigorous evaluation process by the Authority’s Evaluation Committee, the VIPA board endorsed my recommendation of VIports Partners. April 20, 2024.

The dual airport projects could not come at a more critical time in the Virgin Islands’ history. Our residents deserve airports that are safe, attractive and equipped with modern amenities. As a premier tourist destination, our guests deserve the same. These new facilities will stimulate economic growth in the area while providing a safe, comfortable and enjoyable experience for all travelers. The tourism industry in the Caribbean is highly competitive. We must invest and plan to maintain our status as a premier destination.

With this development, our airports are ready to embrace terminal designs characterized by sustainability, resilience, innovation and efficiency, meeting the needs of both our residents and the ever-increasing influx of tourists. These improvements will introduce additional passenger amenities, retail options, improved customer service, shorter wait times and much-needed passenger jet bridges, while integrating the cultural essence of the U.S. Virgin Islands into the process, design and aesthetics of the final product. .

In addition to improving the passenger experience, these transformations are expected to stimulate increased cargo activity, open new aviation routes, boost non-aeronautical revenues at both airports and consequently stimulate economic growth through the creation of jobs and commercial opportunities across the country. territory. Environmentally, the airport redevelopment will adhere to minimum LEED Silver standards and in some cases exceed building code requirements for resiliency.

VIports’ commitment to the U.S. Virgin Islands extends to its commitment to retain VIPA airport employees and engage all stakeholders in constructive dialogues to ensure economic benefits are realized while preserving the cultural heritage of our people by April 20, 2024 and land is preserved. The timeline for the redevelopment of this complex project is estimated to span approximately four years, with construction expected to start in mid-2025. VIPA will remain transparent and keep the public informed of all significant developments and transactions we make during the transition process.

I thank the 34th and 35th VI Legislature for their participation, and the Bryan/Roach Administration for their continued support of the project. I also thank the public for their attendance and feedback during the four town hall meetings we hosted across the area.

This is a grand and ambitious undertaking befitting a premier destination. In a deeper sense, this project represents the collective aspirations of the people of the U.S. Virgin Islands. As we all embark on this transformative journey, let us not shy away from dreaming boldly and committing wholeheartedly to executing this bold vision with unparalleled dedication and innovation. We deserve no less. We see the steady pace of investment among our Caribbean competitors. We must innovate and change to sustain and grow the industry, which accounts for more than 70% of our gross territorial product. I will say here what I have said many times before: the Caribbean and the rest of the world will not wait for us!

Carlton Dowe is the executive director of the Virgin Islands Port Authority.